Wadi-e Jinn, located approximately 30 km from Madinah in the northwest direction, is a valley shrouded in mystery. Its enigmatic nature has drawn the interest of people worldwide. Situated in the sacred land of Saudi Arabia, it is a popular destination for travelers and tourists, who often set up camps along the roadside during weekends.
At the heart of the valley lies its greatest mystery: vehicles traverse its roads without any human intervention, seemingly guided towards Madinah. Locals attribute this phenomenon to the presence of Jinn in the area. Enclosed by hills on three sides and boasting an egg-like shape, Wadi-e Jinn, also known as Wadi Al-Jinn or Wadi Al-Baidah, offers a stunning vista of uninhabited terrain under a clear blue sky.
The mention of Wadi-e Jinn in the Quran
The origins of Wadi-e Jinn are rooted in Islam’s oldest scriptures, which validate the presence of Jinn in the valley. Referenced about 29 times in the Quran, these invisible beings are central to numerous stories. Believed to be distinct entities from humans, Jinn are said to be made of smokeless fire and possess the ability to fly.
In a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Dawood R.A from Amir, who inquired from Alqamah about Ibn Masood’s presence with the Prophet Muhammad PBUH during the night encounter with the Jinn. Alqamah responded negatively, recounting an incident where they lost sight of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH while in his company. They searched frantically but found no trace of him, fearing he may have been harmed or abducted by the Jinn.
At dawn, the Prophet returned from Cave Hira, explaining that he had been summoned by a delegation of Jinn to recite Quran for them. He displayed the remnants of their presence as evidence.
When questioned about the Jinn’s sustenance, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH explained that any bone upon which the name of Allah is recited would provide sustenance for them. He further instructed that certain items like stones and camel excreta, which were used for cleansing, should not be used, as they were considered food for the Jinn, whom he referred to as brothers.
Once, as Allah’s Messenger, Prophet Muhammad SAW, passed through the Wadi-e Jinn valley near Madinah, he encountered a Yahudi who challenged him to perform a miracle. The Yahudi asked the Prophet to call a tree towards him. Upon the Prophet’s command, the tree began moving towards him, prompting the Yahudi to embrace Islam instantly.
These tales, along with various hadith and Quranic verses, establish Wadi-e Jinn as a sacred valley among believers of Islam. It symbolizes deep devotion to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is believed to be inhabited by Jinn, responsible for its mysterious occurrences. Locals have reported hearing voices after sunset, warning them that they do not belong in the valley, as it belongs to the Jinn.
The scientific explanation for Wadi-e Jinn
Numerous individuals have ventured into the valley to uncover the truth behind its stories and legends. Driven by curiosity, travelers have tested the phenomenon by switching off their vehicle engines and shifting to neutral gear, only to find their cars moving uphill at speeds up to 120km/hr without human intervention.
Some experiments involved pouring water onto the road, revealing an unusual phenomenon where the water moved upward instead of downhill—a phenomenon termed “reverse gravity” by geological experts. This is attributed to the presence of strong magnetic forces in the area, which attract vehicles and wheels, facilitating their movement.
Scientific investigations suggest that similar occurrences occur in other regions of the Kingdom, such as the southern parts of Najran and Asir. Another theory posits that areas with high magnetic fields create optical illusions, making downhill slopes appear as uphill slopes. This optical illusion confounds observers as cars and water seem to move uphill while actually descending. As scientists continue to study the valley, it remains a popular attraction in Madinah, captivating the imagination of visitors.
