Spending the nights of the Days of Tashriq in Mina

Q: I went to perform Hajj in 1411 A.H. I spent the first night of the Nights of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah) at the end of the mountain at the South-East part of King `Abdul-`Aziz bridge, along with many pilgrims whom I found sleeping there. On the next day of the Days of Tashriq I asked another pilgrim concerning the place where I slept the previous night, and he told me that this place was outside Mina. He asked me whether this was my first time performing Hajj or if it was a supererogatory one. I told him that I had already performed the Faridah (obligatory act) of Hajj. He replied saying 'In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills), there is nothing wrong with this'. We both spent the second night of (Part No. 10; Page No. 275) the nights of Tashriq in Hawd cafe.The question now is: Has this act of mine invalidated my Hajj? If there should be a Kaffarah (expiation), is it permissible for me to offer it at home or must it be offered in a certain place? I would like Your Eminence to clarify this issue for me. May Allah reward you with the best. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!).

A: It is obligatory on whoever is performing obligatory or voluntary Hajj to spend the nights of the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah) in Mina. Consequently, you have to offer a Fidyah (ransom) for not spending the night in Mina in order to make up for the missing acts of your rituals. This Fidyah is a sheep that meets the same conditions for Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims). It must be slaughtered in Makkah and its meat be distributed among the poor of the Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah). If you can not afford offering this Fidyah, then you should fast ten days.May Allah grant us success. May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions!