Riyadh

الشرقية

It is a traditional village in Mahd Al-Thahab Governorate, Madinah Province. It is approximately 225 km to the southeast of Madinah and about 50 km from Mahd Al-Thahab. It was known to the pilgrims coming from Iraq and the Gulf, who used to pass by since it was a station on the historical Darb Zubaidah Route. In ancient times, it was described as a place densely covered with palm trees. Today, it consists of a wall and traditional mud buildings roofed with tree trunks. It encompasses some traditional landmarks, such as Safinah Palace, Al-Alam Mountain, and Qazazah Well. Safinah has been around since the pre-Islamic era. The site is also known as Al-Khansa Village in reference to the poetess Tamadur bint Amr (Al-Khansa).
The village was mentioned by Al-Khansa in a poem about her brother Sakhr. In this poem, she bemoaned Sakhr's death and referred to some of his feats, generosity, courage, and chivalry after news of his death reached Safinah Village at night. Due to the great loss, the news of his death spread among Al-Khansa's fellow tribesmen, Bani Amr.

It is a heritage village in Mahd Al-Thahab Governorate, south of Madinah. It was densely covered with palm trees in ancient times. Today, it consists of a wall and traditional buildings. It is also called Al-Khansa's Village. It was mentioned in an elegy by Al-Khansa. 

Safinah

It is a mountain located to the north of Al-Shu'ba Valley, to the north of Obla Mountain, and to the south of Al Hinakiyah Governorate, Madinah Province. It is a mountain range extending from the northwest to the southeast. In ancient times, it was described as a separate plateau devoid of mountains or water. Today, it is called 'Ar Mountain.

Al-Khansa, Tamadur bint Amr, mentioned Ti'ar and Yathbul mountains together in one of her elegies on the death of her brother, Sakhr. She portrayed them as an example of steadfastness and endurance. She said that her brother's generosity is an authentic and unchanging trait, which is as lasting as Ti'ar and Yathbul. 

It is a mountain in the south of Al Hinakiyah Governorate, Madinah Province. In ancient times, it was described as a separate plateau devoid of mountains or water. Today, it is called 'Ar Mountain. It was mentioned in one of Al-Khansa's elegies.  

Ti'ar Mountain

It is a small village and a heritage site in Al-Ula Governorate Madinah Province, in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was the home of Thamud, who were the first people to carve out houses in rocks and mountains. It was also one of the most important Nabatean settlements. Its antiquities and ancient inscriptions testify to its ancient history. It is called Al-Hijr because it is a low, flat area surrounded by mountains. A person who enters it finds himself in the midst of a series of interconnected and separated mountains and rocky depressions. 
Hadba ibn al-Khashram's camels rushed up fast between al-Yahameem and Al-Hijr. Meanwhile, he imagined a woman whom he referred to but did not name.

It is a small village and a heritage site in Al-Ula Governorate. In ancient times, it was one of the towns of Thamud and an important Nabatean settlement. It was mentioned by Hadba ibn al-Khashram in a one-line verse. 

Al-Hijr (Hegra)

It is a high mountain in Madinah Province, approximately 12 km to the northeast of Al-Rabatha. It overlooks Al-Fareesh from the southwest. The Madinah-Makkah Road passes between them. The mountain is surrounded by arroyos on the four sides. Many villages and famous landmarks have been scattered around the mountain since antiquity. It is a high twin peak, and hence, some refer to it as Sanamain.  

Hadba ibn al-Khashram asked his two companions to turn their camels towards Laila's lodging, explaining that the place they were in separated them from Laila's lodging. He identified his current location as beside Sanam Mountain, and a sand mound called Al-Baqqar before Sanam Mountain.

It is a high mountain in Madinah Province, to the northeast of Al-Rabatha, it is surrounded by arroyos. It is a twin peak, and hence, some refer to it as Sanamain. It was mentioned in Hadba ibn al-Khashram's poetry.        

Sanam

It is a reddish-black mountain located to the southwest of Al-Quway’iyah city and to the west of Al-Rayn Governorate. It is 1356m above sea level and is the fifth-highest peak in Upper Najd. It is a protruding mountain that can be seen from a distance and contains a perennial watering spring called Butran. There are also other water springs around it. In ancient times, it was described as a mountain in the quarter of Amir bin Sa'sa'h. It still bears its ancient name today. 

Qais bin Al-Mulawwah climbed Butran Mountain and gazed at the surrounding areas through the horizon, hoping that he would see Laila and that she would see him. But he did not gain any good out of his climbing to the top of the mountain and inspecting the surrounding areas, except sorrow and tears running down his cheeks, which were like the tears that ran down the cheeks of his beloved, Laila.

It is a reddish-black mountain located in Al-Quway’iyah Governorate. It is 1,356m above sea level. There is a water spring in the mountain, and it bears the same name. The mountain is still known by its old name. It was mentioned by Qais bin Al-Mulawwah. 

Butran

It is a hill in Al-Ghail, to the northwest of Al-Aflaj Governorate. It is approximately 100m above the ground and is easy to climb due to its gentle gradating slope. In the middle of the hill, there is a small cave known as the Qais and Laila Cave, with an area of about 3 square meters. Tubad is considered a traditional emblem in Al-Aflaj. The area where this hill is located is famous for its farms and palm tree orchards.  

Qais bin Al-Mulawwah, aka Majnun Laila, used to visit Tubad Hill after parting with his cousin, Laila Al-Amiriya. There, he used to remember those old days when he was still young, tending ship with Laila at the foot of the hill. Then, he would drift aimlessly until he would reach a distant land. To go back to Tubad, he used to follow the stars on his journeys. Thus, he would be guided by one star after another and move from one place to another across the desert until he would finally reach this hill. When he would see it, he would break into tears after a long and tiresome physical journey and an equally tiresome journey of loss. With his rich imagination, Qais made Tubad Hill speak and endowed it with passion.    

It is a hill in Al-Ghail, to the northwest of Al-Aflaj Governorate. It is approximately 100m above the ground. In the middle of the hill, there is a small cave. The hill is mentioned by Qais bin Al-Mulawwah.    

Tubad

These are two big mountains. They are located to the west of Hasat Qahtan, which in turn is located to the southwest of Al-Quway’iyah Governorate. They extend from north to south and are separated by a sand pass. The northern one is called Thiqan Al-Atshan because of the lack of water in it. It is approximately 18 km long. The southern one is called Thiqan Al-Rayyan because it contains a seasonal watering spring. It is approximately 20 km long. Today, they are called Ithqan Al-Atshan and Ithqan Al-Rowyan. They are referred to both in the singular and plural. They are famous mountains in Upper Najd. 

Laila Al-Akhyaliyya, a poetess, composed an elegy on the death of Tawbah bin Al-Humayyer, in which she mentioned these two mountains. She stood in a place where she could partially see these mountains. A vast barren desert, called Howdha, with very hard stones, separated her from the mountains. She was waiting for news as she stood in that place, in the hope that she would hear some news of the battle in which Tawbah took part, till she received news of his death in battle.  

Thiqan or Thiqanan are two big mountains separated by a sand pass. They are located to the west of Hasat Qahtan, which in turn is located to the southwest of Al-Quway’iyah Governorate. They are famous mountains in Upper Najd, and were mentioned by Laila Al-Akhyaliyya in one of her elegies.   

Thiqan

It is a valley to the south of Hasat Qahtan, in the southwest of Al-Quway’iyah Governorate. It extends for approximately 280 km and is fed with many tributaries. It starts at Al-Dakhoul Plateau Range and Thiqan Al-Atshan Mountain and enters Bark Valley. It is fed by many valleys and streams that come from distant places. Some villages are scattered along its banks. Haloxylon and other shrubs grow plentifully in this valley, making it a good pasture for cattle. It is also called Al-Raka Valley. 

Laila Al-Akhyaliyya was in Al-Raka Valley, and in the distance, she saw the top parts of two mountains called Amayah. She looked around waiting for news of Tawbah ibn Al-Humayyer and news of the battle in which he took part. She looked dismayingly! She had just received news of Tawbah's death. She bemoaned his death in an elegy, comparing his lasting feats to the lasting existence of the Amayah mountains.   

It is a valley to the south of Hasat Qahtan, in the southwest of Al-Quway’iyah Governorate. It extends for approximately 280 km and is fed with many tributaries. Haloxylon and other shrubs grow in this valley. It was mentioned in a poem by Layla Al-Akhyaliyya. 

Al-Raka

They are two large adjacent mountains in southern Najd, in the west of Al-Aflaj Governorate. In ancient times, they were called Amayah or Amayatain, but these names fell into disuse. Today, they are known as Al-Hasatain: the northern mountain is Hasat Al Huwail, and the southern one is Hasat Al Ilayyan. The mountains have become known by the tribes of Qahtan that live in the adjacent areas of each of them. They are also known as Hissi Qahtan and Al-Hissi. Their ancient name, 'Amayah,' referred to the fact that it was difficult for anyone entering them to find their passes and ways.    

Laila Al-Akhyaliyya stopped in Al-Raka Valley, and in the distance, she saw the top parts of two mountains called Amayah. She looked around, waiting for news of Tawbah bin Al-Humayyer and news of the battle in which he took part. Finally, she received news of Tawbah's death. She bemoaned his death in an elegy, comparing his lasting feats to the lasting existence of the Amayah mountains.     

Amayah or Amayatan are two large adjacent mountains in southern Najd, in the west of Al-Aflaj Governorate. Today, they are known as Al-Hasatain: Hasat Al Huwail and Hasat Al Ilayyan. They were mentioned by Layla Al-Akhyaliya in her elegy on the death of Tawbah bin Al-Humayyer.    

Amayah

It is a perennial water spring located to the west of a red plateau known as the Subaihah Plateau, which, in turn, is located to the east of Hadhb Al-Dawaser. Ancient references to the spring identified its location in the quarters of Bani Uqail. It was also referred to as Hubalah.

Laila Al-Akhyaliyya accurately described the scene of coming to the water spring for watering in a single-line verse. She said that the basins were usually full of water as people began to arrive at the place with their camels to supply themselves with water. Then, water gradually got less and less as more and more people arrived. Camels that arrived late waited for the basins to refill with water and then rushed to drink from them until all camels were watered.     

It is a perennial water spring located to the west of the Subaihah Plateau, which, in turn, is located to the east of Hadhb Al-Dawaser. It was mentioned by Laila Al-Akhyaliyya in a one-line poem.     

Al-Hubalah

It is a city in the north of Al-Ahsa Governorate. It is so called because of the plenty of water springs in it. It is an ancient town where human settlements are estimated to have begun between approximately 3500-4500 years ago. In the ancient past, it was surrounded by a deep trench. Over the last decades, the scope of urban development in Al-Uyun has doubled several times, so it has become the third largest city in Al-Ahsa in terms of area and population density. Today, the city is home to a number of historical sites, including Al-Ghareeb Mosque and Al-Qunaitirah Bridge. One of the important heights in the city is Al-Thulaim Mountain. The city still bears its ancient name. 

Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni remembered the places where he had lived and been, wishing he could return to those places to see them again and stay overnight. He wondered, "If only I knew whether those days I spent with my dear ones would ever come back and whether I would see my camels rushing up to Al-Uyun dunes and high mountains!"

It is a city in the north of Al-Ahsa Governorate. It is so called because of the plenty of water springs in it. In the ancient past, it was surrounded by a deep trench. Today, it is the third largest city in Al-Ahsa. Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni referred to it in one of his poems.  

Al-Uyun

This spring is located in Al-Ahsa Governorate, near Al-Battaliah, about seven km northeast of Al-Hofuf. It is an ancient spring that flows profusely with fresh water, which is cold in the summer. Farmers use it to water their palm trees and gardens.
     
Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni urged his people to defend their land in a few verses in which he stated that drinking the remnants of water from a small ditch is better than drinking the fresh, profusely flowing water of Ain Al-Jawhariyah if that entails repulsing enemy attacks and defending one's land.  

It is a water spring in Al-Ahsa Governorate, near Al-Battaliah. It flows profusely with fresh water, which is cold in the summer. It was mentioned in a poem by Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni.     

Ain Al-Jawhariyah

It is a town in the Eastern Province, north of Dammam, and is the administrative center of Al-Qateef Governorate in Saudi Arabia. It was described in the past as a big good town where palm trees grow plentifully. It was also known as Al-Khatt and encompasses many historical monuments. Today, it is famous for its numerous palm tree orchards. 

In one of his poems, Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni extolled Prince Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Abi Al-Hasan, one of the princes of the Uyuniyyah State (469-636AH). He mentioned many of his deeds and feats. He told the reader: ask the giant high-mounted horses, lances, and Yemeni swords about him, and they would tell you about his deeds in the war and how he repulsed the invading army that came from Al-Qateef. 

It is a town in the Eastern Province and is the administrative center of Al-Qateef Governorate. It was also known as Al-Khatt and encompasses many historical monuments. It is famous for its palm tree orchards. It was mentioned by Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni in one of his poems.

  Al-Qateef

It is a town in the Eastern Province, north of Al-Qateef. It is an ancient town where people have lived for many centuries. In the past, it was a walled village and consisted of 250 houses. Today, it encompasses many residential quarters and is called Safwa. Safwa was mentioned in a poem by Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni, in which he celebrated the feats of Prince Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Abi Al-Hasan, one of the princes of the Uyuniyyah State (469-636AH). He described his brave resistance that stopped the Al-Qateef army that advanced on Safwa in the morning, where it camped and rested reassured until the prince came to repulse the army.

It is a town in the Eastern Province, north of Al-Qateef. In the past, it was a walled village. Today, it encompasses many residential quarters and is called Safwa. It was mentioned by Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni in one of his poems.

Safwaa

It is a village in the Eastern Province, west of Al-Jubail and northwest of the city of Al-Dhahran. It encompasses a historic site that holds the ruins of an entire town. In the middle of the village, there are historic hills. The village is enclosed within an outer fence. Outside the fence, there are ruins of many old buildings which still bear its ancient name. A group of monuments were found within and outside the fence of Thaj, which still bears its ancient name. Notably, some verses refer to it as Tha'j. 

In a long poem, Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni boasted of his ancestors and contemporary fellow tribesmen. He referred to some of their feats and virtues. One of those named in the poem was Al-Fadh bin Abdullah bin Ali, a prince of the Uyuniyyah State (469-636AH). He said that this prince had ruled over the territories extending from Thaj to Qatar and was a sovereign protector of the Desert of the Kharijah in Oman and the entire area between this desert and Bahrain, protecting its lands, pastures, and waters and guarding them against the invading or migrating Bedouins, except those entering those territories as merchants.   

It is a village in the Eastern Province, west of Al-Jubail. It encompasses a historic site of the ruins of an ancient town. There are also fence-preserved historic sites in the village, which still bear its ancient name. It was mentioned by Ali bin al-Mugrab Al Uyuni in a long poem.

Thaj

It is a large valley and is considered one of the largest valleys in the Arabian Peninsula, next only to Al-Rummah Valley. It is about 450 km long. The city of Beeshah in the southwest of Aseer Province was built on its banks. It is an old city on the ancient way of Yemeni pilgrims and is known for its fertile land, numerous villages and farms, rich produce, and diverse flora, such as palm trees and vines. Beeshah Valley is a long valley on the banks of which many Arab tribes, including Labeed’s tribe of Bani Amer— had settled. 
  
Beeshah was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie’a in his muallaqa. He described the caravan of camels in which his beloved, Al-Nawar, moved. The camels were urged to move faster until they crossed the mirage through which they glistened like stones and tamarix trees of Beeshah Valley in their great numbers and huge size.  

It is a large and long valley. The city of Beeshah in the southwest of Aseer Province is built on its banks. Known for its fertile land and numerous gardens, it is about 255 km to the north of Abha. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.

Beeshah

It is a fertile valley with a high water level, which is considered the main tributary of Beeshah Valley in Aseer. It rises at Bilqarn mountains and pours into Beeshah Valley near Al-Subaihi village, 12 km north of the city of Beeshah. Dense flora grows on its banks. It constitutes the link between the Al-Sarah mountains and the Beeshah plains. There are many historic sites that still stand today on the banks of this valley.

It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa. He boasted of his generosity. His neighbors and guests were courteously treated and enjoyed his luxurious hospitality. They were hosted in the lower part of Tabalah Valley in spring when there was much fruit and produce.   

It is a fertile valley with a high water level and is one of the main tributaries of Beeshah Valley in Aseer. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.

Tabalah

It is a large plain area to the northeast of Al-Taif City. It constitutes a southern extension of Rukbah Plain, between Al-Shatt to the west and Hadhn to the east, and between Rukbah to the north and Al-Badahah to the south. The Riyadh-Taif Highway separates it from Rukbah, while the byroad forking from the Riyadh-Taif Highway and leading to Hadhn separates it from Al-Badahah. Some of the valleys flowing down from the mountains to the south of Al-Taif city, including Layyah and Sadirah valleys, pour into it. The place still bears its ancient name. 

In his apologetic poem addressed to Al-Nu'man bin Al-Munthir, Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani extolled Al-Nu'mans' generosity and lavish gifts, describing him as a generous person who gave away hundreds of camels loaded with lavish provisions. He also compared women to the gazelles of Al-Jard and that they live in luxury. When other people were exposed to the heat of the sun, they enjoyed the shades in the cozy and cool draped tents.

It is a large plain area to the northeast of Al-Taif City. Valleys flowing down from the mountains to the south of Al-Taif city pour into it. It was mentioned by Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani in his apology to Al-Nu'man bin Al-Munthir.   

Al-Jarad

It is a population center established on an ancient water spring in Al-Qaseem Province. Today, it is called Mudarraj, and it is located north of Buraidah, on the western edge of a mountain of the same name. It separates Al-Asyah and Al-Butain.  

Hawmanat Al-Darraj was mentioned by Zuhair bin Abi Sulma in his muallaqa. He described his beloved, Um ‘Awfa, who might refer to an indefinite woman and hence is a symbol of women in general. Because of the long time that had passed since he last saw Um ‘Awfa, whose dwelling changed over time, he did not know her place for sure. So, his uncertainty was reflected in his dubious questioning of whether the silent traces and remnants of ashes and other things in Hawmanat Al-Darraj and around Al-Mutathallam Mountain were traces of Um ‘Awfa. 

It is a population center in Al-Qaseem Province, to the north of the city of Buraidah. Today, it is called Mudarraj. In the past, it was a water spring near which people resided. It was mentioned by Zuhair bin Abi Sulma in the opening line of his muallaqa.    

Hawmanat Al-Darraj

It is an ancient town in the northwest of the Kingdom and one of the towns of Tabuk Province. It is about 264 km to the southeast of the city of Tabuk and 240 km to the northeast of Madinah. It is located in the middle of Al-Rummah Valley, to the west of Al-Rummah confluence with its tributary, Al-Shu'bah Valley, to the northwest of Uqlat Al-Suqur. Today, it is called Al-Ba'ayeth. It was colonized by successive ancient civilizations and appeared in archeological inscriptions. It is the main source of fresh water for the surrounding villages and agricultural settlements. It contains ancient antiquities, buildings and monuments, including Hadaj Well, which is surrounded by palm trees and is one of the oldest and most well-known wells of Arabia. This well is also proverbial; a person who is known for his generosity is referred to as Hadaj of Tayma. Tayma was also designated as one of the "main towns" and as an "Adian village in the lands of the Arabs." The adjective ‘Adi is used to describe very old places and houses in reference to the ancient people of ‘Ad. 

In the last scene of his muallaqa, Imru' ul-Qais mentioned Tayma. He referred to it in his description of the torrents and floods, how the flood reached Tayma where it uprooted all trees in the town and destroyed the buildings, except for the well-cemented ones which were built with rocks and the upper parts of which consisted of stones. 


It is an ancient town in Tabuk Province, known today as Al-Ba'ayeth. It was colonized by successive ancient civilizations and appeared in archeological inscriptions. It was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in the torrent scene of his muallaqa. 

Tayma

It is a group of tenacious mountains in the lands of Qahtan, 90 km north of Jazan. Today, it is known as the Zahwan Mountains. The mountains are surrounded by deep valleys and, therefore, served as a resort for those who flew with their lives. To the east of these mountains, there is a series of narrow and hard-to-climb mountains. Due to the great height of those mountains, the weather is moderate. Most rare and perennial vegetation, such as juniperus, abounds in the area.   

Wihaf Al-Qahr was mentioned by Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani in his muallaqa. He enumerated the places where he thought of his beloved, Nawar, during her journey to Yemen. According to him, she went to Yemen, and most likely, she passed by these places, which were stations where travelers to Yemen rested. One of those stations was Wihaf Al-Qahr.

It is a group of tenacious mountains in the lands of Qahtan, 90 km north of Jazan. Today, it is known as the Zahwan Mountains. These mountains were a resort for fugitives who escaped being chased. It was mentioned Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.

Wihaf Al-Qahr

It is a large and spacious valley surrounded by fantastic rock formations. It is administratively part of Yadmah Governorate, which is situated to the north of Najran and 35 km to the south of the town. It is about 300 km long and is fed by many tributaries and seasonal valleys. It is known for its high water level. In the past, it was a main station on the way from Yemen to the Hijaz and Najd. It was a meeting place for the caravans traveling from the south of the Arabian Peninsula. 

Tilkham was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaq, in the context of listing the stations where travelers stopped to have a rest. He thought his beloved, Nawar, would stop there as she traveled from Najd to Yemen. 

A large valley in Najran, surrounded by fantastic rock formations. Wadi Najran is administratively part of Yadmah Governorate and lies 35 km south of Yadmah. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.

Tilkham

It is a semi-flat area with a few heights. It is located between Al-Sharai' to the east and Sharai' Al-Mujahideen to the west. The highway connecting Makkah and Taif via Al-Sabeel passes through it.

Al-Sifah was mentioned by Al-Harith bin Hilliza Al-Yashkuri in his muallaqa, where he remembered his beloved Asma, who used to frequent Al-Sifah and other places to meet him, but then she left, and he could see her in this place no more.

It is a semi-flat area with a few heights. It is located between Al-Sharai' and Sharai' Al-Mujahideen. The highway connecting Makkah and Taif passes through it. It was mentioned by Al-Harith bin Hilliza Al-Yashkuri in the opening lines of his muallaqa.  

Al-Sifah

It is a historic town 120 km to the south of Hail. It is known for its monuments and ancient rock inscriptions. It was a spacious land separating the tribes of Asad and Tai' in the pre-Islamic period. The Old Mosque of Fayd, Al-Hisn, and Khirash's Palace— which is located downtown, are some of its important monuments that still stand today. Another important landmark is the Antique Museum. This town still bears its ancient name. 

Fayd was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa as he reflected on how he could meet his beloved, Nawar, who belonged to the tribe of Murrah when he did not know where she had stopped and camped: Was she in the north, in the direction of Hail, Fayd, and the mountains of Aja and Salma, or had she rather headed southwards? He showed how difficult, indeed impossible, it was to reach her when they were separated by a long distance.        

It is a historic town 120 km to the south of Hail. It is known for its monuments and ancient inscriptions. Its monuments that still stand today include Al-Hisn and Khirash's Palace. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.      

Fayd

It is one of the western tributaries of Hanifah Valley and is known today as Laban Valley. It originates in the dorsal part of Jabal Tuwaiq, which overlooks the town of Dharma, and flows eastwards, slightly tilting to the northeast and flows into Hanifah Valley at the confluence north of Al-Uraija Quarter in the west of Riyadh city. It is fed by many tributaries flowing from the north and south. It is a deep valley at the banks of which many farms and gardens were established. A concrete dam was built in the course of the valley. The two dorsal parts of Awbarah and Laban are located to the north, whereas the dorsal part of Al-‘Uraija is to the south of this valley. Modern residential quarters have been built in these areas.      

Batn Al-Khal was mentioned by Al-A'sha bin Qais as he asked his companions to look at the heavy clouds and at a distant flash of lightning and to guess the place where rain would fall. They guessed, each naming a place or a valley as though it had already rained there on that day. One of the places they proposed was Batn Al-Khal, as though torrents were already flowing in those places. Now, these places have become part of Riyadh city. Both Numar and Laban valleys flow into the larger Hanifah Valley. Other places, which have become residential quarters, such as Al-Saliy, Al-Batha, and Al-Mugharrazat, were flooded with water that reached as far as Khushm Al-'An to the east and Nufud Banban to the north. A'sha mentioned the places that were guessed to receive rain. 

It is one of the western tributaries of Hanifah Valley and is known today as Laban Valley. It originates in the dorsal part of Jabal Tuwaiq and flows into Hanifah Valley. It is a deep valley mentioned by Al-A'sha in his muallaqa.  

Batn Al-Khal

It is a depression surrounded by mountains to the south of the Al-Dakhul Plateaus. Today, it is known as Al-Jafrah or Jafrat Al-Saqib. It is a large depression in western Najd, surrounded by mountains on all sides. It blooms in spring and in rainy seasons. The blackish Al-Saqib Mountain is situated in the middle of this area.
 
Al-Miqrah was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais. It is one of the four places surrounding Siqt Al-Liwa. Imru' ul-Qais asked his two companions to stop and help him cry at the traces of the deserted encampment of his dear ones who had moved somewhere else and left him suffering because of separation. He stated that the traces of those who had departed were still evident in this place because in that place the wind did not blow in a single direction. Rather, it sometimes blew northwards and sometimes southwards. So, when the traces were covered by the sand as a result of the blowing of the wind, another wind blew in the opposite direction, blowing off the sand that covered those traces, which became visible again. 

Surrounded by mountains, with Al-Saqib Mountain standing at its center, it is a large depression in western Najd. It is one of the places around Siqt Al-Liwa, which is mentioned in Imru' ul-Qais' muallaqa. 

Al-Miqrah

It is a series of plateaus about 500 km away from Riyadh and 200 km from Bisha Governorate. It is approximately 10 km to the west of Hawmal Mountain and has a different color from that of the mountain. The series of plateaus is reddish in color. Al-Dakhul and Hawmal are surrounded by a number of very ancient wells with fresh water. It is located on the western side of the Al-Dakhul mountains. This area is a good grazing ground where some plants, such as lavender and red star-thistle— a bitter-tasting plant, grow.

Al-Dakhul was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in one of the opening lines of his famous muallaqa. He seemed to inscribe the name of these heights in the memory of the future audience of his poem because it was a temporary resting place for those who stopped near it in Siqt Al-Liwa. So, he depicted a beautiful portrait of the traces of lodgings where his beloved stayed. When he contemplated those ruins with his two companions, he cried and asked them to cry, too.     

It is a series of plateaus about 500 km away from Riyadh. It is approximately 10 km to the west of Hawmal Mountain. It was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in one of the opening lines of his famous muallaqa. 

Al-Dakhul

It is a water spring in Makkah, flowing down Mount Abu Qubais. It was reported that bleachers used to go to this water spring to wash their garments. Other places also bear the same name. The word 'ghail' in Arabic means 'runoff'. 

When Al-Nabighah was reported to Al-Nu'man bin Al-Munthir, he composed his muallaqa, in which he extolled Al-Nu'man and defended himself against the accusations leveled at him. To assert his innocence and apologize in the lines, he swore by Allah—Who made the birds of the Makkan Haram safe so that they were not harmed or hunted by anyone who passed by the Haram where the birds perched— that he did not do any act disapproved by Al-Nu'man. Al-Nabighah said that those birds usually lived between Al-Ghail and Al-Sa'ad water springs.     

It is a water spring in Makkah, flowing down Mount Abu Qubais. In the past, bleachers used to go there to bleach garments. This water spring was mentioned by Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani in his muallaqa.  

Al-Ghail

It is a series of mountains southeast of the town of Afif, between the town and the Al-Mardamah mountains. Some of these mountains are approximately 131m high and include many water springs. On their eastern foot, a town called Al-Jarfiyah was built. The place is now called the Al-Atwalah Mountains, which are located between the paved road that connects Afif with the Riyadh-Taif Highway to the east and the old Hijaz Road to the west.
 
In the opening lines of his muallaqa, Ubaid bin Al-Abras stopped at the ruins that had once been full of life when it was home to his people, Bani Sa'ad, but had been deserted because of drought and incessant war. Al-Quttabiyyat mountains were among those places hit by drought and war, so local residents left the place, which became a wilderness where only wild animals lived.    

It is a series of mountains southeast of the town of Afif, with many water springs in them. Some of these mountains are approximately 131m high. The place is now called the Al-Atwalah Mountains. It was mentioned by Ubaid bin Al-Abras in his muallaqa.

Al-Quttabiyyat

It is a large mountain in Makkah Province, extending from north to south, west of the paved road connecting Afif with Dhalm, to the north of Safwah mountains, and to the southwest of Abraq Sihan. Some parts of it are covered with desert sand. Today, it is called Abraq 'Ardan Mountain. Abraq means a mountain of which some parts are covered with desert sand. To the poets and people of Najd, Abraq ‘Ardan is associated with Safwah. Sands and herbs are found in the vicinity of Abraq ‘Ardan. 

The poet halted at some ruins and traces of the lodgings where his fellow tribesmen lived and recorded that in the opening section of his muallaqa to remind future generations of life throbbing with vitality and fertility in those places and monuments. That life came to an end because of wars and other afflictions. Those monuments included Abraq Ardah, around which no lodging was to be found.   

It is a large mountain in Makkah Province. Desert sands cover parts of the mountain, and herbs grow in its vicinity. Today, it is called Abraq Ardan Mountain. It was mentioned by Ubaid bin Al-Abras in his muallaqa.

Ardah

It is a series of plateaus 30 km northeast of Mahd Al-Dhahab Governorate. These plateaus are light red in color. The series consists of adjacent plateaus that vary in size. There is a solitary plateau with a high small top that stands like a minaret, and next to it there is a larger rectangular smooth plateau. Around these two plateaus, there are bushes and plants that endow the surrounding area with a very beautiful, attractive view. Today, it is called Hadhb Al-Dayaheen. 

Hadhb Al-Qaleeb was one of the farthest places where the tribe of Asad lived. Ubiad bin Al-Abras Al-Asadi stopped at the place, stressing the afflictions that befell the place as it was a battlefield and death hovered over the place. There was also drought, which further persuaded the residents to move away. It was referred to in the poem as Al-Qaleeb. 

It is a series of adjacent plateaus in the northeast of Mahd Al-Dahab Governorate. They vary in size. Today, it is called Hadhb Al-Dayaheen. It was mentioned by Ubaid bin Al-Abras in his muallaqa.

Hadhb Al-Qaleeb

It is a large, high, and semi-round mountain 125 km southwest of the town of Al-Quway’iyah. It is 1,524 m above sea level and is the highest of all southern Upper Najd mountains. Today, it is called Sabha Mountain. It consists of reddish granite rocks and is penetrated by a number of valleys and passes with sporadic acacia tortilis woods and pools of water that long outlast the rainy season. 

It was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in his description of how he and his friends watched the rain that fell on the area extending from Qatan Mountain on the one hand and Yathbul and Al-Sitar mountains on the other. 

It is one of the uppermost southern Upper Najd mountains. It is 125 km to the southwest of the town of Al-Quway’iyah. Today, it is called Sabha Mountain. It was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in the rain scene of his muallaqa. 

Yathbul

It is a mountain to the northwest of Al-Qaseem. It is located between Al-Ba'ayeth, located to the south of Hail, and Sumaira, which is 120 km from Hail. Today, it is known as Kitaifan Mountain. In ancient times, the surrounding area was full of meadows and various trees, but today only a few plants grow there. 

