Tayyib al Ism, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 28.569617, 34.833001
A short distance southeast of Tayyib Al Ism is the town of Maqna on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.
There are reportedly a dozen wells at this location, as well as a collection of palm trees. Indeed, on Google Maps, there is a marker for the “12 Springs of the Prophet Moses.
There are said to be the site of Elim: The Desert Oasis.
After the episode at Marah (present day suez), where the bitter springs were turned into drinkable water, Hz. Musa عليه اسلام and Bani Israel traveled to a place named Elim.
It is described as having 70 palms (trees) and 12 wells, a fitting coincidence allowing one well for each of the 12 tribes of Bani Israel.
According the to christian texts, Bani Israel came to Elim and camp neat the waters presumably referring to the red Sea. Therefore, Elim should be near where the Israelites arrived after crossing the Red Sea, but to the north or south so they’d still be by the Red Sea. Elim must also be to the west of a mountainous area referred to as the “Wilderness of Sin,” which the Israelites pass through on their way to Mount Sinai.
Water related Miracles
One point to note is that the miracle related to water done by Hz. Musa عليه اسلام happened more that once.
In suex (Egypt) it is said that Hz. Musa عليه اسلام throw a tree branch, possibly a barberry into the bitter springs to make them sweet enough to drink.
In Maribah Split rock site in Saudi Arabis it is said that Hz. Musa عليه اسلام striked the water yet again and water gushed forth for Bani Israel to drink.
12 Tribes of Bani Israel mentioned in Quran
Allah Almighty narrates
And [recall] when Musa prayed for water for his people, so We said, “Strike with your staff the stone.” And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, and every people [i.e., tribe] knew its watering place. “Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”
Surah no. 2, Verse no.60
Also,
And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes1 [as distinct] nations. And We inspired to Musa when his people implored him for water, “Strike with your staff the stone,” and there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Every people [i.e., tribe] knew its watering place. And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], “Eat from the good things with which We have provided you.” And they wronged Us not, but they were wronging themselves.
Surah no. 7, Verse no.160
