The World’s Largest Tent City
Mina (ู ูู) is a vast valley situated between Makkah and Muzdalifah, transforming into the world’s largest temporary city during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Known as the “City of Tents” (ู ุฏููุฉ ุงูุฎูุงู ), it houses over 2 million pilgrims in a meticulously organized network of fireproof, climate-controlled tents spanning approximately 20 square kilometers.
This temporary metropolis comes alive during the five days of Hajj, specifically on the 8th (Day of Tarwiyah), 10th, 11th, and 12th (and sometimes 13th) of Dhu al-Hijjah. During these sacred days, pilgrims perform essential rituals including rest, prayer, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat.
It is in Mina where pilgrims perform the ritual of Ramy al-Jamarat (ุฑู ู ุงูุฌู ุฑุงุช โ Stoning of the Devil), a powerful symbolic act representing the defiance of Satan’s temptation and the renewal of faith in Allah.
This ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) rejection of Satan’s attempts to dissuade him from obeying Allah’s command.
Key Landmarks in Mina
Jamarat Bridge (ุฌุณุฑ ุงูุฌู ุฑุงุช)
A world-class multi-level pedestrian bridge designed to allow millions of pilgrims to stone the three pillars โ Jamarat al-Aqaba (ุงูุฌู ุฑุฉ ุงููุจุฑู), Jamarat al-Wusta (ุงูุฌู ุฑุฉ ุงููุณุทู), and Jamarat al-Sughra (ุงูุฌู ุฑุฉ ุงูุตุบุฑู) โ safely and efficiently. The bridge features 5 levels, advanced crowd management systems, and can accommodate up to 300,000 pilgrims per hour.
Masjid Al-Khayf (ู ุณุฌุฏ ุงูุฎูู)
Historically significant as the “Mosque of the Prophets,” it is narrated that seventy prophets prayed at this blessed location. The mosque is situated at the base of the southern mountain in Mina and can accommodate over 45,000 worshippers. The Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ prayed here during his Farewell Pilgrimage.
Mashaer Metro Line (ูุทุงุฑ ุงูู ุดุงุนุฑ ุงูู ูุฏุณุฉ)
An elevated, air-conditioned railway system connecting the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. With 9 stations and a capacity of 72,000 passengers per hour in each direction, this metro drastically reduces travel time and congestion. Mina has three stations: Mina 1, Mina 2, and Mina 3.
The Fireproof Tents
Over 100,000 permanent tents made of fiberglass-coated Teflon fabric that is completely fireproof. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning, emergency exits, and fire safety systems. The tents are organized into color-coded zones by country and Hajj group for easy navigation.
Vision 2030 Enhancements
The Saudi government has invested over 100 billion SAR to transform Mina into a smart, sustainable, and safe city for pilgrims:
๐๏ธ Kidana Development Project
A comprehensive urban development initiative modernizing residential areas, upgrading catering services, and improving the quality of pilgrim accommodations. The project includes new kitchens, waste management systems, and improved sanitation facilities.
โ๏ธ Advanced Cooling Systems
Installation of massive cooling towers, misting systems, and climate control infrastructure across the valley to manage extreme summer temperatures that can exceed 45ยฐC (113ยฐF). Over 2,000 misting fans have been deployed.
๐ก Digital Infrastructure & 5G
High-speed 5G connectivity throughout the entire valley, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with family, access health apps, emergency services, and digital navigation tools. Smart surveillance systems and AI-powered crowd management enhance safety.
๐ Medical Infrastructure
Over 25 hospitals and 200+ medical centers are strategically positioned throughout Mina, staffed by 30,000+ healthcare professionals during Hajj. Air ambulances and rapid response teams ensure immediate medical care.
๐ฎ Smart Waste Management
Automated waste collection systems process over 5,000 tons of waste daily during Hajj. Recycling initiatives and smart bins with sensors ensure the valley remains clean and environmentally sustainable.
NewHaj Survival Guide for Mina
Mina is the most physically demanding part of Hajj, requiring endurance, preparation, and patience. Here is our expert local advice to help you navigate the tent city:
- Identify Your Tent & Location: Mina looks identical in every direction โ thousands of white tents stretching as far as the eye can see. Take a photo of your tent number, color zone, and nearest landmark. Use the official “Nusuk” or “Tawakkalna” app to drop a digital pin on your camp’s exact location. Share this with your group members.
- The Walk to Jamarat: Depending on your tent’s location, the walk to the Jamarat Bridge can be 2-5 kilometers. Wear comfortable, high-quality athletic socks and broken-in sandals or walking shoes to prevent blisters. Many pilgrims walk barefoot โ do NOT do this; the asphalt is scorching hot and you risk injury.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: Even with air-conditioned tents, the outdoor heat is extreme. Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily. Zamzam water stations are everywhere โ use them. Dehydration is the #1 cause of medical emergencies in Mina.
- Night of the 10th (Fajr Al-Eid): After returning from Muzdalifah at dawn, rest as much as possible before heading to Jamarat for the first stoning on Eid day. This is the busiest day โ go early (right after sunrise) or late (before Maghrib) to avoid peak crowds.
- Pack Smart for Mina: Bring a small backpack with: extra Ihram garments, personal medications, phone charger + power bank, small prayer mat, flip-flops for tent use, tissues/wet wipes, and a flashlight. Keep valuables minimal.
- Crowd Safety at Jamarat: Do NOT rush. The stoning can be done anytime between sunrise and sunset on the 10th, and sunrise to sunset on the 11th-13th. If the bridge is overcrowded, wait. Your safety is more important than being first.
- Use the Metro When Possible: The Mashaer Metro is free, air-conditioned, and drastically faster than walking or buses. If your camp is near Mina 1, 2, or 3 stations, use it to reach Arafat and return from Muzdalifah. However, it gets extremely crowded โ be patient and follow instructions.
The Rituals Performed in Mina
๐ Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhu al-Hijjah)
Pilgrims arrive in Mina on the morning of the 8th and spend the day and night in prayer, rest, and spiritual preparation. This is a day of tranquility before the intensity of Arafat. The five daily prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr) are performed in Mina.
๐ชจ Stoning of Jamarat (10th-13th Dhu al-Hijjah)
After returning from Muzdalifah on the 10th, pilgrims stone Jamarat al-Aqaba (the largest pillar) with 7 pebbles. On the 11th, 12th (and optionally 13th), all three pillars are stoned with 7 pebbles each (21 total per day).
- The pebbles should be roughly the size of a chickpea
- Each throw should be accompanied by “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”
- You must be within the designated stoning zone for it to count
- Shoes or large rocks are NOT permissible โ use proper pebbles
๐ Days of Tashriq (11th-13th)
These are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah. Pilgrims remain in Mina, stone the Jamarat daily, and engage in worship. One may leave after sunset on the 12th (if they have completed stoning that day) or stay until the 13th.
Historical Significance
The name Mina (ู ูู) comes from the Arabic root word meaning “to wish” or “to desire,” as it is the place where pilgrims earnestly make Du’a (supplication) and ask Allah for their worldly and spiritual needs.
The valley of Mina is also historically significant as the location where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was tested by Allah with the command to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael). It was at three spots in Mina โ now marked by the Jamarat pillars โ that Satan (Shaytan) appeared to Ibrahim, attempting to dissuade him from obeying Allah’s command. Ibrahim rejected Satan at each encounter by throwing stones, symbolizing the complete rejection of evil.
Spiritual Reflection: When we stone the Jamarat, we are not literally stoning the devil โ we are symbolically rejecting our own inner temptations, sins, and weaknesses. It is an act of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Author: NewHaj Hub
For Hajj and Umrah