Mina lies between Makkah and Muzdalifah, surrounded by mountains. During Hajj, it transforms into the largest temporary tent city in the world, accommodating pilgrims from every corner of the globe.
Pilgrims first arrive in Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul Hijjah), where they spend the night preparing for the standing at Arafat. They then return after Muzdalifah on the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul Hijjah) and remain there throughout the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).
Mina is closely connected to the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (AS). It is within this valley that the events of Ibrahim’s great test are commemorated, including his encounter with Shaytan and the symbolic act of rejecting him through stoning.
Both father and son demonstrated complete obedience to Allah (SWT), and Allah (SWT) ransomed Ismail (AS) with a great sacrifice (a ram), preserving this moment as a timeless symbol of submission and faith.
From that moment on, Mina became a lasting symbol of surrender, sacrifice, and unwavering obedience to the Creator.

The Rites of Mina: The Heart of Hajj

The main rituals of Mina take place during the Days of Tashreeq, when pilgrims remain in the valley, spending their nights in worship, remembrance of Allah (SWT), and supplication (du’a), while their days are dedicated to fulfilling the rites of Hajj.
These days are known in the Holy Qur’an as the “numbered days” due to their spiritual significance and the emphasis on remembering Allah (SWT) throughout them.
Among all the rites performed in Mina, the most significant is the Stoning of the Jamarat (Ramy al-Jamarat). Both stoning the Jamarat and spending the nights in Mina are essential obligations of Hajj, and leaving them requires compensation (dam).
These rituals require patience, discipline, and emotional restraint. especially given the massive crowds, making them a true test of a pilgrim’s patience, conduct, and commitment to Islamic etiquette.

Stoning the Jamarat: The Symbolism of Eternal Struggle

The Stoning of the Jamarat is one of the most symbolic rituals in Hajj. It represents the rejection of Shaytan and the refusal of his whispers and temptations.

According to Islamic tradition, the story dates back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), when Shaytan appeared to him in three locations within Mina, attempting to dissuade him from obeying Allah’s (SWT) command. In response, Ibrahim threw seven pebbles at each of these locations, declaring his rejection of evil and affirming his obedience to Allah (SWT).

These three sites are:

The Small Jamarah (Al-Jamrah Al-Sughra)
The Middle Jamarah (Al-Jamrah Al-Wusta)
The Great Jamarah (Jamrat Al-Aqabah)

How the Stoning Is Performed

On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Sacrifice)

Pilgrims stone Jamrat Al-Aqabah only, throwing seven pebbles while saying “Allahu Akbar” with each throw. This ritual may be performed from after midnight or early morning, depending on scholarly opinion.

On the Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th of Dhul Hijjah)

Pilgrims stone all three Jamarat in order: the Small, Middle, and Large Jamarah. Each is struck with seven pebbles, totaling 21 pebbles per day. During these days, the stoning is performed after the sun passes its zenith (after Dhuhr time), according to established Islamic guidance.

Each Jamarah is struck with seven pebbles, totaling 21 pebbles per day.

The ritual is performed after the sun passes its zenith (after Dhuhr time), according to Islamic guidance.

Stoning the Jamarat: Purification and Inner Liberation

Beyond its physical form, the act of stoning the Jamarat carries deep spiritual meaning. It reflects an internal struggle against ego, sin, and the whispers of Shaytan.
Each pebble represents a conscious rejection of wrongdoing, a habit, a temptation, or a moral weakness. It is a moment of spiritual renewal, where the pilgrim symbolically abandons everything that distances them from Allah (SWT).
When the pilgrim stones the Jamarah on the day of Eid, they begin the process of partial release from the state of Ihram, marking a transition from full devotion into a renewed, purified state of everyday life.
Over the years, the Jamarat Bridge has undergone major development, transforming the ritual into a safer and more organized experience. Multi-level structures and crowd-management systems now ensure smooth flow and greater safety for millions of pilgrims.

A Message of Submission and Faith

In the end, Mina stands as the valley of complete surrender. The rituals of stoning the Jamarat and staying in Mina reflect a timeless covenant: absolute obedience to Allah (SWT), rejection of Shaytan, and remembrance of the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Pilgrims leave Mina with hearts filled with tranquility, having completed some of the most powerful rites of Hajj. They carry with them a renewed sense of faith, submission, and spiritual clarity, ready to reflect these lessons throughout their lives long after the pilgrimage ends.