Madinah Landmarks

A'yr Mountain

An Overview:

A'yr Mountain is one of the most prominent mountains in Madinah and one of its most important southern landmarks. It was mentioned by the Prophet (ﷺ) as one of the boundaries of Madinah sanctuary.

Its Story:

A'yr Mountain is one of the biggest mountains in Madinah. It was set by the Prophet (ﷺ) as a landmark that defined Madinah sanctuary south boundary. It is one of the two mountains referred to by the Prophet (ﷺ) in his saying: “O Allah! Ibrahim declared Makkah a sanctuary and it became sacred, and I declare Madinah a sanctuary—between the two mountains (i.e., A'yr and Uhud).”

When the Prophet (ﷺ) came from Makkah to Madinah as an emigrant, he took a road to the east of A'yr Mountain.

Its Significance:

The Mount acquires its significance from its association with the boundaries of the Madinah prophetic sanctuary. The Prophet (ﷺ) made it the southern boundary of Madinah. By crossing it, a person will be out of the sacred territory of Madinah, and it becomes permissible for him to do what is not permissible inside the sacred sanctuary of Madinah.

Additionally, the Miqat of Dhul Hulaifah Mosque was built on the western slopes of the mountain. Dhul Hulaifah is one of the spatial Mawaqit for Hajj and Umrah for the residents of Madinah and those who pass through it. To the west of the mountain flows the blessed Al-Aqiq Valley, which is mentioned in hadiths.

Its Geographical Location:

This great mountain is located in the southwest of Madinah, and to the east of Al-Aqiq Valley near Dhu Al-Hulaifa. The closest point of it is about 7 km from the Prophet’s Mosque. It can be accessed via Al-Hijrah Frontage Road.