Mina, situated approximately 7 km northeast of Masjid al-Haram between the mountains of Sabir and Mursilat, holds significant meanings in Arabic, signifying favor, goodness, and a place of gathering or sacrifice. Enclosed within the Haram area boundaries,
Mina has several reasons for its name:
a. A place abundant in the mercy and blessings of Allah.
b. The location where Prophet Adam (AS) desired Paradise.
c. The site where Allah bestowed favors upon Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and all His servants.
d. A gathering place on festive days, where people seek refuge from Allah’s punishment and perform acts of sacrifice.
Mina is rich in historical events, serving as the place where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stoned the devil, sacrificed a ram in place of his son Isma’il (AS), housed Masjid al-Khayf, witnessed the oath of allegiance (Bay’at al-Aqabah) by the Ansar, experienced the revelation of Surah An-Nasr during the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet (SAW), served as the dwelling during Tashriq days, and witnessed the revelation of Surah Al-Mursilat.
Aligned with the practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), it is Sunnah to stay in Mina for one day on Yawm al-Tarwiyyah before heading to Arafat and for three nights during the days of stoning the devil. Additionally, following the tradition of the Prophet (SAW), it is virtuous to perform the Hajj sacrifice within Mina’s boundaries and conduct the essential “haircut and trimming” as part of the Hajj ritual.
Mina, like Arafat and Muzdalifah, is a shared place of worship emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), covering 812 hectares and considered unsuitable for private ownership. Visitors to Mina are encouraged to engage in supplication and prayers.
Numerous mosques within Mina and its vicinity commemorate essential events:
- Masjid al-Khayf
- Masjid al-Bay’ah
- Masjid al-Kebsh
- Masjid al-Nahr (also known as Masjid al-Menhar)
- Masjid al-Kawthar
- Masjid al-Mursilat