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Mina is a valley located 6 kilometers in the east of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. At Mina Hajj pilgrims sleep overnight on the 8th, 11th, 12th (and some even on the 13th) of Dhul Hijjah. The valley of Mina contains the Jamarats, the three stone pillars which are pelted by pilgrims as part of the rituals of Hajj.
When we talk about Islamic history, there is very important and interesting story behind it. And like everything else, there is also a story behind the name Mina. It is believed that the valley of Mina is connected to the test that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had to undergo when Allah SWT commanded him to sacrifice his only son, Prophet Ismail (AS). However, by the command of Allah SWT, a lamb miraculously appeared between the blindfolded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son and was sacrificed instead.
Three Jamarats are found at Mina. The smallest one is Jamarat al-Sughra, the middle one is Jamarat al-Wusta, and the largest one is Jamarat al-Aqaba. The ritual of Rami holds symbolic significance in Islam. The First appearance of Jamarat symbolizes the temptation of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for not sacrificing his son according to the command of Allah SWT.
The Second Jamarat symbolizes the temptation of the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajrah (AS), against their son’s sacrifice.
And the Third Jamarat signifies the temptation of Prophet Ismail (AS) against getting sacrificed. Thus, the act of Rami signifies the shunning of a Muslim’s self-esteem to attain closeness to Allah SWT, just like Prophet Ibrahim (AS) threw seven stones at Satan to defy his manipulation. However, the stubborn Satan appeared twice again after that, and every time he appeared, Angel Gabriel (AS) urged Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to pelt stones at him.
Mina is derived from the word with the root letters ma-na-ya which means 'to be put to the test' or 'to undergo' or 'to find'. It is connected to word 'manna' and 'tamanna' which means 'to awaken a desire' or 'to hope for'.
The word Mina can also mean 'to flow' because here the blood of sacrificial animal flows during the festival day of Eidul Adha. During the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat-ul-Wada) the Muslims had brought with them 100 camels to be sacrificed.
Mina is referenced in Surah Baqarah in the Quran: “And remember Allah during numbered days. Then whoever hastens (his departure) in two days – there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays (until the third) – there is no sin upon him – for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.” [2:203]
Mina, commonly known as the "City of the Tents. Covering an area of approximately 20 km2 (7.7 sq. mi), Mina incorporates the tents, the area of Jamarat, and the slaughterhouses just outside the tents.