Asfan is an old and busy town 80 kilometers north of Makkah. It has many fresh wells, including the famous Asfan well in the town center. The water is very clean and fresh, similar to the well of Jaranah.

The town is called Asfan because many valleys run through it. It is 38 kilometers from the Red Sea. Before Islam, Asfan was an important stop for trade caravans. Later, it became a station for trade and pilgrimage caravans traveling between Madinah and Makkah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed through Asfan on his way from Madinah to Makkah in the year 8 AH (630 CE). Abdullah ibn Abbas said:
"The Prophet fasted until he reached Asfan. Then he asked for water, lifted it with his hands to show the people, and broke his fast only after he reached Makkah, during Ramadan." (Reported by Bukhari)

The Prophet (PBUH) also passed through Asfan on his way to Makkah for the Farewell Pilgrimage.