Medinah Sharif, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 24.413746, 39.542993
Dhul-Hulayfa Mosque is among historical mosques of Medinah Sharif located in Dhul Hulayfa or Abar Ali region, 8 km south west of al-Masjid al-Nabawwi on the way to Mecca Sharif.
The Prophet (s) wore Ihram for ‘Umra and Hajj al-Tamattu’ in this Miqat.
The mosque is located 7 km SW of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and was defined by Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the miqat for those willing to perform the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages from Medina. It is the second-largest miqat mosque after the Miqat Qarn al-Manazil in As-Sayl al-Kabir.
Note that this mosque is not to be confused with another Ash-Shajarah Mosque which is in Mecca Sharif.
Wells of Hz. Ali عليه اسلام
Abar ‘Ali (Wells of Ali) is a region full of palm trees, about 8 km south of Medinah sharif, where there are water wells.
It is said that they are dug by Hz. Ali عليه اسلام to be used by pilgrims of hajj.
This place is one of the Miqats (venues) of hajj. Today, this region is called by three different names of Abar Ali, Dhu l-Hulayfa and al-Shajara Mosque.
Other Names
This place has become famous by other names called from other aspects such as:
Ash-Shajara Mosque: the reason for calling it ash-Shajara is that during the travel the Prophet ﷺ had in 6/628 CE to sign the Hudaybiyya Treaty, he ﷺ stayed in this place near a tree (“shajara” in Arabic) called Samara and wore Ihram. The same happened in 7/629, when the Prophet ﷺ went for Umrat al-Qada’ and also in 10/632 in farewell Hajj (Hajjat al-Wada).
Al-Ihram Mosque: Because it is a place where hajj pilgrims wear Ihram. In his ﷺ travels to perform ‘Umra and Hajj al-Tamattu’, the Prophet ﷺ wore Ihram in this Miqat.
Al-Miqat Mosque: Because it is one of the Miqats for pilgrims of Hajj and ‘Umra.
Abar Ali Mosque: This name is very famous. They say that it is called so, because after the Prophet ﷺ passed away and the caliphate was seized, Hz. Ali عليه اسلام dug several wells for his palm gardens in this area.
Based on a narration from Imam al-Sadiq (رضي الله عنه), this area was given to Hz. Ali (رضي الله عنه). So, the wells which belonged to Hz. Ali عليه اسلام were called as Abar Ali (عليه اسلام).
Prophet’s ﷺ Praying
In the year when Hudaybiyya Treaty was signed, the Prophet ﷺ could not go to ‘Umra (6/628). In 7/629, during ‘Umrat al-Qada’ During Hajjat al-Wada’ in 10/632.
After making a two-rak’a prayer in al-Shajara Mosque, the noble Prophet ﷺ wore Ihram and said:
[“Here I am (at Your service) O my Lord, here I am; here I am, no partner is for You, here I am; surly, the praise and the blessing is Yours and the kingdom, no partner is for You, here I am”]
It is reported that the first time, the Prophet ﷺ stopped in this place under a tree where in later years a mosque was built.
Present
It’s a popular place for taking miqat. This complex also include shops and huge parking spot.
Some people used to be misdirected on this place, so make sure to remember where you will meet your group, where you park your car or bus. Always respect local rules and be focused.
