Jabal Daka | |
Native Name Lang: | ar |
Elevation M: | 2500–2900 |
Location: | Makkah Region, |
Map: | Saudi Arabia#Middle East#Asia |
Map Size: | 234 |
Coordinates: | 21.1°N 57°W |
Jabal Dakkā (Arabic: جَبَل دَكَّا) or "Mount Daka", is the highest mountain in the area of the town of Ash-Shafā,[1] about 20km (10miles) from the city of Taif, located in the western region of Saudi Arabia.[2]
The height of the top of the mountain is between 2500and above sea level, this has caused a controversy with the timing of the sunset for Ramadan, as the sun stays on the peak two minutes longer than the surrounding area. To resolve the controversy a panel of religious scholars visited the mountain to observe sunset.[3] The committee of legitimacy, including a member of the Supreme Council of Saudi Scholars Abdullah al-Mutlaq determined that the peak need not adhere to calendar.
The mountain is located 20km (10miles) south-west of Taif. It overlooks the Shifa tourist center. The mountain is used to know the dates of prayer, fasting and breakfast in the month of Ramadan. The vegetation of the mountain is covered with juniper trees, the plant covers the bottom of the mountain and then gradually thins out until it reaches the top. The temperature of the top reaches below 0°C in the winter. The mountain has a tourist resort just 7km (04miles) away from the Shifa.[4]
See also: Wildlife of Saudi Arabia.
Hamadryas baboons are present here.[5]