Boundaries are well-marked
The boundaries for Mina are indicated by large green signposts. You must ensure you remain in the specified boundary of Mina during the 10th, 11th, 12th and possibly 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
The boundaries for Arafat are indicated by large yellow signposts. You must ensure you remain within this boundary during the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
The boundaries for Muzdalifah are indicated by large purple signposts. You must ensure you remain within this boundary during the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Facilities
Mosques
Masjid Nimra
The main mosque in Mina is Masjid al-Khayf, located near the smallest Jamarah at the base of the mountain in the south of Mina. It is reported that the Prophet ﷺ, as well as 70 prophets who preceded him, performed salah here.
The main mosque in Arafat is known as Masjid Nimra. It is in this location that the Prophet ﷺ camped and delivered his sermon during his final Hajj. If you go inside this mosque, be aware that a sizeable portion of the front of the masjid is outside the boundary of Arafat. There are clear signs within the mosque indicating the boundary.
There is also a mosque in Muzdalifah known as Masjid al-Mashar al-Haram, which is on the site of what used to be a small mountain.
Medical Facilities
A clinic in Mina
In the south of Mina, there is a hospital just opposite Masjid al-Khayf. There is an additional hospital near the old slaughterhouse.
In Arafat, there is a hospital situated close to Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy).
There are also various mobile clinics in and around Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Toilet & Washing Facilities
All of the camps in Mina and Arafat have shower and toilet facilities. The toilets have been combined with shower facilities, which provide water 24 hours a day. Some camps also feature standalone showers, which can be more pleasant to use.
There is a combination of sitting toilets and squat toilets, i.e. a “hole in the ground”. The toilets are generally well-maintained and clean.
The toilet areas can get very busy, so be prepared to wait a while for your turn.
A combined toilet and shower cubicle in the European al-Muaisim Camp in Mina
here are also wudhu facilities available next to the toilet areas. Again, these facilities can get very crowded.
Tips:
- Be early and avoid the crowds to take a shower or perform wudhu.
- Wake up at least an hour and a half before Fajr in order to avoid the rush to use the washing facilities in the morning.
- Avoid the washing facilities about 20 minutes before salah and immediately after having a meal.
- Use the washing facilities when people are eating, sleeping, or listening to lectures.
- Bring an S-hook to hang your Ihram when using the toilet or shower, as there may not be hooks in the cubicle.
In Muzdalifah, toilet and washing facilities are available, but they will be crowded so patience must be exercised here. Sometimes, pilgrims are forced to use the bushes/mountains due to the long queues. For this reason, you are advised to use the toilet before you leave Arafat.
Checklist
Before you leave for Mina, pack a smaller bag with essential items that you will need for the days of Hajj. Below is a list of suggestions of items which you could take with you:
- Prayer items such as pocket Quran, du’a book, du’a list, tasbeeh, prayer mat, compass for the Qibla and Hajj guidebook.
- Waist or neck pouch for your valuables.
- Comfortable clothing and a pair of trainers/sneakers for when you’re out of Ihram.
- Toiletries. Remember, items must be fragrance-free when in Ihram.
- S-hooks to hang your belongings in the tent and clothing when using the washing facilities.
- Medication. Medical facilities are also provided during the days of Hajj should you need them.
- Snacks that won’t go off quickly, such as biscuits and sweets. These will be useful while travelling.
- Inflatable air mattress/sleeping bag (if sleeping facilities aren’t provided).
- Inflatable pillow and light blanket (if sleeping facilities aren’t provided).
- Pebble bag or a bottle to put your pebbles in for Rami.
- Ear plugs.
- Money.
- ID card.
- Mobile phone and charger.
