Think Twice Before Visiting Alula In Light Of This Hadith

Think Twice Before Visiting Alula In Light Of This Hadith

The global travel landscape is being reshaped by the unique needs and aspirations of Muslim travelers. This dynamic and diverse group seeks experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing, prioritizing destinations that align with their core Islamic principles. The rapidly growing sector of halal tourism caters specifically to these requirements, ensuring access to everything from certified halal dining to dedicated prayer facilities.

For many, travel is a faith-based journey, a chance to connect with their heritage and spirituality. As a result, the demand for truly Muslim-friendly destinations continues to surge, encouraging a new standard of inclusive and considerate hospitality worldwide.

A Rich History with Islamic Context

AlUla’s most famous area, Hegra, was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its impressive tombs, carved directly into sandstone cliffs, are a testament to a sophisticated past. However, in the Islamic tradition, this region is known as Mada’in Saleh, the “Cities of Saleh,” referencing the Quranic prophet sent to the tribe of Thamud. This powerful and arrogant nation is counted among the punished nations in the Quran. Therefore, the site is not just a collection of historical ruins; it is a solemn reminder of a people who defied a prophet and faced a catastrophic end. This dual identity—a marvel of ancient history and a land marked by divine wrath—is central to the discussion about visiting it.

The Hadith on Visiting Ruins

Islamic teachings provide specific prophetic guidance regarding places where divine punishment occurred. The general principle is to avoid such cursed lands in Islam unless the visit is approached with the correct mindset and etiquette. The fear is that a casual or celebratory attitude in a place of wrath could expose one to the same spiritual consequences that befell its original inhabitants. The Sunnah, or the practice of the Prophet, demonstrates that these locations are meant for solemn contemplation and taking a lesson, known as Ibrah, not for casual tourism or entertainment. This guidance forms the basis for the caution many Islamic scholars express about modern Saudi Arabia tourism initiatives in these areas.

Key Hadith Mentioned

The most direct instruction on this matter comes from a narration by Abdullah ibn Umar, a companion of the Prophet. It is recorded in the most authentic hadith collections, Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. During the expedition of Tabuk, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions passed through the lands of the Thamud at Al-Hijr (Hegra).

As narrated by Ibn Umar:

“Do not enter upon these people who were punished, unless you are weeping. If you are not weeping, then do not enter upon them, lest you be afflicted with what afflicted them.”

This hadith is the cornerstone of the discussion. It establishes a clear condition for entry: a state of humility, sadness, and deep spiritual reflection. The command to either weep or not enter at all is a powerful directive to treat the site with the gravity it deserves. The instruction to quicken one’s pace while passing through such areas is also mentioned in other narrations, further emphasizing that these are not places for leisurely stays.

AlUla and Mada’in Saleh in the Context of the Thamud

To fully appreciate the hadith’s weight, one must understand the story of the Thamud tribe. The Quran describes them as successors to the people of ‘Ad, blessed with great strength and the unique ability to carve magnificent homes out of mountains. However, their skill led to arrogance and idol worship. Allah sent Prophet Saleh (AS) to guide them back to monotheism. They rejected his message and mockingly demanded a miracle. In response, Allah miraculously produced a she-camel from a rock, telling them to let it graze freely and share the water source with it. In an act of ultimate defiance, the Thamud tribe hamstrung and killed the camel. Their transgression sealed their fate, and they were destroyed by a mighty blast or an earthquake, a story detailed in multiple Quranic chapters. Visiting AlUla, therefore, means standing in the very place where this profound act of rebellion against God occurred.

Allowing Faith to Guide Your Journey

In Islam, the concept of Niyyah (intention) is paramount. An action is judged by the intention behind it. This principle is central to the debate on the permissibility of visiting AlUla. A trip motivated by a desire to see the signs of Allah, to take a lesson from the fate of the Thamud tribe, and to humble oneself before God’s power is viewed very differently from a trip for leisure, fun, or social media photo opportunities. The journey’s purpose must align with the solemnity of the location. Faith must be the compass that guides the traveler’s heart, transforming the trip from a simple vacation into an act of Ibrah. This is a core tenet of Fiqh (jurisprudence) when evaluating modern issues like tourism to sensitive sites.

What Salah Travels’ Clients Should Know

For companies specializing in Halal tourism, organizing a trip to AlUla requires immense responsibility. A potential approach for a faith-based tour operator would be to frame the visit not as a tour but as a spiritual field trip. Before the visit, travelers would receive education on the Quranic history of the site and the specific Adab (etiquette) required, based on the hadith of Ibn Umar. The tour would be led by a knowledgeable guide who can facilitate spiritual reflection and ensure the group maintains a state of humility. The itinerary would be structured to encourage contemplation, perhaps including moments for prayer and supplication, rather than just sightseeing. This ensures the visit adheres to Islamic travel guidelines and respects the sacred warnings associated with the land.

Growing Awareness of Intention in Travel

There is a growing movement among Muslims to travel more mindfully. This shift has led to a greater awareness of how Niyyah (intention) shapes the travel experience. A visit to a significant historical or religious site is increasingly seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than mere consumption. When visiting a place like AlUla, the distinction between a tourist and a reflective traveler becomes crucial.

This growing awareness is prompting a re-evaluation of what it means to explore the world as a believer, emphasizing purpose over pleasure in certain contexts.

Reconciling Modern Tourism with Islamic Teachings

The conversation around visiting AlUla involves diverse opinions from Islamic scholars. Some maintain a strict position based on the hadith, advising against visiting altogether to avoid any spiritual risk. They argue that fulfilling the condition of “weeping” is difficult for the average person and the atmosphere of a modern tourist site is not conducive to such reflection. Other scholars offer a more nuanced modern interpretation. They issue a Fatwa (religious ruling) that permits visiting but only under stringent conditions: the intention must be purely for taking a lesson, the visitor must observe the proper Adab, and the trip should not involve activities that contradict the required solemnity. This approach attempts to reconcile the goals of Saudi Arabia tourism with the profound prophetic guidance that governs a Muslim’s life.

Where Hadith Meets Modern Reflection

Ultimately, the decision to visit AlUla is a personal one that demands careful and honest self-examination. It is a place where hadith and history meet modern life. The ruins of the Nabatean kingdom and the Quranic legacy of the Thamud coexist, asking visitors to choose their lens. Will it be a journey for entertainment or for enlightenment? A believer must look inward and assess their true Niyyah (intention). Is it possible to stand in a place of divine wrath, surrounded by a tourism-focused environment, and maintain a state of humble, weeping reflection? Answering that question with sincerity is the first, and most important, step before booking a ticket.