alWada

Alwada, also written Al-Wadā’ or Al-Wadah, is the transliteration of the Arabic term الوداع, which literally means farewell or parting. In Arabic, al-wada’ is used in a range of expressions related to departures and endings, and it also appears as a proper name in various contexts.

In geography and toponymy, al-wada’ occurs as part of place names in different Arabic-speaking countries. Because transliteration from Arabic varies, spellings such as Al-Wadā’, Al-Wadah, or Al-Wadaa’ can appear on maps and in signage. The exact identity of a location named al-wada’ depends on the local context, and there is no single universally recognized city, district, or region by that name.

In Islamic tradition, Salat al-Wada’ (Farewell Prayer) is a notable term referring to Prophet Muhammad’s farewell prayer with his companions before his death. This event has lent the term cultural significance associated with departure and concluding rites in the Islamic calendar. The concept of farewell also appears in various cultural practices across Arabic-speaking communities, often connected with departures, pilgrimages, or seasonal endings.

See also: Farewell; Salat al-Wada’; Arabic toponymy.