Kutaifah was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in one of the last lines of his muallaqa, in which he described clouds and the downpour in Kutaifah and the surrounding area. It rained so heavily that mighty torrents uprooted and carried away big trees, including vachellia, which usually grows in large quantities at the banks of large valleys. This tree blossoms in late spring and early summer, and its flowers have a fragrant smell.    

It is a mountain known today as Kitaifan, northwest of Al-Qaseem. It is located between Al-Ba'ayeth and Sumaira'. It was encircled by plants and trees in the past. It was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in the closing lines of his muallaqa in the clouds and rain scene.  

Kutaifah

They are two hills, 13 km south of Al-Rass in Al-Qaseem, on the southern bank of Al-Rummah Valley. They were inhabited by Bani Amer and are separated by an area that turns into a grassy meadow in spring. Al-Nisa Valley lies nearby. Today, they are known as Eastern and Western Al-Qushee'. They are 700m apart. The Western Al-Qushee' has been developed into a park for the local residents of Al-Rass because of its nice weather, diverse flora, and green pastures in the surrounding area.
 
The two hills were mentioned by Tarafah bin Al-Abd in his muallaqa. He described the vigor and vitality of his she-camel, noting that it grazed its fill at Quffain’s rich pasture, which bloomed after rain.  

They are two hills in Al-Qaseem, 13 km south of Al-Rass. The place is known for its nice weather, diverse flora, and green pastures. They were mentioned by Tarafah bin Al-Abd in his muallaqa.

Al-Quffain

It is a solitary hard-to-climb mountain in the entry to the Quarters of Tayy’. Today, it is known as Fardat Al-Shamous. It is 140 km west of Hail. The mountain holds the remains of the noble companion, Zaid Al-Al-Khair, and ancient inscriptions by Thamud. Near the mountain, there was a water spring owned by Bani Al-Jarm of Tayy’. 

Fardah was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa in his listing of the places where his beloved, Nawar, stayed. She moved in Faid from the east to the west of the Aja and Salma mountains and back. So, she stopped quite away from him as he lived in the Hijaz.

It is a solitary hard-to-climb mountain in the entry to the Quarters of Tayy’. Today, it is known as Fardat Al-Shamous. It is 140 km west of Hail. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.

Fardah

It is an old water spring owned by Bani Faq'as of the Asad tribe and was the best of their water springs. Today, it is called Al-Jurthumi. It is located to the east of the Al-Mawsham (Qanan) mountains and is administratively part of the Al-Rass Governorate in Al-Qaseem. It is 103 km southwest of Al-Rass. It is surrounded by mountains to the north, while to the south, it is bordered by large expanses of sand and good pastures for camels. 

Jurthum was mentioned by Zuhair bin Abi Sulma in his muallaqa, in which he remembered Um ‘Awfa, whom he had not seen for 20 years and became sorry for that. When he was moved by longing for her, as he passed by her lodging and paths, she had walked on. He asked his companion to observe the route of travelers coming from the Al-Mawsham mountains and passing by the Jurthum water spring in the hope that he might see some women and that Um ‘Awfa, whom he missed, might be among them.

It is an old water spring owned by Bani Faq'as of the Asad tribe. Today, it is called Al-Jurthumi and is administratively part of Al-Rass Governorate in Al-Qaseem. This area is characterized by a large expanse of sand and green pastures that are ideal for raising camels. It was mentioned by Zuhair bin Abi Sulma in his muallaqa.

Jurthum

It is a valley in the quarters of Bani Yarbu'. Today, it is called Al-Qaysumah Valley, on the banks of which Al-Qaysumah village was built. It is 15 km to the southwest of Hafr Al-Batin. In the past, it flowed throughout the year. Around it, there are pastures and grasslands. It is on the old way of pilgrims coming from Iraq. It is 280 km away from Al-Shamat.

Thu Tuluh was mentioned by Amr bin Kulthum in his muallaqa. He boasted of his people's victories in battles and how they defeated their enemies. He said that they camped between Thu Tuluh and Shamat, ready to fight Bani Yarbu'. It was one of the glorious days of Taghlib.   

It is a valley in the quarters of Bani Yarbu' of Tamim. Today, it is called Al-Qaysumah Valley and is 15 km from Hafr Al-Batin. It was mentioned by Amr bin Kulthum in his muallaqa.

Thu Tuluh 

It is a flat, fertile, pebble-infested grazing area in the quarters of Amer bin Abi Sa'asa'ah, located between Nafud Al-Qunaifithah to the east and Nufud Al-Sirr to the west. It is known as Jilh Al-Ishar and is 100 km west of Riyadh. It is located in the southwestern corner of Al-Quway’iyah Governorate. Numerous gazelles live in this area even today. 

Al-Jalhatan was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa. He described the lodging of his beloved, Nawar and the grazing areas of her relatives, including Al-Jalhatan, where it rained throughout winter and spring, so the land became green, and iplotaxis acris grew and became good feed for gazelles, which went through a mating season, and begot numerous fawns, as did ostriches which laid eggs that hatched in the midst of those herbs. 

It is a fertile pebble-infested pasture area in the quarters of Amer bin Abi Sa'asa'ah, located between Nufud Al-Qunaifithah to the east and Nufud Al-Sirr to the west. It is known as Jilh Al-Ishar and is 100 km west of Riyadh. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.  

Al-Jalhatan

They are red plateaus in the lands of Bani Amer, near Al-Ghoul and Mina. Today, the place is called Al-Sha'ab. It is located in southern Al-Qaseem, and hence is located in Upper Najd, which is known for its nice weather and pastures. It is 20 km to the northeast of Al Dhahirah Governorate. There used to be a water spring owned by Bani Ja'afar of Amer, the tribe of Labeed bin Rabie'a. It was located on the way of the pilgrims coming from Basra. 

Al-Rijam was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa, in his description of the quarter of his beloved, Nawar, which had been deserted and no one was to be seen, neither in the villages nor in the pastures, and had become home to beasts instead. 

They are red plateaus in the lands of Bani Amer, known today as Al-Sha'ab in Al Dhahirah Governorate. There used to be a water spring owned by Bani Ja'afar of Amer. It was mentioned by Labeed bin Rabie'a in his muallaqa.  

Al-Rijam

It is an oasis in Najd, known for its fertile soil and numerous farms. It is situated in Jilh Al-Ishar between Nufud Qunaifithah to the east and Al-Sirr Mounds (Ramlat Jurad) to the west. Today, it is known as Rawdhat Bani Du'man. It is 120 km west of Riyadh. 

Rawdhat Du'mi was mentioned by Tarafah bin Al-Abd in his muallaqa, in his description of his halt at the ruins of his beloved's lodgings, where he cried all night long as he remembered his happy days with her. 

It is an oasis in Najd, known for its fertile soil and numerous farms. Today, it is known as Rawdhat Bani Du'man. It is 120 km west of Riyadh. It was mentioned by Tarafah bin Al-Abd in his muallaqa.

Rawdhat Du'mi

It is a valley that flowed with fresh water in ancient times. It is located to the north of western Al-Qaseem and to the northwest of Al-Mawsham Mountain. It is known today as Gheemar. Falcons are hunted in the surrounding difficult-to-climb mountains. It is 157 km east of Buraidah. 

Ghimar was mentioned by Zuhair bin Abi Sulma in his muallaqa in the context of his description of the Dahis-Al-Ghabra Wars, which broke out between Abs and Thubyan and its impacts. According to the poet, the warring parties would stop temporarily but would soon start a new round of fighting. He compared the two warring parties to grazing camels that grazed until they were satisfied. They would go to drink. Like them, the warring parties would stop for rest and reorganize their ranks and rearmament and then resume hostilities and soak their swords in the blood that flowed like the waters of Ghimar.  

It is a valley that flowed with fresh water in ancient times. It is located to the north of western Al-Qaseem and is known today as Al-Gheemar. It was mentioned by Zuhair bin Abi Sulma in his muallaqa.

Ghimar

They were ancient watering areas east of Riyadh, one of them known as Duhrudh and the other was called Wasee'. The latter still bears the same name today. 

