Ain al-Sukkar

Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia

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Ain al‑Sukkar (also written Ain al‑Sikr, Ayn Al‑Sukkar or Ayn Al‑Sikr) is a famous historic spring and natural water source in the city of Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, closely associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) expedition to Tabuk in the 9th year after Hijrah (630 CE).

According to traditional accounts, when the Prophet and his army arrived at Tabuk for the Battle of Tabuk, they found a small spring trickling with little water; the Prophet washed his face and performed ablution from it, then poured the remaining water back, and by Allah’s blessing the spring overflowed and began to gush abundantly, after which it became known as “Ain al‑Sukkar.”

The Prophet also told his companion Mu’adh ibn Jabal that if he lived long enough he would see this place filled with gardens, a prediction that is said to have been fulfilled as the surrounding area became an oasis of palm trees and greenery. Historically, Ain al‑Sukkar served as a vital water source for Tabuk’s inhabitants and for travelers along the Arabian trade routes, and it was located just behind (or near) the ancient Tabuk Castle, which was built partly to guard the spring and which now houses a museum with information about the spring, the Prophet’s mosque, and the city’s history.