Taif Ziyarat: Places to Visit and Their History
A guide to the Ziyarat places of Taif, the mountain city where the Prophet (PBUH) went to call people to Islam in 619 CE. With the story behind each place, the Miqat for your Umrah, and tips for a day trip from Makkah.
Taif Ziyarat in short
The main Taif Ziyarat places are Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, Masjid Addas, Masjid al-Kou and Masjid Ali. Taif is about 87 km east of Makkah, 1.5 to 2 hours by car over the Al Hada mountain, so most pilgrims visit on a half-day or full-day trip. On the way back you can enter ihram at the Miqat, Qarn al-Manazil, if you want to do Umrah.
| Place | Why pilgrims visit |
|---|---|
| Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas | Grave of the Prophet's cousin, a great scholar |
| Masjid Addas | Where Addas met the Prophet (PBUH) and accepted Islam |
| Masjid al-Kou | Linked by tradition to the Prophet's visit |
| Masjid Ali | Small historic mosque linked to Ali (RA) |
| Miqat: Wadi Muhrim and As-Sayl al-Kabir | Enter ihram for Umrah on the way back |
| Al Hada and the mountain road | Views, cool air, cable car |
| Shubra Palace | Historic palace and museum |
| Rose farms | Taif roses, harvest from late March |
The story of the Prophet's visit to Taif
In 619 CE, the year he lost his wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib, the Prophet (PBUH) walked from Makkah to Taif with Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) to invite the Thaqif tribe to Islam. The three leaders of Thaqif rejected him, and the people of Taif drove him out of the city, throwing stones until his feet bled.
He rested in a garden outside the city walls that belonged to two brothers from Makkah, Utbah and Shaybah. They sent their Christian servant, Addas, with a plate of grapes. When the Prophet (PBUH) said "Bismillah" before eating, Addas was surprised, and when he learned that the Prophet (PBUH) knew of the prophet Yunus from his home town of Nineveh, he accepted Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) then returned towards Makkah through the valley of Nakhlah, and entered Makkah under the protection of Mut'im ibn Adiy.
Many of the Ziyarat places in Taif are linked to this story, so it helps to know it before you go.
Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas
This is the main historic mosque in the centre of Taif. Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA), the cousin of the Prophet (PBUH), was one of the greatest scholars of the Quran among the Companions. He spent his last years in Taif, and his grave is in the south-west part of the mosque grounds. Next to the mosque is an old library. Visitors pray in the mosque and make dua for him.
Masjid Addas
Masjid Addas is a small mosque linked to the Prophet's visit to Taif and named after Addas, the servant who brought him grapes and accepted Islam. It stands among gardens and vines, a reminder of that plate of grapes.
Masjid al-Kou
Masjid al-Kou is a very small old mosque, about 8 m by 7 m. By local tradition, it marks a place where the Prophet (PBUH) stood or leaned during his time in Taif. This link comes from local tradition.
Masjid Ali
Masjid Ali is a small historic mosque in Taif that local tradition links to Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). Like Masjid al-Kou, its history comes from local tradition, and it is a short stop on most Taif Ziyarat tours.
The Miqat for Taif: Qarn al-Manazil
Qarn al-Manazil is the Miqat that the Prophet (PBUH) set for the people of Najd. It is also the Miqat for anyone travelling from Taif to Makkah for Umrah.
- Wadi Muhrim. On the Al Hada mountain road, about 10 km north-west of Taif. This is the Miqat on the usual road back to Makkah.
- As-Sayl al-Kabir. The main Qarn al-Manazil mosque, on the other Taif to Makkah road, about 80 km from Makkah.
- What to do. If you want to do Umrah when you reach Makkah, bring your ihram clothes, and enter ihram and make your intention at the Miqat. If you are only going back to your hotel, you do not need ihram.
For questions about ihram rules, ask your scholar or group leader.
Al Hada and the mountain road
Al Hada is a mountain area about 2,000 m high, around 20 km west of Taif. The road from Makkah climbs it in 93 bends, one of the most famous drives in Saudi Arabia, with views over the valley and often fog near the top. Al Hada has a cable car (Telefric), parks and cafes, and the air is much cooler than in Makkah.
Shubra Palace
Shubra Palace was built around 1900 to 1905 in a mix of Hejazi, Islamic and Roman styles. It was used as a royal summer residence and is now a heritage museum of Taif's history. It is not an Islamic Ziyarat place, but many families add it to their trip.
