14/08/2026
Thaniyat al-Wada is a historic place associated with Madinah and was mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ in authentic hadith. Its name is traditionally connected with travellers bidding farewell as they left Madinah.
Today, millions of Muslims travel to Madinah, filling the city with worshippers and visitors. Yet the Prophet ﷺ also told us of a future time when Madinah will be left deserted.
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The people will leave Medina in spite of the best state it will have, and none except the wild birds and the beasts of prey will live in it, and the last persons who will die will be two shepherds from the tribe of Muzaina, who will be driving their sheep towards Medina, but will find nobody in it, and when they reach the valley of Thaniyat-al-Wada’, they will fall down on their faces dead.”
Thaniyah means a mountain pass, while al-Wada refers to farewell. Historical sources explain the name as being connected with the farewell of travellers departing from Madinah, although historical accounts differ regarding the exact location associated with the name.
Rather, it uses Thaniyat al-Wada as a known geographical location while describing a future event involving Madinah.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 1874; Sahih al-Bukhari 2868 / Photo: Al Arabiya
