Hajjnama IV : Hajj Rituals Start with Travel to Mina
26/05/2026
Asad Mirza from Jeddah/Mina
The 1447 AH/2026 Hajj season has started in Makkah and Madinah. However, most of the people don’t have a clue about the massive scale of preparation and delivery managed by the various ministries of Saudi Arabia and municipalities of the regions, visited by the Hajj pilgrims, which take place. In the fourth part of the series of hajj 1447/2026, Asad Mirza provides an insider’s view of preparations at Mina, where the rituals and prayers for the Hajj start in earnest.
With the dawn of the Day of Tarwiyah (the 8th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, when pilgrims travel to Mina to rest and spend the night) and the arrival of the first waves of pilgrims, Mina reveals itself as one of the world's most extraordinary examples of seasonal organisation. Within a matter of days, the valley in the heart of Makkah transforms into a fully integrated metropolis, managed with exceptional efficiency to accommodate millions of pilgrims converging in a majestic display of faith.
Operating as a highly advanced "seasonal smart city," Mina is defined not only by the vast expanse of white tents blanketing its slopes, but by the staggering scale of the operational apparatus functioning behind the scenes. This logistical framework encompasses power and cooling grids, crowd management protocols, pedestrian mobility mapping, and real-time flow control, seamlessly integrated with security, healthcare, and food services. Together, these elements establish the holy sites as a unique global model for mass-gathering management.
The upgraded tent infrastructure in Mina covers approximately 2.5 million square meters, engineered to rigorous safety and security standards, providing a capacity that exceeds 2.6 million pilgrims.
With each Hajj season, Mina transcends its role as a mere hosting ground; it functions as a dynamic project aimed at continuously elevating the pilgrim experience. This year, Mina witnessed the implementation of major spatial development projects centred on the concept of "urban humanisation." These initiatives fundamentally enhanced the physical environment by expanding shaded areas and rest zones, upgrading the urban landscape, and designing highly flexible, streamlined pedestrian pathways.
What truly distinguishes Mina is its unique rhythm. It is a city that achieves peak population density for a few days, returns to absolute tranquility upon the completion of the rituals, and immediately begins preparations for an even more advanced Hajj season, for the next season.
As evening falls, the illuminated pathways fill with throngs of pilgrims moving seamlessly between their tents and the Jamarat, creating a magnificent tableau of humanity united in faith. This profound scene reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology and vast resources to serve pilgrims. Guided by long-term strategic plans, relevant authorities continuously develop the holy sites to increase operational efficiency, mitigate heat stress, and elevate the overall pilgrim experience, solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as the undisputed global leader in crowd management.
Day of Tarwiyah
The religious rites performed on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage rituals. Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram and travel from Makkah to Mina, a valley located approximately 7–8 kilometres away.
Key activities for this day include:
Shortening of Salah: Pilgrims perform the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in Mina, shortening the four-unit prayers to two units without combining them, followed by the Fajr prayer the next morning.
At mid-morning on the 8th of Dhul Ḥijjah, the Prophet ﷺ went to Minā, with his Companions (radiy Allāhu ʿanhum). They performed Zuhr, ʿAṣr, Maghrib, Ishā’ and Fajr, shortening the four-unit prayers into two. They prayed these at the normal times.
Recitation of Talbiyah: Men recite the Talbiyah aloud from the moment they enter Ihram until the stoning of the Jamrah al-Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Spiritual Preparation: The day is dedicated to rest, reflection on the Day of Judgment, and preparing spiritually and physically for the Day of Arafat, which is the central pillar of Hajj.
Hydration and Rest: Historically called "Tarwiyah" (quenching thirst), pilgrims are encouraged to drink ample water and conserve energy, as there is no water available at Arafat.
While traveling to Mina and staying there is considered Sunnah (recommended) rather than obligatory, it is a core prophetic practice. If a pilgrim chooses to proceed directly to Arafat on the 8th to avoid crowds or exhaustion, their Hajj remains valid, as the obligation is to stand at Arafat on the 9th.
The Secrets of the Day of Tarwiyah:
1. As Hajjis spend the day in Minā, they reflect on how it mirrors the waiting on the Day of Judgement, when everyone will stand before Allah for their final account. They use this time to remember Allah, seek His forgiveness, recite the Holy Qur’ān, recite the talbiyah and takbīr in abundance, and express gratitude for His countless blessings. In addition, they reflect on how have one prepares for the hereafter? What will one take with him to the hereafter?
2. 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the most important day of Hajj. It is the biggest and most important day of every Muslim. Minā is the equivalent of the sunnah prayer which prepares one for the main farḍ prayer.
Asad Mirza is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.)
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