Assalamualaikum.
Next our tour took us to the tent city of Mina.
En route to Mina, we observed workers diligently planting trees across vast arid stretches—a clear and inspiring sign of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) in action. It was heartening to see the SGI's reforestation efforts turning once-barren areas into sustainable green spaces for future pilgrims.
In Makkah and surrounding arid areas of Saudi Arabia, tree planting is driven by the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), which aims to combat desertification and plant 10 billion trees nationwide. Key projects include planting initiatives around the Grand Mosque, the "Green Suburbs" residential project, and large-scale afforestation using drought-resistant species, which have led to increased vegetation in the region.
📘Key Projects and Initiatives in Makkah Region:
🔹Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) (General & Regional): A nationwide mandate to plant 10 billion trees, targeting 400 million by 2030, with a focus on reversing land degradation in areas like Makkah through the rehabilitation of millions of hectares.
🔹Makkah Grand Mosque Surroundings: Specific initiatives have been launched to plant trees in areas surrounding the Grand Mosque in Makkah to improve environmental conditions.
🔹Green Suburbs Initiative: The Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) is planting over 300,000 local trees and shrubs in 7 residential projects within the Makkah region, among other provinces, to increase green space.
🔹Afforestation of Arid Areas: Techniques include planting drought-resistant trees, utilizing treated water for irrigation, and using, for example, carbon-rich compost to aid survival in the harsh, arid climate around the holy cities.
These efforts are aimed at reducing temperatures, minimizing dust storms, and increasing the vegetation cover to transform arid landscapes into more sustainable environments.
The 2025/2026 Hajj greenery project involves major sustainable infrastructure upgrades along pilgrimage routes, including 15,000 square meters of new greenery in Muzdalifah to improve shade and comfort.
🔹The "greenery project" at the Hajj path refers to several high-impact environmental and infrastructure initiatives designed to cool the holy sites and improve pilgrim comfort. These projects are primarily part of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Green Qibla program.
🔹These initiatives use drought-resistant plants to reduce temperatures in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, serving as functional, eco-friendly cooling, air purification, and carbon reduction measures for pilgrims.
🔹These improvements focus on enhancing the safety, mobility, and well-being of pilgrims during their pilgrimage.
📘Key Greenery & Cooling Initiatives:
🔹Mashaar Pathway (Muzdalifah): A 170,000 square meter corridor featuring 15,000 square meters of greenery and 103,000 square meters of heat-reducing rubber flooring to mitigate physical fatigue.
🔹Namira Mosque Courtyards (Arafat): A large-scale shading project covering 85,000 square meters that includes 2,000 trees alongside 320 canopies and 350 misting fans.
🔹Green Qibla Program: An ambitious target to plant 15 million trees in Mecca through a combination of community engagement and advanced technology, allowing pilgrims to participate in the greening effort.
🔹Green Holy Sites Initiative: This broader effort has already seen an additional 20,000 trees planted across various sites to combat extreme heat and desertification.
🔹Sustainability Focus: The initiative uses local, drought-resistant species to minimize water usage for irrigation.
🔹Environmental Goals: These projects aim to lower ambient temperatures in the holy sites, improve air quality, and align with environmental stewardship, aiming for a greener Hajj.
📘Supporting Infrastructure
🔹Shaded Walkways: In Mina, a 50,000 square meter shaded walkway has been developed, while Jabal al-Rahmah now offers 60,000 square meters of shaded space equipped with mist fans.
🔹Waste-to-Fertilizer Systems: High-tech "digestor" devices in Mina and Arafat process food waste on-site, converting it into high-quality soil fertilizer used to sustain these new greenery projects.
🔹Circular Hajj Efforts: Beyond plants, the initiative includes recycling over 50 tonnes of Ihram cloths and 300,000 pillows, spinning them into new fibers for rugs and insulation.
Namira Mosque (Masjid an-Namirah) in Arafat, Saudi Arabia, is a crucial historical site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) camped and delivered his final sermon (Farewell Pilgrimage) before leading combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers on the Day of Arafat. Built in the 2nd Hijri century, it is the second largest mosque in the Makkah region, covering 110,000 m2 and accommodating over 400,000 worshippers.
This the Mashair Pedestrian Pathway (or Mashair Walkway) connecting the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, designed for pilgrims during the Hajj season. It serves as a vital infrastructure component to manage the flow of millions of pilgrims between the holy sites.
🔹Also known as Pedestrians' Road (or simply the pedestrian path). Recently, segments of it have also been referred to as the "Path of the Holy Places" (or Mashair Pathway).
