“Ever considered how a mountain’s height can spark religious debate?” That is precisely what happened with Jabal Daka. This isn’t Jabal ash Shabkah but the story is interesting, and the two mountains are both in Saudi Arabia. Jabal Daka is no ordinary peak. It stands tall in the Makkah Region. More specifically, it is near the town of Ash-Shafā. This town is about 20 km from Taif.
Jabal Daka’s height ranges from 2,500 to 2,900 meters. This variance caused quite a stir during Ramadan. The sun lingered on its peak for two extra minutes. This difference impacted sunset timings. Religious scholars stepped in to resolve this controversy. A panel visited the mountain to observe the sunset. Abdullah al-Mutlaq was a member of the Supreme Council of Saudi Scholars. The committee decided that the peak need not adhere to the calendar.
Jabal Daka is located 20 kilometers southwest of Taif. It overlooks the Shifa tourist center. Locals use the mountain to determine prayer and fasting times, especially during Ramadan. Juniper trees cover Jabal Daka. The vegetation thins as you ascend. Winter temperatures at the top can drop below 0 °C. A tourist resort is only 7 km from Shifa. Even Hamadryas baboons call this place home. Though this story speaks of Jabal Daka, imagine the stories Jabal ash Shabkah could tell. Mountains are not just landforms. They are integral to culture, religion and daily life.