Hejaz
Historical region of western Arabia containing Islam's holiest cities.
The Hejaz (or Hijaz) is a historical region in the western part of the Arabian Peninsula, now largely within Saudi Arabia. It is significant as the location of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the first and second holiest sites in Islam, and as the birthplace of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The region is the most populated in Saudi Arabia, with Jeddah as its largest city.
- Location
- Western Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Red Sea, Jordan, Najd, and South Arabia
- Major cities
- Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Tabuk, Yanbu, Taif, Al-Bahah
- Largest city
- Jeddah (second-largest in Saudi Arabia)
- Primary language
- Arabic (Hejazi Arabic most widely spoken)
- Etymology
- From Arabic root ḥ-j-z, meaning 'to separate'
- Historical significance
- Contains first and second holiest sites in Islam
Lore & Background
The Hejaz is traditionally considered the birthplace of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who was born in Mecca. According to Islamic tradition, Mecca was founded by Abraham, Ishmael, and Hagar. The region became part of Muhammad's empire through early Muslim conquests and later formed part of successive caliphates: the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid.
Reader's Guide
The Hejaz's significance lies in its central role in Islamic history and its enduring religious importance. As the site of Mecca and Medina, it is the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage and the focal point of Muslim prayer. The region's history includes ancient oasis cities like Yathrib (Medina), Fadak, Khaybar, and Taymah, which were major trading centers from the Bronze Age. The area saw the rise of various tribal confederations, including the Lihyan, Thamud, Ghassanids, and Mudar, with the Quraysh tribe ruling Mecca.
Did You Know?
- The Hejaz is named from the Arabic root ḥ-j-z, meaning 'to separate,' as it separates Najd from Tihamah.
- One or possibly two megalithic dolmen have been found in the Hejaz.
- The Kingdom of Lihyan ruled from the northwestern Hejaz with its capital at Dedan in the Al-Ula oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hejaz?
Hejaz is a historical region on the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula, now mostly part of modern Saudi Arabia. It is best known for containing Mecca and Medina, the two most sacred cities in Islam.
Where exactly is Hejaz located?
It stretches along the Red Sea coast and is bordered by Jordan to the north, the Najd interior to the east, and South Arabia to the south. Its geography is defined largely by the Red Sea coastline and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Why is Hejaz considered so important?
The region houses both Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and site of the Kaaba, and Medina, the second holiest city in Islam. Because of this, it has been a focal point of religious pilgrimage and political power for over a millennium.
What are the major cities in Hejaz?
Jeddah is the largest city and serves as Saudi Arabia's main port, while Mecca and Medina carry the region's religious significance. Other notable towns include Taif, Tabuk, Yanbu, and Al-Bahah.
What does the name 'Hejaz' mean?
The word comes from the Arabic root ḥ-j-z, which carries the sense of separation or dividing. This reflects the region's role as a geographic boundary between the Arabian interior and the Red Sea coast.
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