🔹This facility is recognized as the world's longest dedicated pedestrian walkway, spanning over 25 kilometers from the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah) in Arafat, through Muzdalifah, to Mina.
🔹The road features distinctively colored asphalt, designed to help reduce surface temperatures for walkers and specialized eco-friendly rubber flooring to reduce knee strain.
🔹Flexible Flooring: Recent upgrades (as of 2024–2025) include a 1,000-meter "flexible" section made of a bitumen, asphalt, and rubber mixture to reduce knee and back pressure for elderly pilgrims.
🔹Multi-Lane Design: The facility consists of four main tracks designed to handle the massive human movement during Hajj.
🔹Cooling Systems: To protect pilgrims from extreme heat, the path is equipped with water mist poles and cooling stations.
🔹Eco-Friendly Features: In 2025, projects like the "Mashair Pathway" in Muzdalifah added eco-friendly rubber flooring and planted 20,000 trees to provide shade and reduce physical fatigue.
📘Key Features and Technology
🔹Heat-Reduction Technology: Sections of the asphalt are coated with a specialized heat-reflective paint (often in purple or pink) developed in collaboration with the Japanese company Sumitomo. This technology is designed to lower the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius to help pilgrims during the Hajj.
🔹Connectivity: The walkway starts from the Arafat area, passes through Muzdalifah, and reaches the Mina area, facilitating the movement of millions of pilgrims between these sites. In Mina, the path leads to the multi-level Jamarat Bridge, where pilgrims perform the ritual of the "Stoning of the Devil".
🔹Infrastructure: The route typically features four tracks and is lined with seats, concrete barriers to block vehicle access, and sensors to monitor temperatures every 10 seconds during the pilgrimage season.
📘Location Context
The walkway is a critical part of the infrastructure for the Hajj pilgrimage, providing a safer and more comfortable path for those moving between the holy sites. Nearby landmarks often seen along this route include Masjid Al Namirah in Arafat.
The Ain Zubaidah canal, a historic 9th-century water system in Saudi Arabia.
Passing through Muzdalifah, Mina and Jamarat.
🔹Muzdalifah: A sacred area between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims spend the night after the Day of Arafah to pray and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.
🔹Mina: Known as the "tented city," it accommodates up to 3 million pilgrims. It is historically significant as the place where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismail.
🔹Jamarat: Located in Mina, this is the site of the symbolic "stoning of the devil," representing Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Satan's temptations.
This is Al-Mash'ar al-Haram Mosque, a significant Hajj site in Muzdalifah, Saudi Arabia, marking where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) prayed and supplicated during his Farewell Pilgrimage. It sits on a 5,040 m² area at the base of Mount Quzah, accommodating over 12,000 worshippers, and is located between Nimrah Mosque (Arafat) and Al-Khayf Mosque (Mina). Pilgrims typically visit this location during Hajj, specifically during the night of 9th-10th Dhu al-Hijjah.
📘Key Facts and Significance
🔹Location: Situated in the plain of Muzdalifah, approximately 5 km from Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina and 7 km from Nimrah Mosque in Arafat.
🔹Historical Significance: It marks the exact location where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stayed overnight, performed the Fajr prayer, and made extensive supplications (Du'a) during his Farewell Pilgrimage.
🔹Quranic Mention: The site is explicitly referenced in the Quran (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:198), which instructs pilgrims to remember Allah at "al-Mash'ar al-Haram".
🔹Pilgrimage Rituals: During Hajj, pilgrims arrive here from Arafat after sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah to perform combined Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night.
🔹Limited Access: The mosque is uniquely seasonal, remaining closed most of the year and only opening for worshippers during the Hajj season.
🔹History: Initially a simple, unroofed structure, it has undergone multiple renovations, most notably during the Saudi era.
🔹Name Origin: "Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram" means "the Sacred Monument" or "the Sacred Site".
🔹Structure: It is a rectangular building, approximately 90 meters long and 56 meters wide, featuring two minarets that stand 32 meters tall and 64 restrooms for pilgrims.
🔹Capacity: The facility accommodates over 12,000 worshippers at once.
Saudi Arabia has undertaken massive infrastructure projects to address the high demand for sanitation facilities during the Hajj season, with plans to construct up to 98,000 new, modern toilets across the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These initiatives, largely managed by the Kidana Development Company, focus on improving hygiene, accessibility, and convenience for millions of pilgrims.
📘Key Aspects of the Toilet Infrastructure Improvements:
🔹Multistory Facilities: To combat the severe land scarcity in Mina, many new toilet facilities are built as two-story structures, significantly increasing the capacity per square meter. Recent projects by the Kidana Development Company have successfully added over 5,600 double-story toilets across 61 complexes.
