The Hidden History of Madinah: Uncovering the Incredible Zaid ibn Hasan Rock Inscriptions

1. The Discovery in the Harrat

Nestled within the rugged, volcanic landscapes of the Harrat, approximately 60 kilometers from the radiant city of Madinah, lies one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most significant and overlooked archaeological treasures: the Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions. This isn’t just a simple carving; it’s a profound historical document etched in stone, offering a direct, tangible link to the early Islamic period and the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Standing before this massive rock face, one is struck by the sheer scale and remote location. The inscription, carved into a mountain summit in the Hazzrah area, represents a powerful act of faith and identity. It serves as a silent yet eloquent testament to a pivotal era, surviving centuries of sun, wind, and human history. For history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and scholars, discovering these inscriptions is like hearing a whisper from the 2nd century Hijri, a voice from the past that refuses to be silenced.

2. Who Was Zaid ibn Hasan?

The Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions bear the name of a notable figure from Islamic history: Zaid ibn Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him). As a Tabi’i (a follower of the Prophet’s companions) and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his grandson Hasan, Zaid’s life was intertwined with the complex political and social dynamics of early Islam.

He passed away around 120 AH (circa 738 CE), and this inscription acts as a poignant memorial. His son, Al-Hasan ibn Zaid, would later become the governor of Madinah around 150 AH under the Abbasid caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur—a position fraught with the political tensions of the time. The very existence of this inscription in a remote area, not within the urban center of Madinah, hints at the narrative of dispersal and retreat experienced by some branches of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family).

3. Deciphering the Ancient Messages

The content of the primary Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions is a moving personal supplication and declaration of faith. Translated, the text reveals a heartfelt prayer:

“Aamin Zaid ibn Hasan in Allah alone, with no partner. And he testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. Upon that he lives, and upon that he dies when he dies. And he asks Allah to bring him close to Muhammad in the Hereafter as He brought him close to him in this world, and to make him among his beloved, his chosen, and his elite… O Allah, bless us in this abode of ours and repel from us its evil and the evil of every possessor of evil…”

Other inscriptions in the area follow similar themes, containing prayers for forgiveness, guidance, and protection for the inscriber and for any future reader. This practice turns the rocky landscape into an open-air archive of personal piety and devotion. It’s crucial to understand that these were likely commissioned works, crafted by skilled scribes or stone carvers of the time, which was a common practice for documenting important texts and prayers.

4. A Landscape of Stories: Other Inscriptions of Hazzrah

The area surrounding the Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions is an archaeologically rich zone. The Hazzrah region is, in fact, teeming with historical carvings. As explorers navigate the site, they encounter numerous other rocks bearing:

• Pre-Islamic Thamudic inscriptions and drawings, featuring animal figures and ancient scripts that predate Islam, showcasing the area’s long history of human habitation.
• Early Islamic prayers and declarations from other individuals, often beginning with “I am [Name] son of [Father’s Name]…” followed by testimonies of faith and calls for divine mercy.
• Fascinating geological formations, with rocks sculpted by erosion into stunning cavities and shapes, which naturally provided the canvases for these historical records.

This concentration suggests Hazzrah was a known area for such commemorative or devotional practice, possibly along a travel route or in an area of settlement for certain communities. For a deeper dive into the epigraphy of the Arabian Peninsula, resources like the Arabian Epigraphic Notes journal provide valuable scholarly context.

5. The Turbulent History of the Ahl al-Bayt in Madinah

The remote location of the Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions is not accidental. It reflects a broader historical context. Following the transition from Umayyad to Abbasid rule, the political landscape shifted dramatically for the descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه).

Facing pressures and conflicts, many from the Alawite (Hasanid and Husaynid) lineages moved to the outskirts of Madinah to avoid central political strife. Areas like Hazzrah, Wadi Rawwa, and Dhi Khashab became hubs for these communities. The inscription, therefore, is more than a prayer; it is a marker of presence, resilience, and identity during a period of dispersal. The story of Zaid’s son, Al-Hasan ibn Zaid, who was later imprisoned by Caliph al-Mansur before being restored, exemplifies the volatile relationship between the Ahl al-Bayt and the ruling Abbasid power in that century.

6. Why This Discovery is Monumentally Important

The Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions hold immense value for several reasons:

• Primary Historical Source: They provide uncensored, contemporary evidence of the religious sentiments and social states of early Islamic figures, beyond official court histories.
• Genealogical Verification: They serve as physical documentation confirming the presence and lineage of important figures from the Prophet’s (PBUH) family in the Hijaz region.
• Linguistic and Paleographic Study: The Kufic script used offers critical data for studying the evolution of Arabic calligraphy.
• Cultural Tourism & Islamic Heritage: They represent a profound site for cultural and historical tourism, allowing people to connect physically with Islamic history outside of traditional mosque or city settings.

However, the site faces threats. some inscriptions are fading or have been vandalized. This highlights a critical need for digital preservation, physical protection, and scholarly documentation before these irreplaceable links to the past are lost. Organizations like UNESCO have frameworks for safeguarding such vulnerable heritage.

7. How to Visit and Preserve the Site

For those inspired to undertake a visit to see the Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions, it is an adventure that requires preparation and respect.

• Location: The site is in the Hazzrah area, about 60 km from central Madinah. A 4×4 vehicle and an experienced guide familiar with the desert terrain are essential.
• Connectivity: Be aware that mobile network coverage is extremely limited or non-existent in the immediate area.
• Ethical Visitation:
  • Do not touch or trace the inscriptions. Oils and friction from hands accelerate erosion.
  • Take only photographs. Do not attempt to make physical rubbings or casts.
  • Follow the desert code. Carry out all trash and leave the landscape pristine.
  • Recite the prescribed prayers for entering and leaving a place, as these remote areas are habitats for wildlife.

The discovery and study of sites like this one underscore a vital truth: the history of Islam is not confined to books or major urban centers. It is etched in the very stones of the Arabian landscape, waiting for those with “fresh eyes” to seek it out, understand its context, and champion its preservation. The Zaid ibn Hasan rock inscriptions are a powerful call from the past, urging us to remember, protect, and learn from the tangible footprints of our heritage.

Have you visited any historical Islamic inscriptions in the region? Share your experiences or questions about preserving such sites in the comments below. For more insights into the history of Madinah, explore our guide to the Seven Mosques of Madinah (Saba’ Masajid).

Google Maps Location of the Site