Miqat al-Juhfah

Miqat al-Juhfah is one of the Mawaqit designated by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), for those heading to the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah. It is the Miqat for the people of the Levant, Egypt, Morocco, and pilgrims from Africa and those traveling along their route if they do not pass through al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. It is located northwest of Makkah al-Mukarramah, near Rabigh Governorate.

Al-Juhfah is a village on the route between al-Madinah al-Munawwarah and Makkah al-Mukarramah, located about 178 km from Makkah al-Mukarramah. It was originally named "Mahya'ah," but it was later called "al-Juhfah" because a flood swept through it in one year, carrying away its inhabitants. It is one of the stations along the route between al-Madinah al-Munawwarah and Makkah al-Mukarramah. Sources mention the presence of a pool and many wells in al-Juhfah, as well as homes and a market. At the entrance of the village, there is a mosque attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a place called 'Azwar.' At the far end of the village, near the two markers (indicating the boundary for assuming Ihram for those intending Hajj or Umrah), there is another mosque attributed to the Prophet (PBUH) known as "Masjid al-A'immah" (The Mosque of the Imams).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) visited al-Juhfah several times. During his migration from Makkah al-Mukarramah to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, he stopped there with his companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). His last visit to al-Juhfah was in 632, on his way to the Farewell Pilgrimage, where he stopped with thousands of his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and performed prayers there.

Archaeological studies conducted at the Miqat al-Juhfah site have uncovered the remains of an Islamic city that was expansive and surrounded by walls. The buildings were constructed from black basalt stone in a precise and sturdy manner, with massive, thick, and high walls coated with layers of clay and plaster. The studies also revealed a variety of urban architectural elements, such as structural fortifications, including stone walls and a large fortress, which were built to defend the residents and pilgrims, ensuring stability and security.

Two types of water supply systems were discovered at the site: a medium-sized pool and an underground canal. The pool was circular in shape and built from black basalt stones. The canal, on the other hand, was a large-scale project that included many vertical wells, gradually extending over long distances until they surfaced to irrigate the low-lying areas.