Nearly 2 million Muslims expected to perform Hajj as pilgrimage begins in Mina

Mina, May 25: As dawn broke on Monday, pilgrims began flowing into the sacred site of Mina west of Mecca, marking the beginning of what is considered the most significant spiritual journey for Muslims around the world.

Nearly 2 million Muslims are expected to perform Hajj in 2026 as Saudi Arabia continues to record rising pilgrim arrivals and intensifies preparations for the annual pilgrimage season.

Pilgrims arriving in Mina on Monday will observe the Day of Tarwiyah, the first stage of the pilgrimage within the holy sites and the official beginning of Hajj rituals.

The Day of Tarwiyah is traditionally said to derive its name from the idea that pilgrims spiritually “nourish themselves” with faith and piety in preparation for standing at Arafat, considered the most important ritual of Hajj and observed on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls on Tuesday.

During the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims spend their time in supplication, remembrance, and reflection while reciting the Talbiyah prayer.

Pilgrims also perform the five daily prayers in Mina in shortened form without combining them and spend the night there before departing for Arafat after sunrise on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah.

Mina’s religious significance

Mina serves not only as the starting point of rituals during the Day of Tarwiyah but also as a site where pilgrims return on the Day of Sacrifice — the first day of Eid al-Adha, which falls on Wednesday and includes ritual animal sacrifice — and during the Days of Tashreeq, the three days following Eid.

Located between Mecca and Muzdalifah, approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) northeast of the Grand Mosque, Mina spans about 16.8 square kilometres (around 6 square miles) within its designated religious boundaries.

The area is a valley surrounded by mountains on both its northern and southern sides and remains inhabited only during the Hajj season.

According to historians, the name Mina is derived from an Arabic root meaning “to shed blood,” reflecting the large number of sacrificial animals traditionally offered there.

Another explanation, referenced in the book Atlas of Hajj and Umrah: History and Jurisprudence, suggests the site was named Mina because Prophet Adam wished for Paradise there or because it became a place where people gathered, according to information reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Mina also holds deep religious significance because it is associated with Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham, who was commanded to sacrifice his son before receiving divine intervention in the form of a ram substitute.

The site is also known for several major Hajj landmarks, including the three pillars used during the symbolic stoning ritual: Jamrat al-Aqaba on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and the three Jamarat rituals conducted during the Days of Tashreeq on the 11th, 12th and 13th.

Mina also contains Al-Khaif Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon. (TRT World)