1ST Day of Hajj - Mina

Today is the day all were anxiously waiting on - we arrived at camp Mina about 1:00am and secure our tents. The tents were filled from corner to corner with thin mattresses, pillows and blankets. The tents were made of a canvas type material, off white in color, draped over sturdy metal structure of brackets and runners. The tents opened at the top sort of like a chimney with a covering to let out the hot air. In the middle of the tent is the main pillar above which are power switches for the lights and for the air-conditioning unit. The tents are permanent structures that are left assembled all year long.

Everyone was excited about the new living quarters. We went to sleep.

We woke up for prayers and breakfast of jam and bread, crackers, fruits and coffee or tea. Today we do nothing much but stay put in the tents. Hajis should make use of the day by reading Qur'an, pray extra salaat, do other zikr( remembrance of Allah (swt)), read Islamic texts, listen to lectures, etc.

We also tried to located others who we know are present at Mina and who came with other groups. There were 3 other brothers from my local Masjid who I know are here as well. I was able to locate two of them.

Dinner was of Casareep Chicken prepared by Brother 'Aabid - a Jamaican brother who studied a Madeenah University and who now resides in Madeenah. Everyone enjoyed it. We went to sleep early.

Tomorrow, Friday, was the Day of Arafat - the most important day of Hajj. Rasulullah (saw) said that "Hajj is Arafat!" All pilgrim will have to travel to Arafat - approx 9 miles from Mina - by bus. The tents at Mina will be desolated come tomorrow.