Najran is a city situated in Saudi Arabia, in the southwest region. This Arabic name “Najran” is derived from the first man’s name, who settled in this area (Najran ibn-Yahjub ibn-Yarub ibn-Qahtan ibn-Houd). Najrani people are Muslims. Najran was famous for cloth making. The cloth of Kaba, called kiswah was originally prepared there. Najran always remains as the Centre of religious beliefs. Jewish community and Christian community also stayed in Najran. Najran once controlled by Romans. Romans got the control of Najran in order to occupy the Saudi Kingdom. First we will get into the history of Najran. You can also book Umrah Packages UK to explore the history of Najran by local guide with views.
The existence of Christian community
The existence of Christian community in Saudi Arabia is attested by several historical sources of the Arabian Peninsula. In Saudi Arabia the Christianity first took place in Najran. In the past, Christians were abused by the Himyarite King Dhu Nuwas. Abyssibua afterwards defeated Dhu Nuwas through foreign intervention. Then later on Christians of Najran interfaced with the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who allowed them to worship in the mosque.
Former Jewish Community: Najran also had a Jewish community back in times which were affiliated with the Banu al-Harith. They were the Yemenite Jews who conquered the city and ruled on it until the Christian invasion of Yemen. When Saudi people conquered Najran, many of the Jews of Najran fled to Aden. The Yemeni King refused to return the fled Jews when the Saudi King demands for their return because those were the Yemenite Jews. Some groups of Najran Jews escaped to Cochin, as they had a very good relation with the rulers and had maintained the trade connections.It was always a main region for religious beliefs. Three communities lived here. Earlier Jewish community, then after them Christian community also lived here. So you will see Jewish traditions in Najran too. It has been an important part in the incense trade route.
Conflicts with the Ismaili Community
Due to the results of official discrimination, the Ismailis of Najran faces increasing threats to their identities. Official discrimination of Ismailis in Saudi Arabia covers justice system, government employment and religious practices. They were also excluded from the decision making. When Mish ‘al bin Su’ud appointed as the governor of Najran, the conflicts between the Ismaili community and local authorities had been increased.
On religious holidays, police had been given the orders of closing the Ismaili mosques. On April 23, after the security forces and religious morality police arrested an Ismaili Minister, a huge protest took place outside the Holiday Inn hotel, where the Governor Mish ‘al resided. The Governor cancelled the meet up with the protesters which lead a shootout between security forces and armed demonstrators. Then the army men surrounded the whole area and took control of the city. Without any further violence, the standoff finally ended on that day.
The best way to visit this place is by pre-booking Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 and explores this beautiful city Najran after performing religious activities. All you need is the best guide to visit Najran. Let me guide you regarding best places in Najran to visit, if you are going there.
As we all know Saudi government allowed foreign visitors, few years back, to explore Saudi Arabia as tourists. Earlier only Muslims used to visit Saudi Arabia legally. So Najran is a whole new place to the world, as Saudi Arabia is still and unexplored land. Many archeologists are conducting researches on huge level there.
Castle Raoum
Najran is the closest city to Yemen border. Raoum is area near the Yemen border approx. 5 kilo meters, with a small peak, in a broad valley. It is probably 20 kilo meters away from main Najran Centre. Even with small peak, it offers 1557 meters’ height above the ground, and has the best view of whole city. The Raoum castle built here is also amazing, with simple structure and many thick walled rooms. Roof is made up of branches and muds, held by wooden beams. At the outer side of castle, there are many reservoirs built along the rocks to collect water in the rainy days.
The castle is a two stories building. After 35 kilo meter of hiking, you will go to the highest point. The front view is of Yemen border near there. You can have a close look of mountains at Yemen side. Saudi securities monitor personally the tourists in border area but environment is friendly. If you visit this castle in Ramadan by booking Ramadan Umrah packages you will experience dreamy iftar on the top of mountain with beautiful views.
Al Ukhdud Archeological site
It is several thousand years old al ukhdud, in a village. At some point in the history, it was a Christian village. Where the local king who was Jewish wanted to convert entire city back to Judaism but they refused and so all of the city and inhabitants were burned together. You will see engraved unicorn signs in the rocks. There’s not much to see except rock arts and valley views, but many archeologists are searching this place to know about the civilization of old villagers.
Najran valley dam
Dam of Najran valley is the largest dam, in the Saudi Arabia. It is a must visit place in Najran. You will experience a relax sitting here, with chirping sounds of the birds and water flowing sound. It is kind of peaceful place for peace lover tourists.
Najran Fort
It is located around a little market in Najran. The walls of the fort are almost 100 years old. It’s been used for a number of things including a police station and a telecom station. It was also the seat of government for the city of Najran. Inside of the fort is also ancient, and built before Islamic time in Najran. There’s also a mosque that is hundred years old as well. Sometimes finding the food in this little town is little tricky. A variety of traditional foods is available here. The specialty here is “Kabsa”. In Ramadan, the market around Najran fort becomes a fascinating area. You can book Ramadan Umrah packages to explore the market around after Umrah activities.
