Rock Inscription Bearing Caliph Umar’s Name Discovered in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has announced the discovery of a rock inscription bearing the name of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab [RA] during archaeological surveys in the Medina region, describing the find as an important addition to the kingdom’s growing record of early Islamic heritage.
The inscription was among 1,774 archaeological discoveries documented during the first two phases of a large-scale survey conducted in Al Mahd Governorate, one of the historically significant regions linked to early Islamic and pre-Islamic civilizations.
According to data released by the Heritage Commission, survey teams identified and documented 173 previously unknown archaeological sites, underscoring the area’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Among the most notable discoveries were rock inscriptions and carvings carrying the name of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam. The surveys also uncovered ancient Arabic poems engraved on rocks, offering valuable insight into the literary and cultural traditions of the period.
The findings documented by the commission include 1,259 rock art drawings, 461 Islamic inscriptions, 34 inscriptions written in the Thamudic script, 11 stone structures, three palaces and archaeological buildings, two milestones associated with ancient caravan routes and four historic wells.
Officials said the discoveries contribute significantly to understanding the historical evolution of the Arabian Peninsula and provide new material for researchers studying the early Islamic era and earlier civilizations that inhabited the region.
The Heritage Commission noted that the discoveries form part of broader efforts to document, preserve and study Saudi Arabia’s archaeological wealth, which has attracted increasing scholarly attention in recent years.
The latest find is expected to generate considerable interest among historians, archaeologists and researchers of early Islamic history due to its association with one of Islam’s most influential figures.
Discovery & Details:
- Location: Al Mahd Governorate, Medina Region, Saudi Arabia.
- The Text: The ancient Arabic carving includes the two lines: “May Allah be the guardian of Umar ibn al-Khattab in this world and the Hereafter” and “There is no god but Allah.”
- Significance: It was documented during a massive Heritage Commission survey of over 1,700 archaeological sites, representing one of the oldest recorded forms of Islamic writing and offering direct ties to the early Rashidun Caliphate
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