Antara bin Shaddad mentioned Al-Duhrudhan in his muallaqa as he described his camel's fast galloping. It developed the habit of drinking at Al-Duhrudhan watering springs where no men were to be seen and would refrain from drinking at Al-Daylam basins where people gathered as if it had become wild. When a domestic animal turned wild, it would use all its energy in galloping to escape, and this is the point that Antara seemed to convey.  

They were ancient watering areas east of Riyadh, one of them known as Duhrudh and the other was called Wasee'. They were mentioned by Antara bin Shaddad in his muallaqa.    

Al-Duhrudhan

It is a large, flat desert to the north of Rukbah Plain in northern Taif. There are trees, water, and grazing areas in this area. It was famous for the large number of antelopes living there. The place name 'Wajra' is no longer known today, as it has become part of the broader area of Rukbah Plain.

Imru' ul-Qais mentioned Wajra in his muallaqa, in his description of his beloved's looks. She looked at him with eyes like those of a Wajra antelope looking at its baby because antelope's eyes were most beautiful when it looked at its babies tenderly and affectionately. 

Labeed bin Rabie'a saw some howdahs one day and remembered the departure of the dear ones in groups. He compared the beautiful eyes of the departing women in their howdahs to those of antelopes that lived in Wajra when they looked endearingly at their babies and bent their necks to look at them.  

Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani mentioned Wajra in his apologetic poem. He compared his she-camel to a wild bull that lived alone in Wajra. This bull is white, with black spots and stripes on its legs. It has a slender belly because it is very hungry. It is also strikingly white, like a flashing, unparalleled sword. 

It is a desert to the north of Rukbah Plain in Taif. It is a large flat area historically famous for the great number of antelopes that used to graze there. Many poets referred to it in their poems.

Wajra

It is an oasis famous for its water springs and agriculture, especially growing palm trees. It is one of the oldest human settlements in the Arabian Gulf. It is the present-day city of Al-Qateef in the Eastern Region. It was home to manufacturing the best quality of spears in ancient times. 
  
Amr bin Kulthum mentioned Al-Khatt in his muallaqa as he boasted of himself and his people, describing them as courageous and bold warriors, who never stopped slaying their enemies in all circumstances. They threw Khatti spears at those who weren’t within the reach of swords. Khatti spears were attributed to Al-Khatt, which was famous for high-quality spears that were the most precise in hitting the target. 

Al-A’sha bin Qais mentioned Al-Khatt in his muallaqa as he depicted a picture of his tribe’s fighting capabilities and that they killed all enemy cavalry, sparing only the women who tried in vain to protect the tribe chieftain from being killed, mutilated or sacked.    

It is an oasis famous for its numerous water springs and agriculture, especially growing palm trees. It is the present-day city of Al-Qateef in the Eastern Province. It was mentioned by many poets, especially Amr bin Kulthum in his muallaqa. 

Al-Khatt

It is a semi-flat area of plains located in the middle north of Al-Qaseem Province, 30 km to the north of Buraidah.  The whole area is located to the north of Al-Rummah Valley.  It consists of small villages, farms, palm orchards, mountains, waters, and inhabited areas. There are many towns connected by paved roads, such as Uyun Al-Jiwa, Ghaf Al-Jiwa, and Rowdh Al-Jiwa. It is characterized by its many depressions or concavities and the mountainous formations, which are penetrated by short valleys. There are no large sand formations except for Nufud Al-'Inaq.   
 
Al-Jiwa was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in his muallaqa, as he depicted the scene of the singing of the greater hoopoe-larks—a bird that resembles hoopoes. These birds sing a lot. Imru' ul-Qais depicted the birds as though they were very happy with the change that was brought about by the rain and torrents. The desert was brought back to life, flowers bloomed, and grass began to sprout. So, these birds sang from the early morning and kept singing throughout the day.

Al-Jiwa was also mentioned by Antara bin Shaddad in the second line of his muallaqa as he greeted Abla's abode, wishing it to be safe and to remain for long. He asked the abode to speak and to tell him about its residents: What have they done? 

It is a semi-flat area of plains located in the middle north of Al-Qaseem Province. It consists of small towns, villages, farms, palm orchards, mountains, waters, and inhabited areas. It was mentioned by many poets, either because it was famous or because it was part of their homeland.   

Al-Jiwa'

It is a place known today as Zabarat Al-Midhyah. It is located in the western part of Najd and is famous for the Wadhihi deer, which has long, straight horns.
Imru' ul-Qais mentioned Tudhih in his muallaqa among the places where he asked his two fellow travelers to stop and help him bemoan those who had left.

Labeed bin Rabie'a mentioned Tudhih in his muallaqa. He saw the howdahs in the very place where he had stayed. So, he remembered his beloved's departure as she mounted her howdah like the other women and the drapery was let down to conceal her, and then she went away. He compared the women in howdahs to wild cows, which he used to see in Tudhih because, like them, they have beautiful eyes and gaits.   

Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani mentioned Tudhih in his muallaqa, in which he apologized to Al-Numan bin Al-Munthir, and hence is known as Al-I'titharia (apology). He described Al-Numan as an open-handed person who gave away hundreds of the best she-camels. Those she-camels grazed on the neurada in Tudhih. This herb is a good feed for cattle. It makes she-camels fat, increases their milk, and makes their meat delicious. 

This is a place known today as Zabarat Al-Midhyah. It is located in the western part of Najd. It is famous for the Wadhihi deer. It was mentioned by some poets, most notably by Imru' ul-Qais in his muallaqa among the places where he asked his two fellow travelers to stop and bemoan the ruins.

Tudhih

It is a mountain range known today as the Al-Muwasham Mountains. It is located in the mid-northern outskirts of Al-Qaseem Province. In terms of color, Al-Muwasham is divided into three sections: the middle part consists of reddish plateaus. To the east and to the north of this part, there are ranges of black mountains. Some mountains have more than one color, hence the name 'muwasham,' which implicitly compares the colored rocks to a tattooed human complexion. There are good grazing areas for cattle and camels around this area.      
Imru' ul-Qais referred to this mountain in the last lines of his muallaqa, in his description of the powerful torrent that rushed in the desert and uprooted big trees. The splashing water reached ibexes, which usually lived in the mountains, driving them down from the high places of Al-Qanan Heights to discover the danger and find a way to avoid the danger of the torrent.         

Zuhair bin Abi Sulma mentioned Al-Qanan in the opening lines of his muallaqa. Having opened his ode by referring to the ones dear to him and stopping at their places and traces to greet them, he asked his companion whether the ones dear to him had left or were not. Then, he drew a track of their journey in his imagination. They set on their journey with Al-Qanan Mountain and the hard terrain to their right.

It is a mountain range located in the mid-northern outskirts of Al-Qaseem Province. Today, the area is called the Al-Muwasham Mountains. These mountains vary in color between red, black, etc., and have good grazing areas. The place was mentioned by some poets. 

  Al-Qanan

It is a large area with various terrain, ranging from mountains to plains. A group of waterways and valleys pass through the area. It is one of the best grazing areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located between the northern part of the Al-Dahna Desert and the eastern outskirts of the Al-Nufud Desert to the west and between the road linking the cities of Hafr Al-Batin and Arar to the East. 
Antara bin Shaddad mentioned Al-Hazn in his muallaqa, as he stated that Abla was far away from him and that the conditions of life in the desert and moving from one place to another in search of water and grazing areas separated them. She was somewhere in the desert with her family, and he was somewhere else in the desert with his family.     

Al-A'sha bin Qais mentioned Al-Hazn in his muallaqa, specifically in his lengthy description of his beloved. He compared her to a garden in Al-Hazn at its most attractive view after a downpour. This comparison reflects their love of the land and the great value it has for them and that its love is deeply entrenched in their hearts, just like the love of women.   

It is a large area with various terrain, ranging from mountains to plains. It is located between the northern part of the Al-Dahna Desert and the eastern ends of the Al-Nufud Desert to the east. It was mentioned by several poets, including Antara bin Shaddad, who referred to it in his muallaqa.

