Also known as Mada’in Shu‘ayb or Madyan, the Caves of Shu‘ayb are located approximately 170 km from Tabuk, the capital of the region, between the longitudes 34°30' – 35°30' and latitudes 28°00' – 29°00'. This ancient city dates back more than two millennia before Islam.
Archaeological studies indicate that Madyan was a thriving center of trade, agriculture, and date cultivation, positioned along one of the most significant commercial routes of its time. The site features rock-cut dwellings and temples carved into mountain facades, with architectural evidence suggesting continuous human settlement for over 4,000 years. Traces of Islamic-era structures, including water reservoirs and aqueducts, further attest to its historical continuity. Today, the Caves of Shu‘ayb receive considerable attention from the state, with extensive development projects driving rapid progress in infrastructure, particularly in roads, education, and healthcare. These efforts have contributed to a growing population, now exceeding 17,000 residents.
Historically, the most notable figures to have lived in this region are the prophets Shu‘ayb and Moses (peace be upon them). The Prophet Shu‘ayb, mentioned eleven times in the Holy Qur’an, is described as a man of wisdom and eloquence. Prophet Moses resided in Madyan for at least ten years, fulfilling his dowry service after marrying Shu‘ayb’s daughter. He arrived in Madyan (now known as Al-Badʿ) after fleeing Pharaoh’s rule in Egypt. His name appears 136 times in the Holy Qur’an.
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كَشفت الدراسات الحديثة عن أن قوم «مَدْيَن» كانوا أهل تجارة وزراعة وتمر، وأنها واحدة من أهم الطرق التجارية آنذاك، وضمّت العديد من البيوت والمعابد المنحوتة على الوجهات الجبلية. والمظاهر المعمارية تُثبت استمرار الاستقرار الإنساني بها منذ ما قبل أربعة آلاف عام، مروراً بالفترة الإسلامية المتمثّلة في البرك المائية والسواقي وغيرها.
تنال مغاير شعيب حالياً اهتماماً واضحاً من الدولة، فقد حَظِيَت بمشاريع عدّة دفعت المحافظة إلى تطوير سريع في البنية التحتية، وخصوصاً في الطرق داخل المحافظة وبين مراكزها، إضافةً إلى بناء المدارس لكافة المراحل، والعناية بالقطاع الصحي؛ لذلك يزيد عدد سكانها اليوم عن 17 ألف نسمة.
وأشهر من سكنها النبيّان «شعيب» و«موسى» عليهما السلام، حيث ورد ذكر النبي شعيب أحد عشر مرة في القرآن الكريم، ووُصِفَ بالحِلْم والرّشاد، واستقرّ النبي موسى بها على الأقل عشر سنوات؛ في خدمة النبي شعيب كمهرٍ لزواجه من ابنته شعيب؛ وكان وصوله إلى مَدْيَن «تُعرَف اليوم باسم البَدْع» بعد فراره من قوم فرعون في مصر، وقد ورد ذكره في القرآن الكريم 136 مرة.
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In the past two centuries, significant efforts have been made to clear the area of sand and rocks, which previously hindered pilgrims and their transportation, particularly camels. The site is also known by the name al-Suwaiq
" }, { "purpose": "describing", "type": "TextualBody", "language": "ar", "value": "جبل صغير بالقرب من مكة المكرّمة، اتّخذه أمراء الحج عبر التاريخ مكاناً لإذابة السكر؛ فرحاً بسلامة الوصول إلى هذه المنطقة القريبة من مكة المكرّمة، ثم يُقدّم المشروب المُحَلّى للحجّاج. وبُذلَت جهود لافتة في القرنَين الماضيَين لإزالة ما به من الرمال والأحجار التي كانت تُعيق سير الحجّاج ووسائل نقلهم، خصوصاً الجِمال. يُعرَف الموقع أيضاً باسم «السُّوَيْق».
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In the past two centuries, significant efforts have been made to clear the area of sand and rocks, which previously hindered pilgrims and their transportation, particularly camels. The site is also known by the name al-Suwaiq.
" }, { "purpose": "describing", "type": "TextualBody", "language": "ar", "value": "جبل صغير بالقرب من مكة المكرّمة، اتّخذه أمراء الحج عبر التاريخ مكاناً لإذابة السكر؛ فرحاً بسلامة الوصول إلى هذه المنطقة القريبة من مكة المكرّمة، ثم يُقدّم المشروب المُحَلّى للحجّاج. وبُذلَت جهود لافتة في القرنَين الماضيَين لإزالة ما به من الرمال والأحجار التي كانت تُعيق سير الحجّاج ووسائل نقلهم، خصوصاً الجِمال. يُعرَف الموقع أيضاً باسم «السُّوَيْق».
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In the past two centuries, significant efforts have been made to clear the area of sand and rocks, which previously hindered pilgrims and their transportation, particularly camels. The site is also known by the name al-Suwaiq.
" }, { "purpose": "describing", "type": "TextualBody", "language": "ar", "value": "جبل صغير بالقرب من مكة المكرّمة، اتّخذه أمراء الحج عبر التاريخ مكاناً لإذابة السكر؛ فرحاً بسلامة الوصول إلى هذه المنطقة القريبة من مكة المكرّمة، ثم يُقدّم المشروب المُحَلّى للحجّاج. وبُذلَت جهود لافتة في القرنَين الماضيَين لإزالة ما به من الرمال والأحجار التي كانت تُعيق سير الحجّاج ووسائل نقلهم، خصوصاً الجِمال. يُعرَف الموقع أيضاً باسم «السُّوَيْق».
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Twice mentioned in the Holy Qur'an (2:125 and 3:97), the Maqam is described as the place where the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) stood in the sacred sanctuary of Makkah al-Mukarramah, Allah commanding it to be a place of prayer. After circumambulating the Ka‘bah (tawaf), Muslims follow the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in performing two units of prayer behind the Magam Ibrahim.
" }, { "purpose": "describing", "type": "TextualBody", "language": "ar", "value": "كان هذا البناء المقبب يضم في السابق \"مقام إبراهيم\"، وهو حجر يحمل أثر قدمي النبي إبراهيم عليه السلام، ويُعتقد أنه كان بمثابة منصة وقف عليها أثناء بنائه للكعبة المشرفة.\n\nوقد ذُكر المقام مرتين في القرآن الكريم (في الآيتين 125 من سورة البقرة و97 من سورة آل عمران)، ووُصف بأنه الموضع الذي وقف فيه النبي إبراهيم عليه السلام في الحرم المقدس بمكة المكرمة، حيث أمر الله تعالى باتخاذه مصلى. وعقب الانتهاء من الطواف حول الكعبة، يقتدي المسلمون بالنبي محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) بأداء ركعتين خلف مقام إبراهيم.
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