What to PACK & How to PREPARE for Mina before 8 Dhul Hijjah?

8 Dhul Hijjah, known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah, marks the first official day of Hajj. On this day, international pilgrims re-enter the state of Ihram from their hotels and travel to Mina, located approximately 8 kilometers from Masjid al-Haram. The journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours due to breaks and large crowds.

Pilgrims must be mentally, physically, and spiritually ready for this travel and the subsequent rituals. Proper preparation includes packing, wearing Ihram, and enduring long walks during Hajj.

Packing Essentials for Mina

It is advisable to pack a compact backpack with all essentials at least one day before departure. Heavy suitcases should be avoided because they are difficult to carry or drag for 7 to 8 kilometers, and space in the Mina tents is very limited.

Essential items include:

Umbrella or hat
Sunglasses
Comfortable slippers or walking shoes
Medicines
Toothbrush and small toothpaste
Paper soap or hand wash
Face/body wash
Small towel
Refillable cool water bottle
Mobile phone with Type G charger, power bank, and extension cord
Praying mat
Small Quran and other religious books
ID and Hajj permit
Light snacks

Pilgrims should also bring one or two pairs of decent clothes to wear after exiting Ihram at Mina on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to celebrate Eid.

Preparing for Ihram on the 8th Dhul Hijjah

Before donning the Ihram garments, pilgrims must:

Take a shower
Cut nails
Trim or shave unwanted hair

For men, Ihram consists of two pieces of white cloth. Women may wear a modest Islamic dress and head covering in any color, ensuring hands and faces remain uncovered.

After wearing Ihram:

Perform two rak’ahs of nafl salah either at the hotel or Masjid al-Haram.
Make a new niyyah (intention) for Hajj.
Recite the Talbiyah.

Timing and Travel Recommendations

Group leaders typically recommend leaving the hotel after Isha prayer on the night of 7 Dhul Hijjah to avoid heavy traffic and the heat of the day.
It is mustahabb (recommended) to wear Ihram after Fajr prayer on 8 Dhul Hijjah, then depart for Mina after sunrise.
In Mina, pilgrims should offer Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers, preparing for the Day of Arafat.
If delayed, pilgrims should try to reach their Mina tents before 10 AM to avoid extreme heat and sunlight.

Transportation and Route to Mina

Taxi and bus services are available but tend to be slow due to heavy crowds and route changes, and drop pilgrims far from their tents. Walking is often faster.

The pedestrian tunnel from Masjid al-Haram to Mina starts near the Safa and Marwah area, close to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthplace (now a library). This spacious and well-lit tunnel is equipped with cooling blowers to ease the journey.

Tips for Staying Safe and Organized in Mina

Stay close to your group to avoid getting lost in heavy crowds.
Learn and memorize your camp and tent number. Share this information with group members. Take photos of landmarks to aid navigation.
Men and women usually stay in separate tents, but usually not far apart.
Upon entering your tent, select your space calmly and avoid arguments over space.
Avoid tents near toilets or cooking areas. In larger tents, choose spots closer to the back, as front and middle areas are reserved for prayers, lectures, and eating.

Facilities and Spiritual Focus in Mina

Locate nearby:

Shopping centers
Catering services
Medical stores

Keep yourself engaged with worship, reciting the Quran, attending lectures, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and preparing spiritually for the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafat).

Minimize worldly conversations unless necessary to maintain focus on the sacred rituals ahead.