Known locally as Sakhrat Antarah (Antarah’s rock), the precariously perched boulder in Uyun Al-Jiwa governorate is rumored to be the place where knight, adventurer, and celebrated poet Antarah bin Shaddad met with his sweetheart Ablah. It is also known as the Lover’s Rock.
Situated northwest of Qassim, the site was settled by the Abs tribe that Shaddad originated from. One of the region’s oldest and most famous tribes, it was known for its trading prowess and hardworking, honest, loyal people.
Although only 30 kilometers from Buraidah, the people of Uyun Al-Jiwa share a different dialect from those in Qassim.
Uyun Al-Jiwa is locally referred to as the “oasis celebrated by Arab poets” in reference to its historical significance in several poetry collections known as the “suspended odes” or Mu’allaqat.
Shaddad, whose name still carries resonance through school curriculums and storytellers, often wrote about his love, Ablah. In one of his most famous pieces, “The Poem of Antar,” in which he mentions Uyun Al-Jiwa as the place where Ablah lived, he said: “Oh house of Ablah situated at Jiwa, talk with me about those who resided in you. Good morning to you, O house of Ablah, and be safe from ruin.”
The rock has for years acted as a monument for Saudis and visitors from Arab countries to the popular romantic tale. The former Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), now the Ministry of Tourism, gave it a new look and helped restore it in 2019.
A specialized team from SCTH used the latest technology to preserve inscriptions on the rock and clean it.
ThePlace: Antarah’s rock, located in KSA’s Uyun Al-Jiwa governorate
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ThePlace: Antarah’s rock, located in KSA’s Uyun Al-Jiwa governorate
- “The Poem of Antar,” in which he mentions Uyun Al-Jiwa as the place where Ablah lived
Malaysian minister commends Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries, iftar meals in 70 countries
RIYADH: Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has commended Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs, saying that the implementation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ iftar and date distribution programs in Kuala Lumpur embodies the deep ties and humanitarian solidarity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, the minister praised the Kingdom’s historical commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and attending to the affairs of Muslim nations, Saudi Press Agency reported.
He described the initiative as a generous gesture that reflected the values of cooperation, concluding with prayers for the continued security and stability of the Kingdom and its leadership.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ dates distribution program during a ceremony at the Saudi Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, SPA reported.
The total quantity allocated for distribution is five tonnes of premium Saudi dates, benefiting about 15,000 people in various Romanian cities and regions, as part of the ministry’s Ramadan programs implemented outside the Kingdom during the holy month.
A number of attendees and beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom, its leadership and people for the donation.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also launched the iftar program for fasting Muslims in Korea at the Seoul Central Mosque, in the presence of the charge d’affaires at the Kingdom’s embassy in Korea, Fahd Al-Barakah.
Three tonnes of dates will be distributed, benefiting 12,000 people, while about 10,000 will benefit from the iftar program.
This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to promote the values of solidarity and compassion among Muslims worldwide during Ramadan.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries and the program for providing iftar meals in 70 countries.
