Mina: The term “Mina” carries the meanings of favor and goodness, and it also refers to a place where people gather or where blood is shed in Arabic. Mina is located approximately 7 km northeast of Masjid al-Haram, between the mountains of Sabir and Mursilat, within the boundaries of the Haram area, between Mecca and Muzdalifah.
The name “Mina” is given for several reasons:
a. Because it is a place abundant in the mercy and blessings of Allah.
b. Because Prophet Adam (AS) desired Paradise at this place.
c. Because Allah, the Almighty, bestowed favors upon Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and all His servants.
d. Because people gather here on festive days to come closer to Allah, seeking refuge from His punishment, and also perform the act of sacrifice.
Mina is situated within the boundaries of the Haram area. It is the place where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stoned the devil, where a ram was sacrificed in place of his son Isma’il (AS), where Masjid al-Khayf is located, where the Ansar took the oath of allegiance (Bay’at al-Aqabah), where the revelation of Surah An-Nasr occurred during the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet (SAW), where the Prophet (SAW) spent the nights during the Tashriq days, and where the revelation of Surah Al-Mursilat took place.
Following the practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), it is Sunnah to stay in Mina for one day during Yawm al-Tarwiyyah (the day of watering) before heading to Arafat, and for three nights during the days of stoning the devil. Similarly, it is considered more virtuous to slaughter the Hajj sacrifice in Mina, within the boundaries of the Haram area, and to perform the “haircut and trimming” which is an essential part of the Hajj ritual, due to the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Just like Arafat and Muzdalifah, Mina is a shared place of worship. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized that Mina, covering an area of 812 hectares, cannot be subject to private ownership. Whenever one visits Mina, it is recommended to engage in supplication and prayers.
Within Mina’s boundaries and its vicinity, there are several mosques that commemorate important events:
1. Masjid al-Khayf
2. Masjid al-Bay’ah
3. Masjid al-Kebsh
4. Masjid al-Nahr (also known as Masjid al-Menhar)
5. Masjid al-Kawthar
6. Masjid al-Mursilat
