Pilgrims researching Umrah and Hajj history often come across the name Maymunah bint al-Harith, the last wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Her grave sits in Sarif, a small town on the historic route between Makkah and Madinah, and it has become a meaningful Ziyarat stop for travelers who want to connect their pilgrimage to the deeper story of the Prophet’s household. This guide covers who she was, why Sarif matters, and how to plan a safe, comfortable visit if you’re traveling between the two holy cities.

Who Was Maymunah Bint al-Harith?

Maymunah bint al-Harith al-Hilaliyah was born Barrah in Makkah, into the Banu Hilal tribe, around 594 CE. Her father was al-Harith ibn Hazn and her mother was Hind bint Awf. She came from a family deeply connected to early Islam: her sisters included Umm al-Fadl (mother of the well-known companion Abdullah ibn Abbas) and Asma bint Umays, and she was related by marriage to Khalid ibn al-Walid.

Before her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ, Maymunah had already been married twice and widowed. In 7 AH (629 CE), during the Prophet’s Umrat al-Qada – the “make-up” Umrah agreed upon in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah – she married him in Sarif, just outside Makkah. He renamed her from Barrah to Maymunah, meaning “blessed” or “good tidings,” reportedly because the marriage coincided with his long-awaited return to his birthplace.

Maymunah went on to become the last of the Prophet’s wives to marry him, and, notably, she outlived every other wife of the Prophet ﷺ. She spent much of her later life moving between Makkah and Madinah, and she passed away in 51 AH (around 671 CE) at approximately 80 years old. Sensing her death was near, she asked to be taken back to Sarif, the same site of her marriage, and she was buried there. Aisha, another wife of the Prophet ﷺ, was later reported to have described Maymunah as one of the most devout and family-oriented among them.

Why Sarif Matters to Pilgrims Today

Sarif lies roughly 20 kilometers north of Makkah, directly on Tareeq al-Hijrah, the historic road linking Makkah and Madinah. For many pilgrims, visiting the grave of Maymunah bint al-Harith is a way to reflect on the personal, human side of Islamic history – a reminder that the Mothers of the Believers were real women whose lives were woven into the earliest days of the Muslim community.

Because Sarif sits directly along the Makkah–Madinah highway, it’s a practical stop for travelers who are already making that journey, rather than a separate destination requiring extra travel days. It pairs naturally with a broader Ziyarat itinerary that might also include Masjid al-Haram, Masjid an-Nabawi, Jannat al-Baqi, and other historic sites pilgrims visit while in the region.

Planning a Visit: What to Know Before You Go

Location and access. Sarif is a small town, not a major tourist hub, and the site itself is modest compared to landmarks like Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi. Because it sits directly on the main highway, most visitors reach it as a stop during a Makkah-to-Madinah or Madinah-to-Makkah transfer rather than as a dedicated day trip.

Best time to visit. Outside of peak Hajj season and the last ten days of Ramadan, travel along the Makkah–Madinah corridor is generally more relaxed, with less traffic and shorter stop times. If your schedule allows flexibility, midweek travel outside these peak periods tends to be smoother.

Etiquette. As with any historic religious site in Saudi Arabia, visitors are expected to remain respectful and quiet, dress modestly, and avoid photography that disturbs other worshippers or visitors.

Accessibility. Because the stop is roadside and informal compared to the major mosques, families traveling with elderly relatives or young children should plan for a short, unhurried stop rather than an extended visit, and should confirm restroom and rest-stop availability in advance with their driver.

Getting There: Transportation Options Between Makkah, Madinah, and Sarif

Since Sarif sits on the direct route between the two holy cities, the easiest way to include it in your pilgrimage is to book a private taxi or chauffeur service for your Makkah-to-Madinah (or Madinah-to-Makkah) transfer, with a short stop built into the route.

