In this guide you will find the history and significance of Mina, where it is and how far it is from the Haram, the best time to visit, simple etiquette, practical tips and how to get there comfortably with a private Zikr Cabs car. It is part of our Makkah Ziyarat Guide.

History and significance of Mina

Mina is where pilgrims spend the Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah) and the days of Tashreeq (11th–13th) following the example of the Prophet ﷺ. On these days they remember Allah, pray and stone the Jamarat, three pillars that are now walls built on a large, multi-storey bridge.

The stoning of the Jamarat recalls the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who, according to well-known reports, was approached by Shaytan as he went to fulfil Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, and rejected him with stones. Pilgrims follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ in performing this rite, and the slaughter of sacrificial animals on Eid al-Adha also connects to Ibrahim’s story.

Mina also holds Masjid al-Khayf, where the Prophet ﷺ prayed during his Hajj, and the site of the Pledges of Aqabah. Near the Jamarat, the first Muslims from Yathrib pledged their support to the Prophet ﷺ before the Hijrah. A mosque, Masjid al-Bay’ah, marks the area.

Today Mina is a carefully planned tent city, with permanent fire-resistant tents and pedestrian routes designed to manage enormous crowds safely.

Where is Mina? Location and distance

Mina lies about 5–7 km east of Masjid al-Haram, between Makkah and Muzdalifah. It is usually a 10–20 minute drive outside the Hajj season.

Distances and travel times are approximate and depend on your hotel, the route and traffic, especially in Ramadan and the Hajj season.

Best time to visit and etiquette

Visit outside the Hajj days, when you can drive through and see the Jamarat Bridge, Masjid al-Khayf and the tent areas. Access may be restricted from late Dhul Qa’dah until after Hajj.

Outside Hajj there are no rituals to perform in Mina, and the Jamarat are not stoned. Use the visit to understand the layout so that, if you come for Hajj in the future, you will feel prepared.

As with all ziyarat, it helps to keep the right intention. Visiting historical places is not part of the rites of Umrah or Hajj. It is a chance to learn, to reflect on the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and to make du’a. Scholars remind us not to seek blessing from rocks, walls or soil, and to follow the Sunnah in what we say and do. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.

Combining Mina with other ziyarat

Most pilgrims visit Mina as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include Masjid al-Khayf, Muzdalifah, Arafat & Jabal al-Rahmah and Jabal al-Nour & Ghar Hira. Each has its own guide, linked at the end of this page. A good plan is to choose three or four places for one morning, starting with the one that needs the most walking while it is still cool, and to leave time for rest and prayer. If you only have one free morning, our suggested route in the Makkah Ziyarat Guide shows a practical order that avoids driving back and forth across the city.

Visiting Mina with family, children and elderly pilgrims

Ziyarat with family is a special memory, but it is easy to try to do too much. Keep the day short and gentle: plan around prayer times, take water and light snacks, and let anyone who is tired rest in the air-conditioned car while others step out. For wheelchair users, ask your driver to stop as close as the rules allow, and remember that some paths and steps are not suitable for wheelchairs. Teach children a short story about each place before you arrive, so the visit becomes a lesson they remember. Above all, keep the visit calm and respectful, as others around you may be in quiet prayer or reflection.

Practical tips for your visit

• Many areas are closed to vehicles outside Hajj; your driver will choose suitable viewing points.
• Take photos of the Jamarat Bridge from the road; climbing barriers is not permitted.
• Combine Mina with Muzdalifah, Arafat and Masjid al-Khayf in one tour.
• If you are planning Hajj, ask your group leader which tent zone you will be in, and look at it on the way.
• Dress modestly and carry water, especially from May to September, when temperatures can pass 45°C.
• Keep your ID and the Nusuk app with you, as some areas have checkpoints, and access rules can change, so follow the instructions of officials on site.

How to get to Mina with Zikr Cabs

The easiest way to visit Mina is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Mina and other nearby sites at your own pace, and brings you back in time for prayer. You never have to bargain with street taxis or wait for a crowded bus.

Mina is included in our Makkah Ziyarat taxi tour, which starts from SAR 200 for a sedan. Fares are fixed per vehicle, not per person, and larger cars such as the GMC Yukon, Hyundai H1/Staria, Toyota Hiace and Coaster are available for families and groups. See all vehicles and prices on our routes and prices page. * Rates exclude VAT.

Frequently asked questions about Mina

Nearby ziyarats

• Masjid al-Khayf
• Muzdalifah
• Arafat & Jabal al-Rahmah
• Jabal al-Nour & Ghar Hira

Related reading

• Hajj Permit Guide 2026: Who Needs One and How to Apply

← Back to the Makkah Ziyarat Guide

Sources and further reading

• Encyclopaedia Britannica – Mina
• Encyclopaedia Britannica – Hajj
• Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah 2:203
• Nusuk – official platform for Umrah, Hajj and Rawdah

This guide is general information for pilgrims. Official rules on permits and access change often; please check Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.

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