HAJJ JOURNEY 2017 - MUZDALIFAH & MINA, SAUDI ARABIA

HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

10 APRIL 2024 (1 SYAWAL 1445)

After sunset on the 9th of Zulhijjah (August 31, 2017), we moved to Muzdalifah to spend the night. Muzdalifah is an open area near Mecca on the way to our next stop, Mina.

The distance from Arafah to Muzdalifah is 10.90 km. Pilgrims are required to spend the night in Muzdalifah and stay there until after Fajr (dawn). Muzdalifah is also known as Mashar al-Haram.

While at Muzdalifah, it is obligatory to stop, perform the Maghrib and Isya prayers, and spend some time there, typically until after midnight. Unlike Arafah, which is a separate location, Muzdalifah is considered part of the Haram (sanctuary) of Makkah.

During their time in Muzdalifah, pilgrims collect pebbles for the ritual of stoning the jamarat (which symbolically represents the devil) later at Mina. However, in the Hajj Season of 1438H (2017), the Muassasah provided pebbles for each pilgrim, eliminating the need to collect them at Muzdalifah.

A red carpet has been installed in Muzdalifah for the comfort of Hajj pilgrims, as there was no carpet provided before.

This is how pilgrims from other countries travel to Muzdalifah. Malaysian pilgrims are fortunate to have Tabung Haji, which manages all their movements during the Hajj season.

MUZDALIFA TO MINA

At midnight, we will be moved from Muzdalifah to Mina to perform the stoning (ramy) at Jamrat al-Kubra. The distance from Muzdalifah to Mina is only 6 kilometers.

After midnight on August 31, 2017, we departed for Mina, which is located about 6 kilometers from Muzdalifah. The ritual of staying (Mabit) in Mina is one of the obligatory practices that must be performed by Hajj pilgrims.

All Malaysian pilgrims were transported by bus, even though the distance to the camp in Mina was only 6 kilometers. The advantage of taking the bus is that thousands of pilgrims can leave Muzdalifah before dawn. If they were to walk, they would face the greater challenge of enduring the heat of the sun.

At the same time, many pilgrims from other countries chose to walk along a separate route to Mina, away from the bus routes.

In Mina, we were assigned to a tent based on the number on our pilgrim identification badge sticker. The tents in Mina are smaller than those in Arafah, accommodating 18 pilgrims in a single area. In this space, we sleep with our feet touching the feet of others and our heads nearly touching as well. I found myself in a cramped spot, which forced me to sleep with my legs bent. However, I am satisfied with these arrangements. 

After all, it's only for three nights, and I have prepared for this experience by attending a Hajj course, which helped me get ready to face various challenges during the pilgrimage, especially in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

After returning to my homeland after completing the Hajj, I truly missed the atmosphere of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. I don't deny this, even though I had to sleep in crowded conditions and wait in long queues for the restroom. All of these experiences have transformed into cherished memories after returning home. We can only experience such an atmosphere while performing Hajj; it is truly unique and unforgettable.

Office Number 87 means Maktab 87

MINA TENT FOR MAKTAB 87

The small banner with the word RUMAH (HOUSE) written on it is to make it easier for Hajj pilgrims to remember where their Tent is.

Mina is one of the biggest challenges of Hajj, the hot weather, cramped space and limited amenities demand the pilgrims to have a great deal of patience and consideration for others. 

Mina is a valley 6 km east of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, is one of the Masy'ar al-Haram, and is included in the boundaries of the Holy Land. It's where Hajj pilgrims sleep overnight on the 8th, 11th, and 12th (and some even on the 13th) of Dzulhijjah. The valley of Mina contains the Jamarat, the three stone pillars which are pelted by pilgrims as part of the ritual of hajj. 

The 12th day is the day of 'Nafar Awal', which means the pilgrims are allowed to leave Mina, and the 13th day is called the day of 'Nafar Thani'. The purpose of Nafar Awal is to reduce the duration of the hajj while Nafar Thani means performing the usual hajj. 

MASJID KHAIF

Here, there is also the Khaif Mosque, which is the camping site of Rasulullah s.a.w., as well as al-Jamratul Sughra, al-Jamratul Wusta, and al-Jamratul Kubra, which are the throwing places.

Now, Mina is divided into three main areas: Mina Jamarat, which is located close to the throwing place; Mina Mu'aisim, which is approximately 3 km from the jamarat and is the burial area for the majority of Malaysian pilgrims; and Mina al-Marhalah al-Thalithah, which is about 3 km away from the jamarat.

Our neighbor, a group from Kelantan

The biggest challenge in Mina is the long queues for using the toilet and bathroom facilities. When this photo was taken, many pilgrims had not yet arrived, so the area did not look crowded. However, on the actual day, there were many people standing in long lines for each toilet. This atmosphere is something I can't forget after returning to my homeland. Despite the challenges and pressure, it remains a sweet memory for me.

We would like to commend the TH officials and others for their tireless dedication to serving the pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage, especially when dealing with short tempers and limited patience. Another concern is the hot weather, which is expected to reach temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius in the afternoons. This will be a challenge for both the pilgrims and the TH officials. Thank you for your valuable services.

Head of Malaysian Hajj Tender 1438H Datuk Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman delivered a mandate to Tabung Haji (TH) officers at the TH Headquarters at Abraj Al Janadriyyah (BERNAMA)

To facilitate food preparation for pilgrims during the wuquf at Arafah and Mina, Tabung Haji offers ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, such as curry chicken and chicken tikka masala. The meals are packaged in food pouches and are prepared at an RTE retort factory located in Jeddah.

Al-Wafa Catering and Services is one of the appointed kitchens. All caterers undergo regular checks by the TH medical and internal audit teams.

The area outside the Mina tent was bustling with activity, as traders lined the lane. Numerous stalls selling food and drinks were set up around the tents, along with street vendors filling the alleys nearby. Among the best sellers were Indo Mee Cups and espresso coffee, popular choices for pilgrims returning to Mina after visiting Jamrat.

Today, on the 10th of Zulhijjah 1438H, the Hajj pilgrims will perform the obligatory ritual of stoning the devils at Jamrah Kubra. The pilgrims will walk towards the Jammarah Complex according to their respective Maktabs.

Next:

HAJJ JOURNEY 2017 > THROWING THE JAMRAH

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

11 April 2024 > 3 Syawal 1445h: 9.31 P.M