🔹Color-Coded Gender Separation: To facilitate ease of use, toilets are color-coded, with blue indicating facilities for men and pink for women.
🔹Accessibility: New, upgraded toilet blocks often include wheelchair-accessible toilets on the ground floor, catering to elderly and disabled pilgrims.
🔹Modernization and Hygiene: Newer facilities feature improved ablution (wudu) areas, with some including showers and better ventilation to maintain cleaner, more hygienic conditions.
🔹Strategic Placement: New toilets are being constructed directly within or very close to the pilgrim camp areas in Mina to reduce walking distances.
🔹24/7 Maintenance: In critical areas like the Grand Mosque, thousands of bathrooms are cleaned and sterilized around the clock.
🔹Renovation and Maintenance: Beyond new construction, a massive project was launched to renovate and maintain approximately 30,000 existing toilets.
These developments are part of a broader Saudi effort under Vision 2030 to enhance the safety and comfort of pilgrims, which also includes installing shaded, cooled pedestrian walkways, misting fans, and expanded water supply networks to cope with extreme heat.
We arrived in Mina, greeted by the famous landscape of endless white tents.
Mina, known as the "City of Tents," is a 20 km² valley in Saudi Arabia located 8 km southeast of Mecca, serving as a vital, temporary, and massive camp for millions of pilgrims during the Hajj. It is famously recognized for the Jamarat pillars (stoning of the devil) and hosting pilgrims on the 8th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
📘Key Features and Facts
🔹The City of Tents: Mina is equipped with over 100,000 fire-resistant, air-conditioned tents to accommodate up to 3 million pilgrims during the Hajj season, making it the largest tent city in the world, also the largest temporary city on Earth. Made of fire-resistant Teflon-coated fiberglass, they provide essential shelter and modern facilities for those performing their final rites in Mina.
🔹Hajj Rituals: Pilgrims typically stay in Mina on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah) and return to spend the Tashreeq days (11th, 12th, and sometimes 13th) there for the stoning rituals.
🔹Historical Significance: It is the site where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was tested with the sacrifice of his son and where he threw stones at the devil.
🔹Historical Pledges: It was the location of the first and second Aqabah Pledges, where early supporters from Medina pledged their allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
🔹Mina remains largely uninhabited for the rest of the year, transforming into a bustling, temporary city during the annual pilgrimage season.
📘Key Landmarks:
🔹Jamarat Bridge: A multi-level structure used for the stoning ritual. This is the site of the three massive pillars representing the locations where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stoned the devil. Pilgrims perform the ritual of stoning three symbolic pillars—Jamrat al-Sughra, Jamrat al-Wusta, and Jamrat al-Aqaba—representing their rejection of evil.
🔹Masjid al-Khaif: A historically significant mosque located at the foot of a mountain in Mina.
🔹Infrastructure: The site includes advanced infrastructure for safety, including automatic sprinklers, specialized fire emergency systems, and pedestrian-friendly, signposted routes.
This is Jabal Qurban (also referred to as Al-Manhar or the place of sacrifice) in Mina, near Makkah, traditionally believed to be the exact location where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), acting on Allah SWT's command.
🔹Significance: According to Islamic tradition, it was at this location in Mina that Allah SWT intervened after Prophet Ibrahim (AS) proved his ultimate submission, replacing Ismail (AS) with a ram (qibas).
🔹Commemoration: This event is remembered annually during Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice).
🔹Location Detail: While some traditions mention the general area of Arafat, many accounts specifically point to this spot in the Mina valley as the Al-Manhar (place of slaughter/sacrifice).
🔹Visual Marker: The location is sometimes marked by a small structure, commemorating the spot where the test of faith occurred.
This site serves as a profound reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) obedience and sacrifice, which is why Muslims continue to follow his Sunnah by performing Qurban during Hajj.
In Mina, tents are categorized based on their proximity to the Jamarat (the stoning site) and the level of amenities provided. For the 2026 Hajj season, these are primarily divided into grades or zones:
1. Classification by Grade (Services)
Most international and domestic packages use a grading system (A to D) to define comfort levels:
🔹Grade A (VIP/Premium): Located closest to the Jamarat. These tents are fully air-conditioned, carpeted, and partitioned for privacy. They often feature sofa beds, high-quality catering (buffets), and cleaner, more private bathroom facilities.
🔹Grade B: Situated slightly further away but still within reasonable walking distance. They offer similar amenities to Grade A, such as air conditioning and decent food, but with slightly less space or simpler furnishings.
