Visiting the Blessed Tree of Al-Buqayawiyya, Jordan – A Sacred Site in the Desert

Описание: If you're looking for a quiet, spiritual, & off-the-beaten-path destination in Jordan, let me tell you about my visit to the Blessed Tree—also known as The Tree of Al-Buqayawiyya. It's an ancient evergreen tree located in the north of Jordan’s Mafraq Governorate, not far from the Syrian border, and steeped in Islamic history & legend. It’s a sacred place of reflection with strong ties to the Prophet Muhammad’s early life, & I found it to be one of the most peaceful & unexpected stops during my journey across Jordan.

Where Is the Blessed Tree Located?
The Blessed Tree is found in the remote desert area near the village of Safawi, in northern Jordan. It’s roughly 150 km northeast of Amman, and about a 2-hour drive from the capital. The closest larger town is Mafraq, & from there, the road winds out into the barren yet beautiful steppe. The tree itself sits alone in the landscape—no buildings, no crowds—just solitude and sand.
If you're navigating via GPS, search for “The Blessed Tree – Al Buqayawiyya” or plug in coordinates: 32.2215° N, 37.1732° E.

Why Is the Blessed Tree So Important?
This ancient Atlantic pistachio tree (a type of evergreen) is believed to be more than 1,400 years old. According to Islamic tradition, it is the exact tree under which the young Prophet Muhammad—during a trade caravan with his uncle Abu Talib—rested in the shade on his way to Syria. It's also where Bahira the Monk, a Christian monk, is said to have met the Prophet and recognized signs of his future prophethood. That moment is considered a turning point in Islamic lore, symbolizing the divine awareness of Muhammad’s destiny.

Many Muslims regard this tree as blessed because of that historical encounter.

Getting to the Tree – What to Expect
Let me be clear: getting to the Blessed Tree is not like visiting Petra or Jerash. This is not a developed tourist attraction. The road from Mafraq is paved for most of the way, but it eventually becomes a gravel or dirt track. You’ll absolutely need a private car or organized tour, and I highly recommend a 4WD vehicle, especially if it’s recently rained. There's no public transport that reaches the site.

And here’s your warning: there are no tourist facilities at the tree.

Bring water, snacks, & sunscreen—and be prepared for a very quiet, very raw experience. There may be a caretaker or security official nearby, and I found them friendly and respectful, allowing me space to explore and reflect without interruption.

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Blessed Tree?
Because this is a desert environment, the weather can be extreme. I visited during the cooler months of February, which I highly recommend. Temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, & the winter light over the landscape is soft and golden. Spring (March to April) is also lovely, with wildflowers occasionally dotting the desert floor.

Avoid the height of summer (June to August) unless you are well-prepared for the intense heat—there’s zero shade except for the tree itself. You’ll want to avoid the rainy season too, as the dirt roads can become slippery and inaccessible after storms.

🙏 My Reflections at the Tree
Standing beneath the Blessed Tree is one of those moments I’ll never forget. There's no fanfare—just an ancient, gnarled tree with wide branches and a thick trunk, surrounded by desert silence. I sat beneath its shade, as so many others have done over the centuries, and just absorbed the history and quiet energy of the place.

Final Tips Before You Visit:
Dress modestly and respectfully—this is a religious site.
Bring everything you need: water, food, tissues, & your own trash bag.
There’s no entry fee, but it’s wise to be respectful of caretakers and any signs.
Combine it with a visit to Umm Al-Jimal or Azraq Wetland Reserve if you're already in the region.
Make sure your phone is charged & GPS is working—you'll be off the grid.

🧭 Would I Recommend Visiting?
Absolutely—if you're looking for spiritual depth, historical connection, & solitude. This is not for Instagram likes or tour bus crowds. It’s for the traveler who wants to walk where history whispered and pause under a tree that might have shaded a prophet.

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He offered suggestions to visit places the average tourist would not know about.

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