In 2026, Saudi Arabia officially inaugurated , a heritage tourism project that allows visitors to retrace the Prophet's historic migration path. Spanning 470 kilometers , this route connects the Cave of Thawr in Makkah to the sacred Quba Mosque in Madinah.
As the journey neared its final leg, the route cut through the , a massive black volcanic rock plain that guards the southern approaches to Madinah. Geographical Segment Terrain Type Key Historical Event Makkah to Thawr Steep Granite Mountains Evading initial Quraysh scouts Tihamah Coastline Arid Plains & Gravel Deserts Stealth night-travel away from trade routes Kudayd Valley Sandy Oasis & Low Hills The hospitality and miracle at Umm Ma'bad's tent Harrat Rahat Sharp, Black Volcanic Basalt Final defensive terrain approach to Madinah The Visual Narrative
: A serene and spiritual site.
Some of the most striking images include:
The book reveals that the Prophet (PBUH) did not take the common caravan route, but a challenging, western path to avoid being captured. Key moments covered include: AramcoWorld Cave Thawr: In 2026, Saudi Arabia officially inaugurated , a
Flight from Mecca to Medina | World Civilization - Lumen Learning
A fascinating topic!
[Image: A photograph of the Kaaba, Makkah]
The Hijrah was not a direct journey. To evade the Quraish pursuers, the Prophet ﷺ traveled south before looping west toward the Red Sea coast, finally cutting northeast through treacherous mountain passes into Madinah. [Image: A photograph of the Kaaba, Makkah] The
For those driving between the two holy cities today, the modern journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours on the direct Highway 15, a stark contrast to the week-long trek endured by the Prophet and his companion. However, for the deeply faithful, the "Ala Khutah" experience offers a chance to step off the asphalt and onto the very sands that witnessed the birth of a new era.
While Dr. AlKadi focused on the science of the route, the soul of the book is captured by the lens of world-renowned British photographer, Peter Sanders. Initially, AlKadi was not focused on photography, but as his research progressed, he realized the visual landscape was essential to telling the story. He invited his friend, Peter Sanders, to join the expeditions, traveling for days to specific locations to capture the essence of the journey.
The Prophet’s migration was an intentional, tactical escape. To evade the Quraish pursuers, the travel party avoided the standard commercial caravan tracks, moving instead through treacherous, jagged mountain trails and uncharted lava fields. The photographic journey beautifully documents these vital geographic stops: Al Hijrah Walkway مفيد للجميع رجال ونساء وأطفال
The Hijrah route is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the early Muslim community. This photographic journey offers a glimpse into the lives of those who undertook this historic journey, and the stunning natural landscapes of the Arabian desert. To evade the Quraish pursuers
The Hijrah, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It commemorates the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This journey, undertaken by the Prophet and his companions, was a defining moment in the history of Islam, marking the transition from persecution to freedom, and the establishment of the first Islamic community.
The Hijrah—the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE—is the foundational event of the Islamic calendar. More than just a physical move, it was a spiritual and political turning point that birthed a new era. Today, documenting this 450-kilometer trek through a photographic lens offers a powerful bridge between ancient history and the modern landscape of the Hejaz. The Barren Beginnings: Leaving Makkah
This is the edge of Madinah. The Prophet built the very first mosque here. How to Find the Best PDF Guide