Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque — Attraction in Medina Province

Ābār ʿAlī (Arabic: آبار علي, lit. Wells of Ali) is an area mostly covered with date palm groves, 8 kilometers south of Medina in which water wells attributed to Ali b. Abi Talib (a) are located. The place is a Miqat of Hajj. This area is referred to as Abar Ali, Dhu l-Hulayfa, and Masjid al-Shajara.

The word "Abar" (Arabic: آبار) is the plural form of "bi'r" (Arabic: بِئر, meaning water well). "Abar Ali" refers to water wells attributed to Imam Ali (a). In Arabic, the word "al-Bu'ra", from the same root, means pit.

In Shiite and Sunni sources of fiqh, Abar Ali is also referred to as "Bi'r Ali" and "Abyar Ali."

Abar Ali is located about 8 kilometers south of Medina in the area of 'Aqiq and the western hillside of Mount Ayr on the way to Mecca. The area is rife with water wells and date palm groves.

Today it is mostly known as Abar Ali. The area with water wells was originally called "Shajara" and "Dhu l-Hulayfa", but it came to be called Bi'r Ali or Abar Ali at a point in history. Some researchers have written on this. All three names appear on the board indicating the place of Abar Ali, Dhu l-Hulayfa, and Masjid al-Shajara.

Since Abar Ali and Masjid al-Shajara are located in the same area, both Shi'a and Sunni Muslims take it to be a Miqat of Hajj (Miqat of Medina). Since the 8th/14th and 9th/15th centuries, Sunni sources took Abar Ali, Dhu l-Hulayfa, and Masjid al-Shajara to be the same place and the Miqat of Medina.

Sources differ on the history of the place, and particularly its water wells and when they were dug. According to some sources, the water wells were already there before the Prophet's (s) Hijra (or immigration) to Medina, and on his command, Ali b. Abi Talib (a) fought tribes of Jinns near these wells and defeated them. Sunni sources cited this event and took it to be opinions of laypeople, emphasizing its falsity. Contemporary Shiite scholars raised objections to the contents and chains of this story's narrations.

Others believe that these wells did not exist before that, and they were dug by Imam Ali (a) himself. On this view, Imam Ali (a) dug these water wells during the periods when the first three caliphs were ruling; he endowed these wells to pilgrims of hajj.

The attribution of the wells to Imam Ali (a) Some Sunni scholars have sought to deny the attribution of these wells to Ali b. Abi Talib (a), that is, they take "Ali" in "Abar Ali" to be someone other than Imam Ali (a), including a contemporary Sunni scholar in Egypt who attributed "Abar Ali", the pilgrims' Miqat in hajj, to Ali b. Dinar, the king of Darfur south of Sudan. According to him, in 1315/1897-8, in his hajj pilgrimage Ali b. al-Dinar dredged, restored, and restarted the water wells of Dhu l-Hulayfa, and since then, they were called "Abar Ali". However, many Sunni scholars have called these wells "Abar Ali" in works that date back to times before the period of Ali b. Dinar, including: Ibn Taymiyya (d. 728/1327-8), Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani (d. 852/1448-9), al-'Ayni (d. 855/1451-2), al-Samhudi (d. 911/1505-6), Ibn Najim al-Misri (d. 970/1562-3), and al-Ru'ayni (d. 954/1547-8). Moreover, other cases have been made to...

My recent visit to Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque in Madinah was a deeply fulfilling experience, and I am pleased to share my thoughts on this remarkable place.

Dhul Hulaifah, also known as the Mosque of Miqat, holds a special place in the hearts of many pilgrims and visitors. Situated about 9 kilometers from the city of Madinah, it serves as the Miqat (sacred boundary) for those entering into the state of Ihram, the sacred pilgrimage state for Hajj and Umrah. Its significance in Islamic tradition adds to the reverence with which it is approached.

The mosque’s architectural design is both traditional and welcoming. As you approach the mosque, its striking minarets and expansive prayer halls immediately capture your attention. The exterior showcases classic Islamic design elements, featuring intricate patterns and elegant domes. The use of modern materials and design touches, however, ensures that the mosque is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Inside, the mosque is spacious and airy, providing a serene atmosphere that is perfect for worship and reflection. The prayer halls are meticulously maintained, with clean carpets and well-kept facilities. There is ample space for worshippers, ensuring that even during peak times, everyone can pray comfortably. The lighting is soft and soothing, creating an ambiance conducive to peaceful meditation and prayer.

One of the standout features of Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque is its dedication to providing a welcoming environment for all visitors. The staff and volunteers are courteous and helpful, assisting visitors with any needs they may have. The mosque is also equipped with necessary amenities, including clean restrooms, a well-stocked bookshop, and a designated area for ablutions.

The mosque’s surroundings are also worth noting. The area around Dhul Hulaifah is well-kept, with lush greenery and well-maintained pathways that enhance the overall experience. It’s a place where one can take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the environment.

For those embarking on Hajj or Umrah, Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque is an essential stop, marking the beginning of their sacred journey. For regular visitors, it offers a space of calm and spirituality away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Overall, my visit to Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque was profoundly moving and spiritually enriching. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Madinah, whether for pilgrimage or simply to experience its...

Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque is a mosque located in the outskirts of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is the miqat, or the designated place, for pilgrims to enter the state of ihram for the hajj or umrah. The mosque is a simple structure, but it is an important place for Muslims.

The mosque is believed to have been built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the year 622 CE. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad entered the state of ihram at this mosque before performing his first hajj.

The mosque has been renovated several times over the centuries. The most recent renovation was completed in 2013. The new mosque is a large, modern structure that can accommodate thousands of pilgrims.

The mosque is open to the public and visitors are welcome to pray there. However, it is important to dress modestly and to be respectful of the religious atmosphere.

Here are some of the things you can expect when visiting Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque:

A sense of history and tradition. Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque is a very old and important site in Islam, and it is a powerful place to pray and reflect.

A peaceful and serene atmosphere. The mosque is located in a quiet area outside of Medina, and it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

A chance to learn about Islamic history and culture. The mosque is staffed by knowledgeable guides who can provide information about the history of the mosque and Islam in general.

If you are visiting Medina, I highly recommend visiting Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque. It is a beautiful and historic site that is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Here are some tips for visiting Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque:

Dress modestly. Women should wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Men should wear long pants and shirts that cover their shoulders.

Be respectful. Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque is a holy place, so it is important to be respectful of the religious atmosphere. This means removing your shoes before entering the mosque, speaking quietly, and avoiding any behavior that could be considered disrespectful.

Arrive early. Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque is a popular tourist destination, so it can get crowded, especially during peak times. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening.

Take your time. There is no need to rush through your visit to Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque. Take your time to explore the mosque, pray, and reflect on its...