3. 10 The meaning and significance of the events of hajj at Mina

3.10 The meaning and significance of the events of hajj at Mina

When the pilgrims leave Arafat they go to Muzdalifah, a valley that is half way between Arafat and Mina, where they spend the night. They pick up small stones or pebbles for the duty of stoning, which they do over the next few days in Mina. The stones should be small for they will be stoning the jamaraat or pillars seven or ten times. If they do not pick these up in Muzdalifah, they can pick them up in Mina.

When the pilgrims arrive at Mina they will make their way through the crowds and throw their pebbles at the three jamaraat. Following the prophet’s example, the pebbles should not be thrown before sunrise on this day.

What is the meaning of the stoning?

At Mina there are three large pillars that represent Satan and which Muslims believe stand at the places where Ibrahim (pbuh) was tempted by the devil to disobey Allah and refuse to sacrifice his son Ismail (pbuh).

Sometimes taking part in the action can help you to understand a belief. The pilgrims have been forgiven by Allah at Arafat and are now showing their belief that Satan is always around to tempt them to do wrong.

Taking part in stoning the pillars helps Muslims understand that Satan needs to be stopped from having an effect on their lives. As they throw the stones they are remembering their bad traits and showing the intention to improve themselves.

The main focus for pilgrims at Mina is to remember how the prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) resisted Satan and obeyed Allah, being prepared to give everything, even his son, to show his love for God. They remember how Allah provided an animal for Ibrahim (pbuh) to sacrifice, and they sacrifice an animal in the same way. The pilgrims eat some of the meat and any excess is frozen by the Saudi Arabian government and eventually given to the poor. This is the celebration of Id-ul-Adha (the festival of sacrifice). Many male pilgrims shave their heads and some women cut off at least 2 cm of their hair, and some pilgrims return to their normal clothes.

Why is Mina significant?

At Mina, by taking part in a simple yet pictorial action, the pilgrims are reinforcing the promises they made at Arafat when, having had their sins forgiven, they committed themselves to live a better life and follow the commands of Allah more carefully. Most of the time at Mina is spent reading the Qur’an, listening to talks and joining inn discussions about various aspects of Islam in preparation for returning home.

On the final day of hajj pilgrims return to Makkah and once more circle the Ka’bah seven times in a counter-clockwise direction to complete the pilgrimage. Some pilgrims take water from the well of Zam Zam or receive pieces of the black kiswa cloth that covers the Kab’ah. Many visit other key places like the prophet’s tomb at Madinah or visit Mount Nur where the prophet first saw the angel Jibril.

Summary

Going to Mina and stoning the pillars symbolises the pilgrims rejecting Satan and preparing to return home spiritually refreshed.

Exam Question

*(c) Explain why the events at Mina are important for Muslims during hajj. (8)

Exam Question

*(c) Explain why the events at Mina are important for Muslims during hajj. (8)

At Mina pilgrims throw seven stones at each of the three large pillars which represent Satan. Pilgrims are expressing their rejection of evil in their own lives and showing their commitment to following Allah’s commands.

At Mina the prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) resisted Satan and obeyed Allah. The prophet was prepared to give up his son to show his love for God and Muslims should be prepared to resist evil and make sacrifices in their lives.

Pilgrims celebrate the festival of Id-ul-Adha and thank Allah through the sacrifice an animal as the prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) did before them. The meat is shared amongst pilgrims on the hajj and sent around the world to be enjoyed by the poor and this strengthens the bonds of the ummah.

Pilgrims spend most of their time at Mina reading the Qur’an, listening to talks and joining in discussions about various aspects of Islam. It provides a time for spiritual reflection and allows them reflect on the fact that they have been forgiven by Allah.