Day 9 - Mina (8th of Dhul Hijjah)

It is hot. I don't know how else to describe what must be 50 degree weather. But during our trek (aka 20 minute walk) to our Mina tents, most of it is under a massive freeway tunnel, providing much needed relief from the sun, Alhamdulillah.

Every unexpected breeze is mercy from Allah. Every moment of shade is a blessing. Every sip of water is a gift.

We are assigned our tents. It seems we've been split by ethnicity (Indo/Pak in certain tents, Arabs in the others, everyone else mixed in between). As we shuffle into our tents with our carry on and backpacks, it is obvious that our accommodations are, by far, more luxurious than most. But the space is tight and for those us used to our expansive Canadian bedrooms, it takes some time to adjust to the new parameters of personal space and the heat.

Despite all of this, there is a woman in our tent. Masha Allah, she hasn't stopped smiling once. Not one complaint. Her face is fresh and lively. Her demeanor is warm and pleasant. She reads from her Quran in every spare moment and she has enough energy for 5 people, masha Allah.

And oh yeah....she's 5 months pregnant.

May Allah increase it and keep her under His protection. Ameen.

Image - Tent City