Mina: the rites performed there (rulings)

Mina is a town about a league from Mecca, named for the blood spilt there. Its bounds run from the valley of Muhassir to the Aqaba pillar; the Malikis count the Aqaba pillar inside it. ¹

The Aqaba pillar is stoned on the day of sacrifice after leaving Muzdalifa, and the three pillars on the days of tashriq, seven pebbles each; stoning is an obligation of the pilgrimage. ²

The offering may be slaughtered in Mecca or the sanctuary, better in Mina, except the expiation for harm, which must be slaughtered in Mecca according to the majority. Shaving or trimming is an obligation for the Hanafis, Malikis and Hanbalis, and a pillar in the sounder Shafi'i view. ^{2 3}

The majority hold that spending the nights of the days of tashriq in Mina is obligatory, and that leaving them without excuse requires a payment; the Hanafis hold it a sunna. The majority cite the leave given to Abbas to spend the nights in Mecca for his duty of giving water. ^{2 3}

The conditions are prior ihram for the pilgrimage, prior standing at Arafat, the time of the tashriq nights and the place itself. The pillar is staying most of the night; those with excuses such as the water-carriers and herders are excused. ³

Pilgrims in Mina are advised to speak much of God, to pray and to glorify him, since the days of tashriq are days of eating, drinking and remembering God, when fasting is not allowed. ^{3 4}