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Souq Dhi Al-Majaz) Dhi Al-Majaz Market)

The Memory of Trade and the Meeting Place of Protection and Ransom

Makkah

A seasonal market near Arafat that was held from the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah until the Day of Tarwiyah (8 Dhu al-Hijjah) following the markets of Okaz and Majinnah. It was a destination for traders and pilgrims, and a venue for boasting, seeking protection, and ransoming captives.

Following the conclusion of Souq Okaz and then Souq Majinnah, traders and pilgrims would move to Souq Dhi Al-Majaz, marking the end of the seasonal markets before the standing at Arafat. It is narrated that its name resembles the meaning of sanctioning the ritual. Its location is around Jabal Kabkab near Arafat in an area that belonged to the lands of Hudhayl. It was convened from the first of Dhu al-Hijjah for about a week until the Day of Tarwiyah, and was frequented by those who did not attend Okaz.

Before Islam, it was known for certain forms of entertainment and featured a thriving market for captives and slaves; it was there that Omar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) bought his slave Aslam. It also had social and legal functions: ransoming captives, settling blood money, seeking neighborly protection, in addition to boasting, poetry, and oratory.

The market is located within an area rich in archaeological evidence, including rock drawings and inscriptions around Makkah and Taif (including the market area). These mostly date back to the pre-Islamic era, reflecting the intensity of ancient settlement and human activity in the region.