Nigeria- Over 1.5 million pilgrims are now moving to Mina, marking the official start of Hajj 2025. Today, Wednesday, June 4th (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), is known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah, when pilgrims from around the globe, including Nigeria, gather in Mina. This "City of Tent," a desert valley 8 kilometers from Makkah, is where they will pray and spend the night. Their spiritual journey culminates tomorrow, Thursday, June 5th (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), with the rites on Mount Arafat.

Mina is the first holy site visited by pilgrims in Makkah. Besides spending Yawm at-Tarwiyah here, pilgrims return for the final Tashreeq days of Hajj. It features three significant pillars for ritual stoning: Al-Jamrah al-Sughra (smallest), Al-Jamrah al-Wusta (middle), and Jamrat al-Aqabah (largest). The historic Al-Khayf Mosque is also located here, making Mina the closest holy site to the Grand Mosque and the world's largest tent city.

Geographically, Mina sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, with Jamrat al-Aqabah facing Makkah and Muhassir Valley towards Muzdalifah. It's usually uninhabited except during Hajj. The area, approximately 16.8 km², hosts pilgrims throughout Hajj, except for the day in Arafat and the night in Muzdalifah.

Mina holds deep historical significance. It's believed to be where Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) stoned the Jamarat and sacrificed a ram for his son Ismail (PBUH). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also performed these rituals during his Farewell Pilgrimage. The two Ansar Pledges, pivotal in Islamic history, also took place here.

During Yawm al-Tarwiyah, pilgrims in Mina pray individually without combining prayers and spend the night, following the Prophet's tradition. After Arafat and Muzdalifah, pilgrims return to Mina on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. Those not in a hurry spend three Tashreeq days stoning the Jamarat, while others with limited time spend two. The name "Tashreeq" comes from the practice of sun-drying sacrificial meat.

Key landmarks in Mina include Wadi Muhassir, where Abraha's elephant stopped its advance, and the expanded Al-Khayf Mosque, accommodating 25,000 worshippers. The modern Jamarat Complex, a five-floor facility, can handle 300,000 pilgrims per hour, with plans for future expansion. The vast tent project, covering 2.5 million square meters, provides fire-resistant tents for 2.6 million pilgrims, equipped with advanced safety features.

Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/2025/06/03/hajj-2025-over-1-5-million-pilgrims-move-to-mina/