Rose farms and Taif's cool weather
Taif sits about 1,800 m high, so summers are much cooler than in Makkah, and it has long been the summer escape of the region. It is known as the City of Roses: its farms grow hundreds of millions of roses a year for rose water and rose oil, and the harvest starts in late March. Taif is also known for grapes, pomegranates, figs and honey, which you can buy at local markets.
More places near Taif
- Souq Okaz. The site of the famous market of the Arabs before and after Islam, about 40 km from Taif.
- Bani Saad. The area of the Banu Saad tribe, where the Prophet (PBUH) spent his early childhood with his foster mother Halimah. It is a longer drive from Taif.
How to plan your Taif Ziyarat from Makkah
- Time. At least half a day: 1.5 to 2 hours each way, plus your time in Taif. A full day lets you add Al Hada, Shubra Palace or the rose farms.
- Leave early. Start in the morning to have daylight on the mountain road and more time in Taif.
- Bring a jacket. Taif and Al Hada can be cool, especially in the evening and in winter.
- Ihram. If you will do Umrah on your return, bring your ihram clothes and stop at the Miqat.
- Remember the purpose. Ziyarat is not part of Umrah or Hajj. Visit with respect, and ask your scholar about worship at these places.
Visit Taif with our private taxi from Makkah
Our Makkah to Taif taxi is a private return trip with hotel pickup, the Taif Ziyarat places and a stop at the Miqat on the way back if you ask. Prices are per car, and you pay after the trip.
| Vehicle | Passengers | From |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 4 | SAR 350 |
| Hyundai Staria | 6 | SAR 450 |
| Toyota HiAce | 11 | SAR 550 |
| GMC Yukon XL | 6 | SAR 750 |
| Toyota Coaster | 16 | SAR 1,000 |
Questions about Taif Ziyarat
What are the Ziyarat places in Taif?
The main Ziyarat places in Taif are Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, Masjid Addas, Masjid al-Kou and Masjid Ali, all linked to the history of Islam in the city. Many visitors also see the Miqat at Wadi Muhrim, Al Hada mountain and Shubra Palace.
Why did the Prophet (PBUH) go to Taif?
In 619 CE, after the deaths of his wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib, the Prophet (PBUH) went to Taif with Zayd ibn Harithah to invite its people to Islam. The leaders of the Thaqif tribe rejected him, and he was stoned and wounded. He rested in a garden outside the city, where Addas brought him grapes and accepted Islam.
How far is Taif from Makkah?
Taif is about 87 km east of Makkah by road, on Highway 15 over the Al Hada mountain. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Is Ziyarat in Taif part of Umrah?
No. Ziyarat in Taif is not part of Umrah or Hajj. Pilgrims visit to learn the history of the Prophet's visit to Taif. For questions about worship at these places, ask your scholar.
Do I need ihram when I come back from Taif to Makkah?
If you want to do Umrah when you return to Makkah, you must enter ihram at the Miqat, Qarn al-Manazil. On the Al Hada road this is the mosque at Wadi Muhrim; on the other road it is As-Sayl al-Kabir. If you are only going back to your hotel, no ihram is needed. Ask your scholar for your own case.
Who is buried at Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas?
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA), the cousin of the Prophet (PBUH) and a great scholar of the Quran, is buried in the south-west part of the mosque grounds.
What is Taif famous for?
Taif is known as the City of Roses. Its farms grow hundreds of millions of roses a year for rose water and oil, with the harvest from late March. It is also known for its cool mountain weather, grapes, pomegranates and honey.
How long does a Taif Ziyarat trip take?
Plan for at least half a day from Makkah: about 1.5 to 2 hours each way on the road, plus your time in Taif. Add time for Al Hada, Shubra Palace or the rose farms.
How can I book a Taif Ziyarat taxi from Makkah?
Send us your date, hotel and number of passengers on WhatsApp. Our private Makkah to Taif return trip with Taif Ziyarat starts from SAR 350 per car, and we stop at the Miqat on the way back if you ask.
About this guide
This guide was written by the Al Haram Cabs team in Makkah, led by Muhammad Wali, who has 12 years of experience. Facts were checked against Saudipedia and other published references in October 2026. For rulings on worship, please ask a qualified scholar.
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