🔹Grade C & D (Standard/Economy): These are the most basic and affordable options, often located much further from the Jamarat (up to an hour's walk). They typically house more pilgrims per tent (30–50 people) and provide foam mattresses on the floor with shared public restrooms.
2. Classification by Zone (Location)
For 2026, Mina is also organized into color-coded zones based on distance from the Jamarat Bridge:
🔹Zone 0 (Dark Blue): Immediate proximity to the Jamarat; considered the VIP area.
🔹Zone 1 (Green): Very close, offering easy access.
🔹Zone 2 (Purple): Central Mina with a moderate walking distance.
🔹Zone 3 (Golden/Brown): Further back, often used for international pilgrim groups.
🔹Zone 4 (Red): Known as "New Mina," located towards Muzdalifah; this is the furthest zone with the largest capacity.
3. Key Features of All Tents
Regardless of the category, all modern tents in Mina share certain safety standards:
🔹Fireproof: Made of Teflon-coated fiberglass to prevent fire hazards.
🔹Climate Control: Equipped with air conditioning or air coolers to manage the intense desert heat.
🔹Infrastructure: Organized into large camps by country or travel operator, with 24/7 security and support staff.
When my wife and I did our Hajj in 2005/6, the international pilgrims in Mina experienced a "city of tents" that had been largely modernized with permanent, fire-resistant structures following a tragic fire in 1997. While the infrastructure was highly engineered, the actual experience varied significantly based on a pilgrim's country of origin and their chosen Hajj package.
Key Infrastructure & Facilities during our Hajj in 2006
🔹Tent Construction: Tents were made of fireproof, Teflon-coated glass fiber fabric supported by steel frames on concrete foundations.
🔹Climate Control: Most tents featured "desert coolers" (evaporative air conditioning units) mounted on the roofs to combat the extreme heat.
🔹Safety Systems: Every tent was equipped with heat-sensitive water sprinklers, fire alarms, and smoke detectors.
🔹Utilities: Electrical outlets were available for small appliances like electric teapots, and communal kitchens and bathrooms were located within each camp cluster.
Living Conditions by Pilgrim Group
Standard/Economy Groups:
🔹Capacity: Tents typically housed between 30 to 50 pilgrims, though some larger units held up to 100.
🔹Bedding: Most pilgrims slept on simple foam mattresses or mats laid directly on carpeted floors.
🔹Space: Conditions were often cramped, with limited personal space for belongings.
🔹Food: Meals were frequently provided as pre-packaged box meals served at set intervals.
General Environment
🔹Organization: Camps were strictly segregated by gender and color-coded by country to help pilgrims navigate the vast valley.
🔹Crowding: Despite the modernization, the sheer volume of over two million pilgrims led to significant congestion in shared pathways and bathrooms.
As we traveled along the elevated highway, we caught a clear view of the massive multi-level Jamarat complex.
Jamrah (plural: Jamarat) refers to the three stone pillars—now large stone walls—located in the Mina valley near Makkah, Saudi Arabia. During the annual Hajj pilgrimage, pilgrims throw pebbles at these pillars during the "Rami al-Jamarat" (Stoning of the Devil) mandatory ritual to symbolize the rejection of evil and temptation, following the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Here is a detailed overview of the Jamrah pillars and the associated rituals:
📘The Three Jamarat (Pillars)
The three pillars represent the three locations where Satan tempted Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to disobey Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.
🔹Jamrat al-Sughra (The Smallest/First): Located furthest from Makkah, this is the first pillar in the sequence. Also known as al-Ula.
🔹Jamrat al-Wusta (The Middle/Second): Located in the middle. The second and medium-sized structure.
🔹Jamrat al-Aqabah (The Largest/Third): Located closest to Makkah, also known as al-Jamrah al-Kubrah and is the only one stoned on the first day of Eid al-Adha (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah).
📘The Ritual of Stoning (Rami)
Timing: The stoning occurs over several days, beginning on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah and continuing during the Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th).
🔹Process: Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each pillar, usually beginning with the smallest, moving to the middle, and ending with the largest (Aqabah). Pilgrims typically collect pebbles in Muzdalifah to throw at the pillars.
🔹Significance: The act symbolizes the rejection of Satan's temptations and the casting away of negative traits like arrogance and defiance, serving as a spiritual commitment to self-renewal.
🔹Origin: According to tradition, Ibrahim (AS) stoned Satan three times, with the angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) commanding him to do so.
📘The Jamarat Bridge and Complex
Due to the millions of pilgrims performing this ritual simultaneously, the area has been heavily developed to ensure safety.
🔹The Structure: The Jamaraat Bridge is a multi-level pedestrian bridge designed to allow pilgrims to throw stones from different levels, reducing overcrowding.
