The Yemeni King Tubba‘: The Ancient Ruler Linked to the Story of Madinah Before the Birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW
The Yemeni King Tubba‘: The Ancient Ruler Linked to the Story of Madinah Before the Birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW
The Yemeni King Tubba‘: The Ancient Ruler Linked to the Story of Madinah Before the Birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Nearly a thousand years before the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, an ancient king of Yemen known as Tubba‘ al-Himyari is remembered in Islamic historical traditions as a ruler whose journey became connected with the future city of Madinah al-Munawwarah.
Tubba‘ was one of the kings of the Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen, a powerful civilization that flourished in southern Arabia between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. The Himyarites were known for their advanced civilization, international trade links, military strength, and influence across the Arabian Peninsula.
According to Islamic historical accounts, Tubba‘ arrived in Yathrib — the city that would later become Madinah — during one of his military campaigns. At the time, Yathrib was home to several Jewish tribes and scholars who possessed knowledge of earlier scriptures.
When Tubba‘ intended to take control of the city, the scholars reportedly informed him that Yathrib had a special future. They told him that their scriptures contained signs of the coming of the final Messenger of Allah SAW, who would one day migrate to this very land and establish his community there.
Deeply moved by this message, Tubba‘ is said to have changed his intention. Instead of conquering Yathrib, he honoured the scholars and the people of the city. Islamic traditions state that he purchased land and built houses for the scholars, unaware that this blessed land would later become the place where Prophet Muhammad SAW would live after the Hijrah in 622 CE.
The City Chosen for the Final Messenger SAW
Centuries later, Prophet Muhammad SAW migrated from Makkah to Madinah, where he was warmly welcomed by the people of the city. Every family hoped to have the honour of hosting the Messenger of Allah SAW.
According to Islamic narrations, the Prophet SAW allowed his camel to continue walking until it stopped at a place chosen by Allah. The camel stopped at the home of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA), who was honoured to host the Prophet SAW during his first days in Madinah.
The location later became the site of Masjid an-Nabawi, one of the most sacred mosques in Islam and the place where Prophet Muhammad SAW was laid to rest.
The Letter of Tubba‘
Islamic historical traditions also mention that Tubba‘ wrote a letter expressing his belief and respect for the coming Prophet SAW. The letter was reportedly entrusted to scholars in Yathrib and preserved through generations until the arrival of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The message expressed his wish that if he had lived during the time of the Prophet SAW, he would have supported him and stood by his mission.
The story highlights Tubba‘’s admiration for a Prophet he never met and has been remembered by generations of Muslims as an example of love, respect, and recognition of truth.
A Legacy Remembered Through History
The story of Tubba‘ remains one of the remarkable accounts connected to the history of Arabia before Islam. His journey reflects the deep historical links between ancient Yemen and Madinah, two important regions in the story of the Arabian Peninsula.
For Muslims, the account carries a powerful spiritual message: sincere love, respect, and devotion to Prophet Muhammad SAW are values that hold great honour.
More than a thousand years later, the story of Tubba‘ continues to be remembered as a symbol of faith, humility, and the extraordinary destiny of Madinah — the city that became the centre of the Islamic world.
The Yemeni King Tubba‘: The Ancient Ruler Linked to the Story of Madinah Before the Birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW
