Prophets in Jordan: holy sites linked to their stories
Jordan is a land of the scriptures. Many of its places are linked by the Bible, the Quran and local tradition to prophets and holy figures: the mountain where Moses looked out over the Jordan Valley, the summit where Aaron is said to rest, the cave of Lot and the river where John baptised. This guide brings these sites together, with how to visit each one.
A land of shared traditions
Many prophets honoured in Islam are also figures of the Bible, and in Jordan their memory is kept by Muslims and Christians alike. Some sites are supported by archaeology, such as the Byzantine churches and monasteries built by early pilgrims; at others, local tradition has remembered a prophet for centuries. All of them are places of quiet reflection, and visitors of every background are welcome.
Moses and Aaron
Mount Nebo, near Madaba, is where tradition says Moses looked out over the Jordan Valley at the end of his life. A Franciscan church on the summit protects beautiful Byzantine mosaics.
Near Petra, the spring of Ain Musa in Wadi Musa is linked to the story of Moses striking the rock. On Jabal Harun, one of the highest mountains around Petra, a small white-domed shrine marks the place where his brother Aaron is said to be buried.
Lot, Elijah and John the Baptist
Above the southern Dead Sea, near Ghor as-Safi, a Byzantine monastery was built around a cave that tradition links to Lot and his daughters, who sheltered there after leaving their city.
In the north, near Ajloun, Tell Mar Elias is honoured as the hill of the prophet Elijah, who according to the Bible came from Tishbe in this region. The ruins of a large Byzantine church crown the hill.
On the river Jordan, the Baptism Site, Bethany beyond the Jordan, is where John the Baptist preached and, according to Christian tradition, baptised Jesus. Tradition also links the site to the place from which Elijah was taken up to heaven.
Shu'ayb and Joshua near Salt
Near Salt, two shrines are cherished by local people. In Wadi Shu'ayb, a mosque holds the shrine of the prophet Shu'ayb, often identified with Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. On a hilltop near the town, the shrine of the prophet Yusha' (Joshua) looks out over the Jordan Valley.
Visiting the holy sites
Dress modestly at every site, with shoulders and knees covered, and carry a scarf for mosques. Some places, such as the Baptism Site and Mount Nebo, have their own tickets and opening hours; others are small shrines looked after by a caretaker. The hike to Jabal Harun from Petra takes most of a day and is best done with a local guide.
Holy sites to visit
Mount Nebo: Moses
The summit where tradition says Moses looked out over the Jordan Valley, with a Franciscan church and Byzantine mosaics.
Madaba and Mount NeboAin Musa and Jabal Harun: Moses and Aaron
The spring linked to Moses at the entrance to Wadi Musa, and the mountain shrine where Aaron is said to be buried.
PetraLot's Cave (Deir Ain Abata)
A cave and Byzantine monastery above the southern Dead Sea, close to the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth.
Dead SeaBethany beyond the Jordan: John the Baptist
The Baptism Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, linked to John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus and the prophet Elijah.
Baptism SiteTell Mar Elias: Elijah
A hilltop with the ruins of a large Byzantine church, honoured as the hill of the prophet Elijah.
AjlounThe shrines of Shu'ayb and Yusha' (Joshua)
Two shrines near Salt, in Wadi Shu'ayb and on a hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley.
As-SaltMachaerus: John the Baptist
The hilltop fortress where, according to the historian Josephus, John the Baptist was imprisoned and put to death.
Frequently asked questions
Which prophets are linked to Jordan?
Tradition links Jordan to Moses, Aaron, Lot, Elijah, Shu'ayb, Joshua and John the Baptist, among others, through sites such as Mount Nebo, Jabal Harun, Lot's Cave and the Baptism Site.
Where is the tomb of Aaron?
Tradition places it on Jabal Harun near Petra, where a small white-domed shrine stands on the summit.
Where did Moses look out over the land?
According to tradition, from Mount Nebo near Madaba, which overlooks the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Where is Lot's Cave?
At Deir Ain Abata, above Ghor as-Safi near the southern Dead Sea, close to the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth.
Where was Jesus baptised?
Christian tradition places the baptism at Bethany beyond the Jordan, the Baptism Site on the east bank of the river Jordan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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