The black remains of lava flow, Harrah, in the way of makka and madinah

The black remains of lava flow, Harrah, weaves south from Madinah almost to Makkah. The Madinah eruption in 654 AH (1258 AD) forms part of this much earlier feature. (see the map in the article linked below)

The landscape is spectacular in its diversity as the result of this ancient activity. Shiny black swathes, like a gooey melted treacle give way to surreal clumps of basalt, deep ravines suddenly appear as if attacked by a huge clever. Vegetation is almost non-existent in these desolate areas. Amazingly so, enough to see camels sauntering and eating from the sparse spindly growth! Allahu Akbar. SubhanAllah.

Jabal Abiyadh is clearly defined as a light area to the east of the black Harrah on the satellite image. This enormous pale cone appears as if trickled with honey, is in sharp contrast to the ink splotched area it hugs
Notice how close the flow came to the eastern side Jabal Uhud, which is the reddish brown area directly north of Masjid Nabawi.

Citizens, pilgrims and visiting traders in Madinah all felt them. The new moon had announced the start of Jumada al-Akhira, the sixth month of the year 654 of the Muslim, or hijri, calendar— ad 1256 of the Gregorian calendar. Over the next four days, the tremors became more frequent and more intense. On the morning of the fifth day, a Friday, at least 18 shocks occurred, and as people prepared for midday congregational prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, a strong earthquake rocked Madinah, spreading alarm throughout the city and in outlying villages.

The above is an excellent article with stunning photographs, which I have uploaded here. A must read for learning more about this unique area that Allah Ta’ala has chosen for the birth and propagation of this glorious Deen. ‘The Madinah Eruption’ insert describes the intensity of this historic event.

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “The Hour will not be established till a fire will come out of the land of Hijaz, and it will throw light on the necks of the camels at Busra.” This proved to be true with various reports detailing how the Bedouins saw the necks of their camels and the light was enough to read by in places as far away as a five day journey!

The Prophet SallaAllahu alaihi Wasallam had a dream where Allah Ta’ala told him to tell Umar Radhiallahu anhu, that there will be a volcano during his Khalifat and when it happens he is to find a Sahaba called Tamim Ad Dar and tell him to go to the source of this volcano and put his hands up and tell it to stop. And true enough, during the Khalifat of Umar Radhiallahu anhu when the volcano was erupting Umar Radhiallahu anhu found this Sahaba and told him what to do….of course he was taken aback and said he had no such powers, but due to his Tawakkal and Yaqeen on Allah Ta’ala, went and did as instructed….and hence the miracle that Madinah was spared. Subhanallah. A truly incredible sign from the Signs of the Almighty Ta’ala. This place is very nearby and amazing to visit…as of course are all the places around in around Madinah.

Allah has full power and control over His affair; but most of mankind know it not. (12:21)

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.