🔹Safety Upgrades: Previously, the area was prone to accidents. The current, modernized, multi-level facility (Jamarat Complex) has improved capacity and safety for the ritual.
The "City of Tents": Mina’s Engineering Marvel
The permanent fiberglass tents of Mina, famously known as the "City of Tents," represent a remarkable feat of modern engineering. Spanning over 2.5 million square meters, this massive infrastructure was developed by the Saudi government to safely accommodate more than 2.6 million Hajj pilgrims.
The transition to these high-tech structures followed a tragic fire in 1997 that destroyed traditional cotton tents. In response, the government implemented a permanent solution in the late 1990s using fire-resistant, Teflon-coated fiberglass. Today, these tents serve as a cornerstone of Hajj infrastructure, offering a safe, organized, and climate-controlled environment that protects millions of pilgrims during their spiritual journey.
📘Core Design & Material Science
🔹Flame-Retardant Fabric: The tents are made from Teflon-coated glass fibre fabric (PTFE-coated fiberglass). This material is highly resistant to heat and ignition and does not emit toxic gases if exposed to extreme temperatures.
🔹Structural Support: Each tent is supported by a robust steel frame secured to concrete foundations with a central mast. The design mimics traditional peaked roofs but includes protected vents at the top for natural ventilation.
🔹Modular Layout: To accommodate varying group sizes, the structures are rectilinear and come in sizes like 8x8m or 12x8m. They use internal flexible textile walls to create larger spaces or subdivided into smaller 4x4m units.
📘Safety & Climate Control
🔹Fire Suppression: A comprehensive, over 30,000 heat-activated automatic water sprinkler system is installed in each tent, connected to a central alarm that alerts security staff. Fire extinguishers and hoses are stationed every 100 meters throughout the corridors.
🔹Air Conditioning: To combat the desert heat, over 100,000 tents are equipped with "desert coolers" (evaporative air conditioning units) and thermostats to maintain a livable environment mounted on the roof edge.
🔹Integrated Infrastructure: Every tent is wired for electricity (lighting and phone chargers) and connected to a central alarm and loudspeaker system for emergency broadcasts.
📘Urban Planning
🔹Infrastructure & Amenities: The tents are part of a permanent, organized city connected by paved, illuminated streets and surrounded by security fences with gates.
🔹Security: Groups of tents are enclosed by metal fences with designated main gates and emergency exits.
🔹Organization: Camps are color-coded and numbered by the pilgrims' country of origin to prevent people from getting lost in the 2.5 million square meter valley.
🔹Facilities: Each camp cluster includes dedicated kitchens, bathrooms, and ablution stations to serve the massive population.
This is the Mina Residential Towers (Mina Valley).
These towers are specifically designed for Hajj pilgrims and are located on the mountain slopes of the Mina holy site. These projects, developed by companies like Kidana Development Company, are part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to improve infrastructure, increase capacity, and modernize the experience for Hajj pilgrims. These developments provide a more stable, comfortable, and controlled environment compared to the traditional tent city in Mina.
🔹Location: Situated in the Mina valley, approximately 8 km (5 miles) southeast of the Grand Mosque. They are located near the Jamarat Bridge facility.
🔹Original Project: Six 12-story towers with a capacity for approximately 25,000 pilgrims.
Kidana Al-Wadi Project: A newer expansion by Kidana Development Company featuring 10 additional towers (5 floors each) capable of housing 30,000 pilgrims.
🔹On-site Facilities: These towers are self-contained for the Hajj season, featuring prayer halls, medical clinics, central kitchens, dining halls, and advanced waste-management systems.
🔹Purpose: They provide a more modern, air-conditioned alternative to the traditional "Tent City" of Mina for pilgrims performing Hajj rituals.
The structures in below photo are strategic water steel reservoirs located in Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia.
🔹Purpose: These dome-topped tanks are designed for large-scale strategic water storage. They are part of critical infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply for the city, especially during peak times like Hajj.
🔹Capacity: Each of these steel reservoir tanks can have a storage capacity of approximately 170,000 cubic meters.
🔹Project Recognition: The Makkah Water Steel Reservoir project, designed by Arcadis, was a nominee for Infrastructure Project of the Year at the 2016 Construction Week Awards.
🔹Development: The project involves the construction of multiple tanks (up to 17 in some phases) and is managed by entities such as the National Water Company (NWC) and the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC).
