in Mecca, many writers have fallen into error, to the point of denying that a Mount Thawr exists in Medina at all. In fact, it does exist and is well known. According to this demarcation, everything between the two mountains constitutes the sanctuary of Medina, for Mount Uhud itself lies inside the Haram of the Prophet’s City. Thus the limits of Medina’s sacred precinct run—east to west—between the two lava plains; its southern boundary is Mount ʿAyr, and its northern boundary is Mount Thawr.

Decision of the Council of Senior Scholars Concerning the Delimitation of the Madinan Sanctuary
Decision no. 166, dated 17/8/1415 AH

All praise is due to Allah alone. May blessings and peace be upon the one after whom there is no prophet, Muhammad, and upon his family and Companions. To proceed:

At the thirty-fifth session of the Council of Senior Scholars, convened in Riyadh beginning on 8/6/1410 AH, and in response to royal directive no. 1861 M dated 11/9/1409 AH regarding the delineation of the Madinan sanctuary, the Council read the resolution issued in 1389 AH by the committee formed for this purpose, which had been endorsed by His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim (may Allah have mercy upon him). After careful study, reflection, deliberation, and discussion, the Council agreed to adopt that resolution and to place boundary markers for the sanctuary at the points specified therein.

Text of the Resolution

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his Companions, and all who follow them. To proceed:

In accordance with the directives to demarcate the Haram of Medina—issued by the Prime Minister under no. 2953 on 25/2/1378 AH, and by His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Realm