Al-Hijr (Hegra)

The rock-cut tombs near AlUla in the land of Thamud, the people of Salih. The Prophet ﷺ passed here on the way to Tabuk and hurried through.

History and Seerah

Allah says: "And the people of al-Hijr denied the messengers" (Quran 15:80). When the Prophet ﷺ passed al-Hijr he said: "Do not enter the dwellings of those who wronged themselves unless you are weeping, lest what befell them befall you," then covered his head and hurried until he had crossed the valley (Bukhari 4419). The tombs standing today were carved later by the Nabataeans; the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitor tips

Many scholars advise against visiting for sightseeing, following the hadith; if you pass, do it in reflection and humility, as the Prophet ﷺ taught.