As we left the plains of Mina, Muzdalifah, and the Jamarat, I found myself transported back to 2006, when my wife and I first performed our Hajj. It was a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime journey that we still hold dear to our hearts. Looking back, I am so grateful we undertook this pilgrimage in our 30s; it allowed us the strength to navigate the physical challenges and hardships every pilgrim must endure. Over the years, the memory of those struggles has faded, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude that I still carry with me until today. Above all, I am thankful that Allah SWT chose us to be in His presence together, granting us the health and sustenance to complete our rites successfully.
Our next stop is Jaaranah.
King Abdulaziz Sports City.
Masjid al-Ji’ranah (or Jaa'ranah) is a significant historical site and Miqat (location to enter Ihram) for Umrah, located approximately 16–26 km northeast of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is renowned as the place where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ entered Ihram for his third Umrah after distributing spoils from the Battle of Hunayn. It serves as a popular Miqat (boundary for entering the state of holiness) for residents of Makkah.
Key Information About Jaa'ranah:
🔹Significance: It serves as one of the major Miqat Makani (boundary points) for residents of Makkah or pilgrims planning an additional Umrah, especially favored by the Shafi'i school of thought.
🔹History: The Prophet ﷺ camped here for 13 days, and it is closely associated with the story of a woman from the Quraish tribe mentioned in Surah An-Nahl (verse 92).
🔹Facilities: The mosque (Masjid Jaa'ranah) features a prayer hall, ablution areas, and space for preparing for Ihram.
🔹Location: Situated on the route towards Taif, making it a common stop for ziyarah (historical site visits).
The area is often visited by pilgrims during their Umrah journey to perform ablution and enter the state of sanctity.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Jaaranah (also spelled Ji'ranah) are linked through a significant historical event following the Battle of Hunayn in 8 AH (630 CE) and entered into the state of Ihram for his third Umrah in 8 AH.
Here are the key aspects of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) connection to Ji'ranah:
🔹Distribution of War Booty (8 AH): After the Battle of Hunayn against the Hawazin tribe, the Prophet (PBUH) brought a massive amount of booty (24,000 camels, 40,000+ sheep, silver, and 6,000 prisoners) to Ji'ranah. He camped here for several days waiting for the tribe to repent.
🔹Reconciliation with the Hawazin: When the Hawazin tribe came to repent, the Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated magnanimity by giving them the option to reclaim either their captured families or their wealth, choosing to return their people.
🔹The Incident with the Ansar: To strengthen the faith of new Muslims in Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) distributed a large portion of the spoils to them (including leaders like Abu Sufyan), which caused some young Ansar (helpers from Madinah) to feel overlooked.
🔹Address to the Ansar: When the Prophet (PBUH) heard of the young Ansar's unhappiness, the Prophet (SAW) gathered them and asked: "Are you not satisfied... that while others come back with the spoils of war, you will return to your homes with the Messenger of Allah?" This moved them to tears and reaffirmed their deep bond.
🔹Ihram and Umrah: Before returning to Madinah, the Prophet (SAW) entered the state of Ihram at Jaaranah to perform his third Umrah. Because of this, Masjid al-Ji'ranah serves today as a major Miqat (point to start pilgrimage) for those already in Makkah.
Masjid Al-Ji'ranah was later built at this spot to commemorate these events, and it remains a place where residents of Makkah or those visiting the city enter into Ihram.
Masjid Ja'ranah is one of the miqat for residents of Makkah or Umrah pilgrims who wish to perform their second or subsequent Umrah.
The usual sequence followed by pilgrims there is as follows:
🔹Ihram Clothing: Male pilgrims typically begin wearing the ihram clothing from their hotel, but they will ensure the neatness and completeness of the attire upon arrival here before making the intention. If they have not yet worn the ihram, they will change into it here.
🔹Ablution & Sunnah Prayer: Pilgrims will perform ablution and offer a two-rakaat sunnah prayer of ihram.
🔹Intention for Umrah: After completing the prayer, pilgrims will verbalize the intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah before returning to Masjidil Haram for Tawaf and Sa'ee.
Anas bin Malik was asked: "How many times did the Prophet perform the hajj?"
He answered: "Once, and he made the umrah four times: the Umrah of Dhū'l-Qi'da, the Umrah of al-Hudaybiyya, the Umrah of his Hajj, and the Umrah of al-Jiʻrana, when he divided the spoils of Hunayn."
The statement by Anas bin Malik regarding the Prophet Muhammad's pilgrimages is recorded in several major Hadith collections, most notably Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and Jami` at-Tirmidhi.
