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Mount Al-Fahlatain — where prophetic history meets pilgrimage tradition

Mount Al-Fahlatain — where prophetic history meets pilgrimage tradition
With an elevation of 1,084 meters, the mountain commands sweeping views across the surrounding plains. (SPA)
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Updated 30 May 2025

Mount Al-Fahlatain — where prophetic history meets pilgrimage tradition

Mount Al-Fahlatain — where prophetic history meets pilgrimage tradition
  • The sacred site has been documented meticulously by historians and travelers
  • With an elevation of 1,084 meters, the mountain commands sweeping views across the surrounding plains

AlUla: Rising from the landscape north of Madinah, Mount Al-Fahlatain has served as a geographical beacon and spiritual waypoint for more than a thousand years.

The landmark, on the historic route to AlUla, bears witness to one of Islam’s most significant military expeditions — the Prophet Muhammad’s journey to Tabuk in 9 A.H.

The mountain’s name tells its own story. Two colossal rocks crown its summit, their silhouette resembling the horns of a bull — “fahl” in Arabic, giving rise to “Al-Fahlatain,” or “the two bulls.”

The sacred site has been documented meticulously by historians and travelers.

Ali Al-Samhudi’s work, “Wafa Al-Wafa Bi Akhbar Dar Al-Mustafa,” places the location precisely one day’s march from Madinah, describing twin peaks sheltering underlying rock formations. Firuzabadi reinforced its historical significance in “Al-Maghanim Al-Mutaba fi Ma’alim Taba,” cataloging it among the landmarks witnessed by the Prophet’s army on their way to Tabuk.

Mohammed Ibn Abdullah Al-Mawlawi provided additional detail in “Rihlat Al-Shita Wa Al-Sayf,” positioning the twin peaks on the mountain’s western flank alongside the main thoroughfare. Al-Suwaidi offered an alternative etymology in “Al-Nafha Al-Miskiyya Fi Al-Rihla Al-Makkiyya,” suggesting the name reflects the mountain’s solitary stance in the landscape, isolated like a bull among grazing camels.

Historian and Islamic history researcher Fouad Al-Maghamsi identifies Mount Al-Fahlatain — sometimes called Faifa Al-Fahlatain — as strategically positioned near Shajwa village, northwest of Madinah.

With an elevation of 1,084 meters, the mountain commands sweeping views across the surrounding plains, bordered by complementary ridges and highlands.

Al-Maghamsi said the site functioned as a vital rest station along the Syrian Hajj route, known as Darb Al-Hajj Al-Shami, earning local appellations including “Antar’s Fortress” and “Antar’s Stable.”

Archaeological evidence such as building foundations and service facilities suggests a sophisticated infrastructure designed to support the thousands of pilgrims and merchants who annually traversed these routes.

The Syrian Hajj route encompasses diverse terrain rich with sites linked to prophetic biography and pilgrimage heritage.


Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

Prince Salman bin Sultan receives well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Madinah. (Supplied)
Prince Salman bin Sultan receives well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Madinah. (Supplied)
Updated 06 June 2025

Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

Prince Salman bin Sultan receives well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Madinah. (Supplied)
  • The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.

During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.

The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.

The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.

 


Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success
Updated 06 June 2025

Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success
  • Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.

“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”

His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.

The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.


Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry

Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry
Updated 47 min 31 sec ago

Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry

Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry
  • Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing

MAKKAH: The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested 18 residents and 31 citizens for transporting 197 individuals without Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The Ministry of Interior issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorized pilgrims.

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing.

The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, security forces arrested 119 expatriates holding visit visas for violating Hajj regulations by attempting to enter Makkah on foot via a desert route.

All involved individuals were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action, the SPA reported.

Authorities also arrested an Indonesian resident for transporting 24 residents and 23 expatriates with visit visas, attempting to enter Makkah without permits. All were referred to the competent authority.

Earlier, the ministry urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety and reminded the public that entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited.

 


Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims
Updated 06 June 2025

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims
  • This year, the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries

MAKKAH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised Ƶ’s unwavering dedication to Islam and Muslims.

Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program’s invitation to diverse communities highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling more Muslims to perform Hajj with ease and tranquility.

Pilgrims from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said the program had a significant humanitarian impact and reflected the Kingdom’s global outreach.

They lauded Ƶ’s rapid infrastructure development, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, which has substantially increased capacity for pilgrims.

The guests commended the exceptional services, meticulous organization and high-quality infrastructure in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, reaffirming Ƶ’s legacy of service to the global Muslim community.


Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina
Updated 06 June 2025

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina
  • The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings
  • They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed the longstanding ties between Ƶ and Pakistan, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, SPA added. 

They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability.

The reception was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also in attendance were Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy; Minister of Information Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari; Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan; and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki.

On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar joined the meeting along with Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim, Chief of Army Staff and ambassador to Ƶ Ahmed Farooq.