Rabigh


Rābigh is an ancient Hejazi town on the Red Sea coast of the Arabian Peninsula, now within the province of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is located northwest of Masjid Mīqāt Al-Juḥfah.

History

Ubaydah's expedition

According to Islamic historical sources, in April 623 CE, the Islamic prophet Muhammad sent Ubaydah ibn al-Harith with a party of sixty armed Muhajirun to the baṭn of Rabigh. They expected to intercept a Qurayshi caravan that was returning from Syria under the protection of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb and 200 armed riders.Haykal, M. H.. Translated by al-Faruqi, I. R. A.. The Life of Muhammad, p. 256. Chicago: North American Trust Publications. The Muslim party travelled as far as the wells at Thanyat al-Murra, where Ubaydah ibn al-Harith shot an arrow at the Quraysh. This is known as the first arrow of Islam. Despite this surprise attack, "they did not unsheath a sword or approach one another," and the Muslims returned empty-handed; however, two Meccan traders left their caravan, became Muslim, and went with the expedition back to Medina.

Transport

Rabigh is connected by Highway 60 to Yanbu and Thuwal.