Details of the Four Umrahs
The narrations clarify that all of the Prophet's Umrahs occurred in the month of Dhu’l-Qi’dah, except for the one performed alongside his Hajj.
|
Umrah |
Occasion/Location |
Timing |
|
Umrah
of al-Hudaybiyya |
During
the incident where pagans hindered his entry. |
6 AH |
|
Umrah
al-Qadiyya |
The
"Fulfilled Umrah" according to the peace treaty. |
7 AH |
|
Umrah
of al-Ji’rana |
Performed
while returning from the Battle of Hunayn. |
8 AH |
|
Umrah
of his Hajj |
Performed
in conjunction with his Farewell Hajj. |
10 AH |
The women section.
While waiting for our group to gather, we spotted an Indonesian stall from our bus window selling Bakso Sapi Daging.
It turns out that seeking out a familiar bowl of Bakso (Indonesian meatballs) is a popular tradition for Indonesian pilgrims throughout Saudi Arabia. You can find these favourite meatball spots tucked away near the Masjidil Haram in Makkah, within the bustling streets of Madinah near Masjid al-Nabawi, and across the city of Jeddah.
From our bus, we also witnessed a man in his truck generously distributing packs of dates as Sadaqah. It didn't take long for a crowd of pilgrims to gather, swarming the vehicle to receive a blessed gift from this act of kindness.
In Saudi Arabia, especially during Umrah and Hajj, it is a common and beloved tradition for locals to distribute food, water, or Ajwa dates to pilgrims as a form of worship and hospitality.
As we departed Masjid al-Ji'ranah, the air resonated with the rhythmic chant of the Talbiyah from our group members. Having made their intentions, they were now spiritually prepared and heading back toward the Kaaba to begin their Umrah rites.
As we began our journey back to the heart of Makkah, we passed by Jabal al-Nour, marking the final landmark of our Ziyarah Makkah City Tour.
Jabal al-Nour (Arabic: جَبَل ٱلنُّوْر), or the Mountain of Light, is a prominent peak located approximately 4 km northeast of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most significant historical and religious sites in Islam.
📘Religious Significance
🔹The First Revelation: The mountain is famous for the Cave of Hira (Ghar-i-Hira), where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation, the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq, from the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) in 610 AD. This event, often associated with Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), marked the beginning of his prophethood and the revelation of the Quran.
🔹Site of Meditation: Before his prophethood, Muhammad frequently visited the cave to meditate and seek solitude.
📘Physical Characteristics
🔹Elevation: The mountain stands at a height of approximately 642 metres (2,106 ft) above sea level.
🔹The Cave of Hira: Situated near the summit, the cave is small, measuring about 4 metres in length and wide enough for roughly five people.
🔹Panoramic Views: From the top, visitors can see the city of Makkah and the Grand Mosque. While iconic, recent urban development may obstruct some direct views of the Kaaba.
From our vantage point inside the bus, we could see pilgrims steadily ascending the rugged slopes of Jabal al-Nour on their way to the historic Cave of Hira.
📘Visiting and Hiking
🔹The Climb: Reaching the Cave of Hira involves a strenuous hike of approximately 1,200 to 1,750 steps. Depending on physical fitness, the ascent typically takes between 45 minutes and 3 hours.
🔹Visitor Facilities: The base of the mountain has been commercialised to include restaurants, eateries, and tourist shops. There are also stalls selling snacks and drinks along the trail.
🔹Best Time to Visit: Due to the intense heat in Makkah, most pilgrims attempt the climb at dawn, dusk, or during the night. Also to avoid heavy crowd.
🔹Preparation: It is highly recommended to wear trekking shoes, use a walking stick and bring plenty of water. Flashlights are necessary for those climbing after dark as only about two-thirds of the trail is lit.
Located at the base of the mountain is the Hira Cultural District, a modern landmark that offers visitors a deeper understanding of the prophetic history through its museum and interactive galleries.
In Makkah City, the construction of mosques is guided by both religious principles (Sharia) and urban planning regulations designed to ensure that mosques are accessible without causing division, competition, or unnecessary crowding. Rules for building mosques prioritize the need and capacity of the community over a strict fixed distance between structures. Standard planning criteria in Saudi Arabia use walking distances to ensure accessibility for residents.
📘Specific Considerations for Makkah
Due to the unique topography of Makkah (mountainous terrain) and the massive influx of pilgrims (aiming for 30 million annually by 2030), urban planning focuses on maximizing prayer spaces in all available areas, particularly near the Holy Mosque. The regulations for constructing or expanding mosques in Makkah are heavily influenced by the need to accommodate this, while preserving the sacred and historic nature of the city.
Entering the city of Makkah marks the end of or Ziyarah Tour of Makkah.
A tour to the historic sites of Makkah offers a multidimensional experience, transforming a physical journey into a profound spiritual and educational milestone.