  Al-Hazn

It is an old village near the Al-Shiqqah neighborhood, to the north of Buraidah, Al-Qaseem Province. Today, it is called Dhari. The village has (almost) disappeared.  

Imru' al-Qais and his companions gathered between Dharij and the Al-Uthaib spring, reflecting on the beauty of nature around them, viewing the lightening and clouds, and watching the places in the distance where it rained. Imru’ ul-Qais was wondering at that moment how he could see those distant clouds. 

It is an old village in Al-Qaseem. It is located to the north of Buraidah. Today, it is called Dhari and has (almost) disappeared. It was mentioned by Imru' ul-Qais in his muallaqa, as he watched with his companions the rain from a distance. 

Dharij

It is a series of rocky black depressions in Hail, in the lands of Bani Mujashi' bin Darim of Tamim. The most important of which was Shamat Zarud. It is 77 km east of Baqaa, and is the capital of Baqaa Governorate. Near these depressions, there are a pool, a well and an old palace. Vegetation grows plentifully in the area in spring.   
It was mentioned by Amr bin Kulthum in his muallaqa. He boasted of his people and their battles with their enemies, and maintained that they camped in a place between Thu Tuluh and Shamat, ready to fight their enemies, which became a famous day.  

It is a series of rocky black depressions in Baqaa Governorate, Hail. It is 77 km east of Baqaa. It was mentioned by Amr bin Kulthum in his muallaqa.      

Al-Shamat

It is a depression in the midst of the western part of Aja mountains in Hail in northern Saudi Arabia. Rain water gathers in this depression and forms a pool. It was also an orchard of palm trees, known for its high-quality dates. Al-Sahwah, a valley with abundant palm trees, bifurcates from it. 
Led by Amer bin Al-Juwain Al-Fattak, Banu Muharib raided the quarters of Hatim Al-Ta'i's fellow tribesmen, so Hatim hurried to their rescue and defense when Amer had thought that he had seized and owned the land.   

It is a depression in the midst of Aja mountains in Hail in northern Saudi Arabia. It was part of the quarters of Tayi' and was mentioned in a poem by Hatim Al-Ta'i.

Al-Sahw

It is a historic city in northern Saudi Arabia. It was built 500 years before Christ. It was known as Tabu when it served as the capital of the Ayanites along with Al-Ula. It is believed that Tabuk is the historical land of Madyan. It is located on the route from Madinah to the Levant and is 778 km north of Madinah. It is the largest city in the north of the kingdom. Currently, it is a thriving city in which all state facilities are available. The land is fertile and the water is fresh in Tabuk. There are also beautiful gardens there. 
Tabuk was mentioned by Omar in his description of his longing for his beloved and that her phantom accompanied him wherever he went. One of the places where her phantom haunted him was Thu Al-Athl in Tabuk. Thus. Tabuk was one of the places where he remembered his beloved.   

It is a historic city in the north of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 778 km north of Madinah. It was mentioned in a poem by Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah.

Tabuk

It is a gorge in the southwest of Salma Mountains, which are about 60 km away from Hail. Its upper tributaries come from the south of Harrat Al-Hateemah. Today, it is called Sha'eeb Al-Thu'ailibi.  
In his muallaqa, Abeed bin Al-Abras Al-Asadi referred to it, along with other places where his tribe, Bani Sa'ad, used to stay. Residents fled those places because of the rising death toll due to wars. It became a desolate place, and no more residents enjoyed the flow of its waters in the rainy seasons. 

It is a gorge in the southwest of Salma Mountains, which are about 60 km away from Hail. Today, it is called Sha'eeb Al-Thu'ailibi. It was mentioned by Abeed bin Al-Abras in his muallaqa. It was a quarter of his tribe, Bani Sa'ad.

Thu'ailibat

It is a water spring on the pilgrims' way in ancient times, between Al-Tha'labia and Al-Ajfar in Hail Province. Today, it is about 50 km to the northeast of Hail. 
Amr bin Kulthum mentioned Thu Arat in his muallaqa, in his boastful celebration of his tribesmen and enumerating their deeds and glories, including joining their fellow tribesmen in fighting their enemies and their great endurance of hardship to the point that they stopped their best camels in Thu Arata where they did not find anything to eat except a dry black herb. Apparently, they happened to be at the water spring when it was dry. To an Arab of that age, camels were their capital and the source of their power and wealth.  

It is a water spring on the pilgrims' route between Al-Tha'labia and Al-Ajfar in Hail Province. It was mentioned by Amr bin Kulthum in his muallaqa.   

Thu Arat

It is one of valleys of Aja, to the north of Hayyah gorge, and Tuwarin Valley. It goes down the mountain, heading westwards and pours into Al-Sair Plain in Al-Nufud Al-Kabeer, east of Al-Hafeer village. It is 50 km from the city of Hail. 
Hatim Al-Ta'i described the longing of his camel to Tay'i mountains where his homes were situated, in an implicit reference to himself. When the camel saw Shawt Ahmar, a valley near his village—Tuwarin, it wanted to hasten to its place. The description carried implicit references to the poet himself.
When Imru' ul-Qais felt that his hour had drawn nigh, he wished he could be back at the homes of Tay'i and walk along in the valleys of Shut and Hayyah Gorge with his wife and daughters and enjoy being near to Bani Qais bin Shammar. However, his fate was lurking behind the corner and he soon died.

It is a valley in the lands of Tayi', and has been the home of Shammar tribe since antient times. Today, it is to the valley east of Al-Hafeer Village, Hail Province in northern Saudi Arabia. It was mentioned in a poem by Hatim Al-Ta'i. 

Shawt

It is a well-known lava plain in the lands of Ghatafan, known today as Dharghat. It is 210 km to the southwest of Hail. It is characterized by abundant water, large numbers of palm trees and large areas of cultivated fields.
Dharghad figured in Tarafa's muallaqa. He implicitly revealed his need to his cousin, Amr bin Marthad. The camels of Tarafa's brother, which Tarafa tended, had been stolen. He described himself as loyal and grateful and that he did not forget his relatives even when he was away. His cousin and his sons furnished his needs.    

It is a well-known lava plain in the lands of Ghatafan, 210 km to the southwest of Hail. It encompasses large areas of fertile land. It was mentioned by Tarafa ibn Al-Abd in his muallaqa.

Dharghad

It is a well-known mountain in Makkah, overlooking Fakh Valley from the south, and connected to Al-Hajun from the northeast. Today, the name is restricted to that part of it that connects the upper Fakh Valley and Al-Abtuh, which is called Rai' Athakher or Rai' Thakher. This is the place from which the Prophet, peace be upon him, entered Makkah on the day of Makkah Conquest. One of its important landmarks is Al-Ijabah Mosque, which was built in the third century AH. Today, it is a residential area frequented by many Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims since all services are provided.  
It was mentioned by Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah in a line in which he boastfully stated that he seduced the virgins and became the subject of their talk.  

It is the mountain connected with Al-Hajun from the northeast. It overlooks Fakh Valley in Makkah from the south. 
It was mentioned in a poem by Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah.

Athakher

They are two mountains in Makkah; namely, Abu Qubais which overlooks Al-Safa. Today, the Royal Palace was built on its foot. In the past, it was called Al-Ameen. The other is Qu'ayqi'an, which overlooked the Haram (Grand Mosque of Makkah) from the northwest. It extends northwards to Al-Hajun, westwards to Tuwa Well, and southwards to Al-Bab neighborhood and Al-Shubaikah. The greater part of these mountains has been bulldozed in the third Saudi expansion of the Grand Mosque of Makkah during the reign of the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 
Al-Akhshaban were mentioned by Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah in his description of his feelings, when he came to know that his beloved went to do Hajj in Makkah and that he might see her at Al-Akhshab. He had long waited for such a meeting and repeated attempts to meet her.

They are two mountains in Makkah: Abu Qubais and Qu'ayqi'an. They were mentioned by many poets, including Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah.

