Volcanism in Saudi Arabia includes a historic eruption close to the holy city of Al Madinah. As part of a volcanic hazard assessment of this area, magnetotelluric (MT) data were collected to investigate the structural setting, the distribution of melt within the crust, and the mantle source of volcanism. Interpretation of a new 3-D resistivity model includes a shallow graben beneath thin lava fields (Harrats), a melt-free upper crust, and decompression melting in the asthenosphere below thin lithosphere. Within the lower crust the model images elongate conductivity anomalies, one of which was attributed in a previous MT study to melt. The regional MT data, combined with perspective from geology and geophysical modeling, suggest the lower crust is anisotropic with no interconnected melt zones. These divergent interpretations have distinct hazard implications and highlight the importance of large survey aperture and anisotropic modeling to MT studies of volcanic regions. Lower-crustal anisotropy extends beyond the Harrat, with the most conductive direction oriented N10°E and a factor of 3-5, determined from 2-D anisotropic inversion, between the most and least conductive directions. The enhanced conductivity is likely due to interconnected grain boundary graphite, while the anisotropy direction reflects either frozen-in fabric from Neoproterozoic stabilization of the Arabian Shield or modern ductile deformation driven by channelized asthenospheric flow coupled through a thin rigid mantle lid. Asthenospheric melt is interpreted to transect the crust primarily through diking, with limited melt storage and short residence times in the crust.Plain Language Summary Volcanism within the lava fields, or Harrats, of Saudi Arabia includes historic eruptions, such as an eruption in 1256 CE near the holy city of Al Madinah. As part of a volcanic hazard assessment of northern Harrat Rahat, geophysical studies produced a three-dimensional model of electrical resistivity of the crust and upper mantle. In contrast to a more local study, the model shows no evidence of magma in the crust. This is consistent with other evidence in the region that suggests magma does not stay in the crust for long times but ascends rapidly from the upper mantle to the surface. This finding provides a snapshot in the lifecycle of this volcanic field and is important to understanding the hazards it poses. Our model also finds deep electrical anisotropy, probably due to a preferred direction or "fabric" in the lower crust. This fabric may be ancient, frozen in millions of years ago when the crust formed. Alternately, it may be caused by ongoing flow in the ductile lower crust in response to deeper mantle flow.