1. Knowledge: Understanding the Roots of Faith
Pilgrims gain a "living history" education that textbooks cannot provide.
🔹Prophetic Biography (Seerah): Standing at Jabal Nour or Jabal Thawr allows pilgrims to learn about the first revelation and the Hijrah (migration) in their original context.
🔹Hajj Ritual Foundations: Visiting Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina provides clarity on why specific rituals are performed, such as the stoning of Jamarat to symbolize Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan.
🔹Islamic Magnanimity: At Ja'aranah, pilgrims learn about the Prophet’s (PBUH) wisdom and generosity in distributing war spoils after the Battle of Hunayn.
2. Reflection: A Journey of the Soul
The tour creates a serene environment for deep personal contemplation.
🔹Divine Protection & Trust: Jabal Thawr serves as a powerful reminder of Tawakkul (trust in Allah), illustrating how a simple spider’s web protected the Prophet (PBUH).
🔹Forgiveness & Mercy: Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) inspires reflection on human vulnerability and the promise of divine forgiveness, as it is where Adam and Eve (AS) reunited.
🔹Life’s Purpose: Isolated sites like the Cave of Hira encourage pilgrims to reflect on the Prophet's (PBUH) solitude and their own spiritual path.
3. Immersion: Walking in Sacred Footsteps
The tour allows for a "hands-on" connection to Islamic heritage.
🔹Historical Continuity: Pilgrims experience a sense of unity by standing where millions of believers—including the Prophets—have stood for centuries.
🔹Physical Connection: The demanding climb up Jabal Nour or Jabal Thawr provides a tangible sense of the physical hardships faced by the early Muslims.
🔹Ritual Readiness: Visiting these sites outside of the crowded Hajj season allows for a peaceful, immersive preview of the pilgrimage route, making the actual rituals more meaningful when they occur.
Having performed multiple Umrahs over the past two decades, I have been a first-hand witness to the transformation of Makkah’s landscape, where cutting-edge modernity seamlessly integrates with the preservation of our sacred heritage. The monumental task undertaken by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is truly inspiring. I salute the leadership and every individual involved in these massive undertakings. May Allah SWT reward them abundantly for making the journey of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims safer, more comfortable, and more joyful each year.
The scale of these Vision 2030 projects is breathtaking, including:
🔹Environmental Sustainability: The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Green Qibla program, particularly the 2025/2026 Hajj greenery project, which are revitalising the holy sites.
🔹Infrastructure & Comfort: The Mashair Pedestrian Pathway, extensive Toilet Infrastructure Improvements, and the massive Makkah Water Steel Reservoir project.
🔹Safety & Logistics: The iconic multi-level Jamarat Bridge, the fire-resistant fiberglass Mina tents, and the urban renewal of the Masar Transformation.
🔹Development Excellence: The strategic site improvements spearheaded by the Kidana Development Company to enhance the pilgrim experience in the Holy Sites.
Seeing these changes over 20 years makes one realise how much love and effort goes into serving the Guests of Allah.
Are the goals of improving umrah and hajj pilgrims' experiences included in the KSA's Vision 2030?
Yes, improving the experiences of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims is a central pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. This goal is primarily executed through the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), which was launched in 2019 to ensure the Kingdom serves the "Guests of Allah" to the fullest extent.
The program's key objectives and initiatives include:
🔹Capacity Expansion: Aiming to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, a significant increase from the roughly 8 million recorded when the vision launched.
🔹Digital Transformation:
●E-Visa System: Reducing visa processing times from 14 days to just 5 minutes. Utilizing AI, mobile apps, and smart technology to enhance safety, crowd management, and provide real-time information to pilgrims.
●Nusuk Platform: A unified digital gateway offering over 100 services for planning, booking, and managing the entire spiritual journey.
🔹Streamlined Logistics:
●Makkah Route Initiative: Allowing pilgrims to complete immigration procedures in their home countries to expedite arrival.
●Haramain High-Speed Railway: Providing fast and comfortable transport between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
●Hajj Without Luggage: Transporting pilgrims' bags directly to their accommodations to eliminate airport wait times.
🔹Cultural Enrichment: Rehabilitating and developing over 40 historical Islamic sites and landmarks to provide a deeper spiritual and educational experience.
🔹Quality of Service: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah strictly enforces standards on service providers to ensure high-quality care and protect pilgrim rights. Focusing on high standards across more than 200 "contact points" in a pilgrim's journey, with a target of achieving a 90% satisfaction rate.
Lunch at at Al Fayhaa Restaurant, Level 6, Makkah Towers Hotel.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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