Al-Akhshaban

It is a place between Al-Hajun and the Grand Mosque of Makkah. In the past, it was a sand area, but today it has been urbanized into paved roads and a residential area, full of hotels and markets. Al-Ghazzah neighborhood and the popular Souq Al-Lail. Its monuments include Al-Rayah Mosque, which is also known as Mosque of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
The original features of the area have been erased when it was incorporated within the Project of Expansion of the Northern Courtyard of the Grand Mosque during the reign of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.  
 
Al-Batʼha was mentioned by many poets, including Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah in his description of his affair with his beloved. He explained that he spent the night with her in Al-Batʼha, with both of them covered with her jilbab (cloak), which protected them from rain. 

It is an area between Al-Hajun and the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Its monuments include Al-Rayah Mosque and the traditional market known as Souq Al-Lail (the Night Market). It was mentioned by many poets, including Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah.

Al-Batʼha

It is a famous graveyard to the southeast of the Prophet's Mosque. It is the nearest historic place to the Prophet's Mosque. In the past, it was separated from the Mosque only by Abu Tharr St. Today, it has merged with the southern and eastern courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque. Both the mosque and the cemetery have come to represent one civilizational bloc.
Ka'ab bin Malik portrayed the horrible Kharijites' act of killing of the Caliph, Uthman bin Affan (RA), who lay in his grave in Al-Baqi', near the Prophet's Mosque, while they soon realized the horrendous act they had committed due to their rash, irrational and irresponsible mentality. Therefore, they rushed to flee the scene of crime. By the morning, they had all fled the scene of horrendous crime in Madinah.


It is a graveyard to the east of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. It still bears its old name. It embraces the graves of a host of the companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and the next generation after them (tabi'een). The Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed for the people buried there. It was mentioned by Ka'ab bin Malik in one of his poems.

Al-Baqi'

The Jamarat are located in the southwest of Mina in Makkah. A multi-story bridge has been built in the place to reduce overcrowding and jostling of pilgrims. The act of stoning the Jamarat dates back to the time of the Patriarch, Ibrahim, peace be upon him. Satan appeared to him at the site of each of the three jamrahs, and he threw it with seven pebbles each time. So, stoning Satan became a Hajj ritual.    
Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah described the advent of his beloved to throw the pebbles at the Jamarat. She seemed to be tired and made her way exhaustedly in the midst of her friends who were as lively as gazelles. Like gazelles, they were elegant and had large black eyes. His beloved was also as beautiful.     

It is a place in Mina, where the Jamarat are stoned in the Hajj season. There are three Jamarat: the minor, middle and major jamrahs. It was mentioned in a love lyric by Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah.

Al-Jamarat

It is a mountain in upper Makkah, overlooking Al-Jinn Mosque, known also as Al-Haras Mosque. The Prophet, peace be upon him, entered Makkah from this side on the day of Conquest of Makkah and planted his banner on this mountain. One of the oldest cemeteries in the region, Al-Mi'alah Cemetery,  is located near this mountain. Today, it has become one of the neighborhoods of Makkah near the Grand Mosque due to rapid urbanization.
The Abbasid poet, Ali bin Al-Jahm, was of Quraishi descent. When Al-Mutawakkil became caliph, bin Al-Jahm celebrated his praises, extolling his noble descent and tribal standing. He enumerated the places where his forefathers lived in Makkah and reminding him of his link to the holy city, implicitly criticizing those of no known descent around the caliph, especially as they felt rancor towards Ali bin Al-Jahm for his favor at the court and misreported him to the caliph who imprisoned him as a result. 

It is a well-known mountain in upper Makkah at Shi'ab Al-Jazzareen. It is 1.5 miles away from the Grand Mosque, and is a quarter in Makkah bearing the same name until today. It was mentioned by Ali bin Al-Jahm in one of his poems. 

Al-Hajun

It is a low semi-circular arch-like structure and is considered part of the Ka'ba, even though it is separated from it. When Quraish built the Ka'ba, it could not afford the full cost required for building this part of the Ka'ba. So, they decided to keep it outside the building and enclose it within a structure to show that it was originally part of the Ka'ba. One of the accounts of the name of Al-Hateem narrated that it was so called because it was broken away from the building of the Ka'ba. It is also called Al-Hijr and Hijr Ismail. People go to pray in this enclosure. In this spot, the chiefs, judges and elders of Makkah used to gather for deliberations and counselling on the issues touching the honored Ka'ba and the great Sanctuary (Haram).          
Al-Hateem was mentioned by Abu Firas Al-Hamadani in a poem that praised one of his cousins. He concluded by praying that their glories and feats might live on and that they might continue to live in luxury as long as Al-Rukn (the Corner, i.e. of the Ka'ba) and Al-Hateem continue to exist.  

It is an open semi-circular enclosure to the north of the Ka'ba, and is known as Al-Hijr. It was mentioned by numerous poets, including Abu Firas Al-Hamadani.

Al-Hateem

It is a place at the foot of Mount Mina, quite elevated from the course of water. In the past, it was known as Khaif Bani Kinanah, but it has come to be more associated with the mosque, because the mosque, rather than the place as a whole, is associated with rituals on the Day of Sacrifice (Eid). The mosque is a busy place and has witnessed development and large expansion in the Saudi era. 
Al-Khaif was mentioned by Omar bun Abi Rabi'a as he remembered the hour when he and his beloved parted in silence and tears, half broken-hearted to sever for years.

It is a place at the foot of Mount Mina in Makkah. It is home to the historic Al-Khaif Mosque. Pilgrim camps are scattered around this mountain. It was mentioned by some poets, including Omar bin Abi Rabi'ah in one of his poems.

Al-Khaif

It was a stream flowing at the foot of Mount Abu Qubais. It was known by this name to the Arabs. It had dried up. The nearest point to it is a place known in Makkah as Al-Masafi, which still serves as a water catchment.  
In the lines in which Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani asserted his innocence of the wrong attributed to him and apologized, he swore by Allah—Who made the birds of the Makkan sanctuary (Haram) safe between Al-Ghail and Al-Sa'ad water springs so that they were not harmed or hunted by anyone who passed by the Haram— that he did not do any act which Al-Nu'man would disapprove of.

It was a stream that flowed at the foot of Mount Abu Qubais in Makkah, the nearest point to it is a place known today as Al-Masafi. It was mentioned by Al-Nabighah Al-Dhubyani in his muallaqa.

Al-Sa'ad

It is an 80km-long valley to the west of Madinah, and borders on the western lava plain of Madinah. Many valleys pour into it. It also embraces the miqat of pilgrims coming from Madinah. Due to rapid urbanization, it is now part of the city of Madinah. Today, the valley passes in the midst of the village of Thul Hulaifah (aka Abyar Ali). It figures a lot in poetry.  
Ali bin Al-Jahm entered Al-Mutawakkil's court to extol him. He opened his poem by referring to the playful white she-camels in Al-Aqiq Valley, asking for putting an end to that nasty state of affairs. He incited the caliph against his retinue, which consisted mainly of Persians.  


It is one of the most famous valleys in Madinah, located to the west of the city. It is 80 km long. Ali bin Al-Jahm opened one of his poems by referring to this valley.

Al-Aqiq

Madinah is located in western Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest city in Islam, next only to Makkah. It is also the place to which Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emigrated. It encompasses the Prophet's honorable body and grave, as well as the Prophet's Mosque which is the destination of visitors and pilgrims who flock to the mosque to pray. Muslims also call it Taibah. In the pre-Islamic era, it was called Yathrib. The Prophet, peace be upon him, changed its name to Madinah. 
Hudbah bin Khashram described a phantom appearance he had at night. The specter changed his way at Ghudhyan, which embraced the quarters of Bani Sa'ad Huthaim of Qudha'a in ancient times and was perhaps near Madinah. He followed another route until he reached Madinah, to which he referred using its old name, Yathrib. This phantom haunted him after a long separation and absence. 

Madinah is located in western Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the place to which the Prophet, peace be upon him, emigrated. It encompasses the Prophet's Mosque. It was mentioned by many poets, including Hudbah bin Khashram.    

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