Historic Al-Uyaynah: A Journey Through Madinah’s Ancient Agricultural Heart

Historic Al-Uyaynah is a captivating governorate nestled within the expansive Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia. Far more than a mere dot on the map, it is a territory steeped in a profound historical narrative, tracing its roots back to early Islamic times and beyond. This area, historically composed of two main towns—Al-‘Is and Dhi Marwah—serves as a living museum of agricultural ingenuity, prophetic footprints, and a legacy that continues to shape the identity of Madinah. For history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those seeking to understand the depth of the Madinah Region, Historic Al-Uyaynah offers an unforgettable journey into the past.

Table of Contents

1. The Two Towns of Historic Al-Uyaynah
2. The Seven Villages of Al-‘Is: A Tapestry of Life
3. The Legacy of Water and the Shift to Modernity
4. The Crown Jewel of Historic Al-Uyaynah: The Al-Barni Date
5. Dhi Marwah: The Town the Prophet Blessed
6. A Legacy in the Sand: The Enduring Spirit of Historic Al-Uyaynah

The Two Towns of Historic Al-Uyaynah

Historic Al-Uyaynah‘s foundation rests on two ancient agricultural centers: the town of Al-‘Is, comprising seven primary villages, and the town of Dhi Marwah, which consisted of six or seven ancient villages. This configuration highlights the area’s long-standing significance as a hub of settlement and cultivation within the Madinah Region, sustained by complex water management and fertile land.

The Seven Villages of Al-‘Is: A Tapestry of Life

The heart of Historic Al-Uyaynah beats in its seven historic villages, each with its own unique story and character, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Madinah narrative.

Al-Fara’ Village

Al-Fara’ stands as a testament to the enduring agricultural and historical significance of Historic Al-Uyaynah. This village is renowned for its rich farmlands and is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into the civilizations that have thrived here.

Al-‘Ayn Town

The very name, Al-‘Ayn (“The Spring”), reveals its origin. This settlement grew around a prolific water spring, with residences and communities blossoming alongside it. It was one of the most famous agricultural towns in the governorate, its lifeblood flowing directly from the ground.

Al-Qa’rah Town

Located near Al-‘Ayn, Al-Qa’rah was also established around a water spring. However, its landscape was characterized more by vast farms than dense residential areas, indicating its primary role as an agricultural production center for Historic Al-Uyaynah.

Al-Husayn Town

Another jewel in the crown of Historic Al-Uyaynah, Al-Husayn was blessed with two significant springs: ‘Ayn Al-Dhurah and ‘Ayn Al-Husayn. This abundance of water supported a thriving agricultural community and sustained numerous residences.

Al-Najal Town

The story of Al-Najal is intrinsically linked to water. Its name derives from the continuous flow of water that coursed through its valley. Elders recall that around 1340 AH, water flowed day and night, supporting thousands of towering palm trees that stretched from Al-Fara’ to Al-Qurasa. Older generations remember a time of lush orchards, the sounds of chirping birds, and agricultural machinery powered by these perennial springs—a true paradise in the heart of the Madinah province.

The Legacy of Water and the Shift to Modernity

The story of Historic Al-Uyaynah is a story of water. However, the 20th century brought a significant change. One by one, the ancient springs that had sustained life for centuries began to dry up. Testimonies indicate that Al-Najal’s flow ceased around 1365-1367 AH, followed by ‘Ayn Al-Husayn in 1370 AH, ‘Ayn Al-Qar in 1375 AH, and finally, the spring of Al-‘Ayn village in 1396 AH.

Agriculture transitioned to modern pumps and machinery. While these brought efficiency, they also led to the over-exploitation of groundwater, causing significant environmental strain. Thankfully, modern irrigation techniques and water conservation methods, praised in contemporary Saudi agriculture, have since been implemented. This has sparked a remarkable revival, with life returning to the area noticeably from around 1437 AH onwards, ensuring the future of Historic Al-Uyaynah within the Madinah Region.

Al-Qasabah Village

Al-Qasabah, meaning “the channel,” was named for its sophisticated water channels that transported water from the upper valley springs to farmlands surrounding a central, iconic palace. This ancient palace, built atop a small hill, is a significant archaeological site in Historic Al-Uyaynah. Experts from the Saudi Heritage Commission suggest it likely dates back to the early Islamic eras, potentially the Umayyad or Abbasid periods.

Al-Qurasa Village

The seventh village, Al-Qurasa, was a spacious town known for both pastoralism and agriculture. While orchards were established here in later periods, many were lost after the groundwater depletion, marking a challenging chapter for this part of Historic Al-Uyaynah.

The Crown Jewel of Historic Al-Uyaynah: The Al-Barni Date

No discussion of Historic Al-Uyaynah is complete without celebrating its most famous product: the Al-Barni date. The date palm is the iconic symbol of the Madinah Region, and Al-Barni stands out for its exceptional quality.

Its virtue is even mentioned in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The best of your dates is Al-Barni; it removes disease and has no disease in it.” (Authenticated by Al-Albani). This distinction is further highlighted by a historical account where Bilal ibn Rabah (may God be pleased with him) valued it so highly he sought to exchange two sa’s of other dates for just one sa’ of Al-Barni.

Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Shanqiti, in their tafsir of the Quran, noted that the term “Līnah” referred to all types of dates except the superior ‘Ajwah and Barni. The renowned geographer Al-Hamdani, in his book “Sifat Jazirat al-Arab,” described Al-Barni as “beautiful like the beauty of a fattened ram,” a description that perfectly fits the prized Barni dates of Historic Al-Uyaynah, known for their delicious, cool taste.

Dhi Marwah: The Town the Prophet Blessed

The second pillar of Historic Al-Uyaynah is the ancient town of Dhi Marwah. Its significance is deeply intertwined with the Islamic history of the Madinah Region.

A Prophetic Visit

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed through Dhi Marwah during the expedition to Tabuk, staying for three nights. He granted land to companions like ‘Awf bin Haram Al-Juhani. Historical sources, such as Ibn Zabalah’s “Tarikh al-Madinah,” record that the Prophet prayed the dawn prayer there and then ascended Jabal Marwah. Leaning against the mountain, he supplicated to God: “O Allah, bless it among the lands. O Allah, send them rain. O Allah, provide them with agricultural produce.”

A Center of Learning and Commerce

Dhi Marwah’s prosperity peaked in the early Islamic centuries. It was the birthplace of the great Imam Malik ibn Anas, the founder of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence, around 93-96 AH. He himself described it as one of the great villages, akin to Wadi al-Qura and Khaybar.

The town was a fortified and prosperous hub on major caravan routes, connecting travelers to Mecca, Yanbu’, and Medina. Al-Maqdisi, the 10th-century geographer, described it as a “fortified town with a moat and iron gates,” famous for its high-quality dates. It was also a center for mining precious metals like gold, with traces of this ancient industry still visible in surrounding valleys like Wadi Al-‘Uquq.

A Legacy in the Sand: The Enduring Spirit of Historic Al-Uyaynah

While Dhi Marwah eventually declined after the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate, its legacy, combined with the enduring presence of Al-‘Is, forms the core of Historic Al-Uyaynah. Today, the area is experiencing a renaissance. The implementation of modern, water-efficient agricultural technology, combined with a deep respect for its historical and cultural heritage, is ensuring that this vital part of the Madinah Region continues to thrive.

Historic Al-Uyaynah is not just a location; it is a story of resilience, faith, and agricultural brilliance—a story that continues to unfold under the care of the Kingdom, preserving its unique place in the heart of the Madinah Region.

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