Early Islamic Inscription Found on Historic Hajj Route in Saudi Arabia

An early Islamic inscription dating to the first Hijri century has been documented along the Darb Zubayda in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia.

The inscription was identified by the Saudi Heritage Commission at the site of Dhali al Nis, located south of Samira.

It is carved on a flat granite rock with visible quartz veins and positioned on the summit of a small mountain within a known waystation along the historic trail.

According to the commission, the text contains a supplication for forgiveness for an individual named Ibrahim ibn Ziyad and includes a quotation from the end of a verse from Surah Al Baqarah.

The site forms part of the wider network of stations associated with the Kufan Hajj route, historically used by pilgrims travelling across the region. Officials said the location highlights the geographical extent of early pilgrimage pathways and their role as transit points over time.