A few practical considerations for this leg of the journey:

• Distance and travel time: The full Makkah–Madinah route is roughly 450 kilometers, typically taking around 4.5–5.5 hours by road, depending on traffic, rest stops, and vehicle type.
• Recommended vehicles: A sedan such as a Toyota Camry works well for solo travelers or couples, while families or small groups often prefer a Hyundai Staria or Toyota Hiace. Larger groups typically book a GMC Yukon for extra comfort or a Coaster bus for full groups.
• Private vs. shared transport: A private taxi allows you to control the stop at Sarif – how long you stay, when you leave, and how the rest of the trip is paced – which shared transport or scheduled buses generally don’t allow.
• Driver familiarity: A licensed local driver who regularly covers the Makkah–Madinah route will know exactly where to stop for Sarif, current road conditions, and realistic timing, which matters most during Hajj season or Ramadan when traffic patterns shift.
• Airport connections: If your trip starts or ends with a flight, coordinating your Jeddah Airport (JED) or Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) transfer with your intercity taxi in a single booking can simplify the whole itinerary and avoid unnecessary vehicle changes.

How Al Maqam Transport Can Help

Al Maqam Transport provides private Umrah taxi, Hajj transportation, and Ziyarat taxi services across Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and the wider pilgrimage route, including Makkah–Madinah intercity transfers that can include stops at historic Ziyarat sites like Sarif along the way. Services include:

• Private and luxury Umrah taxi
• Makkah–Madinah and Madinah–Makkah intercity transfers
• Jeddah Airport (JED) pickup and drop-off with flight tracking
• Ziyarat taxi services in both Makkah and Madinah
• Family, group, and VIP transport options with a range of vehicles

Because pilgrimage schedules can be unpredictable – especially around flight arrivals, prayer times, and peak season traffic – booking a private driver who understands the route and the significance of stops like Sarif can make the historical and spiritual side of your trip much easier to include, rather than something you have to skip for lack of time.

FAQs

Who was Maymunah bint al-Harith?

She was the last wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, married to him in 7 AH in Sarif, near Makkah. She belonged to the Banu Hilal tribe and was known for her piety and devotion.

Where is Maymunah bint al-Harith buried?

She is buried in Sarif, a small town about 20 kilometers north of Makkah, on the historic road connecting Makkah and Madinah.

Why was she renamed from Barrah to Maymunah?

The Prophet ﷺ renamed her Maymunah, meaning “blessed,” reportedly because her marriage coincided with his long-awaited return to Makkah after years away.

Is Sarif on the way between Makkah and Madinah?

Yes. Sarif sits directly on Tareeq al-Hijrah, the main historic route between the two cities, making it a convenient stop during an intercity transfer.

Do I need to book a separate trip to visit Sarif?

Not necessarily. Most visitors include it as a brief stop during a private Makkah–Madinah taxi transfer rather than booking it as a standalone excursion.

How far is Sarif from Makkah?

Approximately 20 kilometers, a short detour from the main highway.

Is the site open to non-Muslim visitors?

As with most religious pilgrimage sites in Saudi Arabia, access is generally intended for Muslim visitors; travelers should check current local guidance before planning a visit.

What vehicle is best for a Makkah–Madinah trip with a stop at Sarif?

A private sedan works for individuals or couples; families typically prefer a van such as a Hyundai Staria or Toyota Hiace, while larger groups often choose a GMC Yukon or Coaster bus.

How long does the Makkah–Madinah drive take?

Roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours by road, depending on traffic, the number of stops, and time of year.

Is it busier to travel this route during Hajj or Ramadan?

Yes. Traffic along the Makkah–Madinah corridor increases significantly during Hajj season and the last ten days of Ramadan, so extra travel time should be planned in.

Can I combine an airport transfer with a Ziyarat stop at Sarif?

Yes, many travelers coordinate their Jeddah Airport pickup with their onward Makkah–Madinah transfer and a Ziyarat stop in a single private booking.

Who were the other “believing sisters” related to Maymunah?

Her sisters Umm al-Fadl (Lubaba), Asma, and Salma were also early, devoted Muslims, and the Prophet ﷺ referred to the group as the believing sisters.