Taif is a mountain city about 1,800 metres above sea level, east of Makkah, known for its cool air, fruit orchards and roses. It is also a place of deep meaning in the Seerah: here the Prophet ﷺ came seeking support for his message and was driven out with stones, yet answered with mercy.
A day trip from Makkah combines this history with some of the most beautiful scenery in the Hijaz. It is not part of Umrah, and nothing there is a rite of worship.
The Prophet’s ﷺ visit to Taif
About three years before the Hijrah, after the deaths of Khadijah and Abu Talib, the Prophet ﷺ travelled to the city with Zayd ibn Harithah, hoping the tribe of Thaqif would accept Islam. Its leaders rejected him and set people on him, who threw stones until his feet bled.
‘A’ishah reports that he later described this as the hardest day he faced. The angel of the mountains offered to crush the people between the two mountains of Makkah, but he said, “Rather, I hope that Allah will bring from their descendants people who worship Allah alone” (al-Bukhari and Muslim). That hope came true: Thaqif embraced Islam in 9 AH.
The story of ‘Addas
The books of Seerah, such as Ibn Ishaq’s, relate that the Prophet ﷺ rested in an orchard where a Christian servant from Nineveh named ‘Addas brought him grapes. When he heard the Prophet ﷺ say “Bismillah” and speak of the prophet Yunus, ‘Addas kissed his hands and believed. This account is from the Seerah literature rather than the Sahih collections.
What you will see in Taif
Masjid ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas stands in the city centre. The great Companion and scholar Ibn ‘Abbas spent his final years in the city and was buried there. Masjid ‘Addas, a small mosque in the al-Mathnah area, is traditionally linked with the orchard where ‘Addas met the Prophet ﷺ; its exact location is a matter of tradition.
Beyond the history, the drive through Al-Hada winds up the escarpment with dramatic views, and Al-Shafa offers terraced farms and cooler heights. In spring, the local rose farms harvest the flowers for its famous rose water and oil.
How to visit Taif
The city is around 90 km from Masjid al-Haram via the Al-Hada road, 1.5 to 2 hours by car each way. A private car with driver or a full-day tour is easiest. Leave after Fajr and plan for 6 to 8 hours in total. Summer is the most popular season for the cool air; March to April is rose season. The road is steep with many hairpin bends, so those prone to travel sickness should prepare.
Taif etiquette: what is and is not from the Sunnah
Practical tips
Pack a layer
Evenings in the mountains can be much cooler than Makkah.
Plan the miqat
Decide before leaving whether you will return for Umrah.
Buy rose water
Local rose products make thoughtful gifts.
Taif quick facts
| City | Taif |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 90 km from Masjid al-Haram by road |
| Time needed | A full day (6–8 hours) |
| Best time | Leave after Fajr; summer for cool air, spring for roses |
| Difficulty | Moderate: long, winding drive |
| Open to visitors | Yes; mosques open for prayers |
Taif
About 90 km from Masjid al-Haram by road
Open in Google MapsNearby ziyarat- Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas0.2 km
- Masjid Addas2.5 km
Read about the ihram rules for the return journey in our miqat guide, fit the day into your stay with the ziyarat route planner, and see other sites on the ziyarat hub. Visit Saudi has more on the region.
Free toolBuild your Umrah itinerary in one minutePick your nights in Makkah and Madinah and get a day-by-day outline you can bring to us.Open planner →Taif: frequently asked questions
Is a Taif trip worth it during Umrah?
If you have five or more days in Makkah and enjoy history and scenery, yes. On a short trip, your time in the Haram comes first.
Do I need ihram when returning to Makkah?
Only if you intend Umrah. Then you must enter ihram at Qarn al-Manazil before crossing it.
Where is Ibn ‘Abbas buried?
In Taif, next to the mosque that bears his name in the city centre.
When is the rose season?
Usually in spring, around March and April, depending on the weather.
Is the Al-Hada road safe?
Yes, but it is steep and winding. Use an experienced driver and avoid driving it in fog or heavy rain.
Planning your days in Makkah? Our Makkah city guide has live prayer times, the weather, the local time and every ziyarah in and around the city, including Taif.
Umrah with a day in the mountains
We can arrange a private driver for a Taif day trip, including the miqat stop if you return for Umrah.