Known as the “Hill of Illumination” or “Mountain of Light”, Jabal Al-Nour Mountain is famous for the Cave of Hira. This was the place where Prophet Muhammad is said to have been blessed with the first of his many revelations. Its significance in Islamic history, along with rising views of Makkah and the Holy Mosque from its summit, makes Jabal Al-Nour a renowned tourist spot among pilgrims worldwide.
In Ramadan 610 CE, the first revelations of the Holy Quran were received by Prophet Muhammad at the Hira Cave. According to the Quran, this night is called ‘the Night of Power’. The legend has it that when Prophet Muhammad was on his usual solitude retreat in the cave, during the final 10 days of the month of Ramadan, Hazrat Jibreel (Archangel Gabriel) visited him and told him to recite the first verse of the Quran.
During the Hajj season, this cave is most visited by the pilgrims, but during Umrah, travellers do not make the visit to the cave obligatory. Followers of the Holy Prophet climb the rock to reach the cave on the top and seek blessings.
How to reach the Cave of Hira?
Location: In the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, outside Makkah, the Cave of Hira is located in the Jabal Al-Nour Mountain at a height of 634 meters. It is 4 km away from the Holy Kaaba and overlooks the north with its entrance pointing directly towards the Kaaba. This was the place from where the first divine words of revelation are believed to have descended upon Prophet Muhammad to light up the universe.
How to reach: It takes a lot of effort to visit the Hira Cave as it is located at the top of the Nour Mountain, which is a 20 meters’ walk to and from the cave. Jabal Al-Nour is a short drive northwest of the Old City. As the heat is extreme during the day, most pilgrims participate in the summit in the evening or at dawn and dusk.
Depending on an individual’s physical strength and ability, the climb up to the cave takes about 45 minutes to 3 hours. This peak is visible for many kilometres around, and it is advised to bring plenty of water and a flashlight along if climbing in the dark. After a climb of about 1,200 steps, the summit is complete, and one can easily recognise the Cave of Hira by a sign painted on stone.
The mountain is only 3 km away from Makkah at the end of Jabal Al-Nur Road. Vehicles might not go beyond Bilal bin Rabah Mosque, which is where the road ends and the Ghar-e-Hira Trail begins. The path is about half a kilometre of unpaved dirt road.
History of the Cave in Jabal Al Noor
The tale of the Ghar e Hira or Cave of Hira dates back to the early years of Prophet Mohammad, during his extensive travels throughout Syria and Palestine. These journeys provided him with precious moments of serene contemplation and meditation, away from the bustling crowds of Makkah. Even before receiving his first divine revelation, he would frequently ascend the mountain of Jabal Al-Nour in pursuit of a quiet sanctuary for meditation. Craving solitude, he would retreat to the seclusion of the Cave of Hira, dedicating himself to fervent devotion through prayers and extended vigils.
The First Revelation: Prophet Muhammad’s Spiritual Experience
At the age of 40 years, Prophet Mohammad is said to have been presented with his first revelation from Allah through Hazrat Jibreel. During the last third of the month of Ramadan (in year 620), one night when the Prophet was in deep meditation in the Cave of Hira, Hazrat Jibreel visited him with a piece of silk brocade, in which “Read” was written, to which the Prophet said, “I cannot read!”
The angel replied,
“Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood), Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not.”
The angel then gave him his first revelation which affected the Prophet so deeply, that he turned pale and was trembling all over. When he returned home and narrated the incident to his wife, she comforted him and told him that was a Prophet.
Since then, the Prophethood of Muhammad began, and when he moved out of the cave and was halfway down the mountain, he heard a voice in his ears saying,
“O Mohammad, you are the Messenger of God, and I am Jibreel.”
The Prophet was surprised to see the angel present in every direction in the Horizon. Upon his return to the house, he told his wife the complete Cave Hira story and asked her to cover him so that he could relax and recover after the incident. After encouragements from his wife and her cousin, he accepted the message from God and devoted himself to delivering the message of Islam to the idolaters of Makkah and the non-Muslims around the world.
Suggested read: Kiswa Of Kaaba
Apart from being the choicest refuge of Prophet Muhammad, the Cave of Hira also became the most visited Ziyarat (a form of pilgrimage to sites associated with Muhammad, like mountains, caves and mosques) in subsequent centuries.
Cave of Hira & Jabal Al Noor Importance
The Cave of Hira holds a lot of significance for Muslims worldwide as the Prophet Mohammad is believed to have spent time in the cave meditating and is said to have been presented with his first revelation of the Quran by Hazrat Jibreel.
Even though the Cave of Hira in Jabal al Nour is an important part of the Prophetic Biography, the place is not considered as holy as other sites in the city, such as Al-Haram Mosque. Therefore, a lot of pilgrims do not consider visiting the cave as an important part of the Hajj journey. It is nevertheless among the most preferred Ziyarats of Makkah and most pilgrims do pay a visit to the holy cave.
Inside Ghar e Hira
If a pilgrim wants to go inside Ghar e Hira, there is a narrow entry point. The cave that looks dark from the outside but is amply let on the inside. The passage is comfortable for people with a lean physique but might be a little difficult for heavier people to pass through it. The path towards the cave is covered with stones, letting in sufficient sunlight. Upon crossing the narrow passage, you reach an open area from where Ghar e Hira is easily visible. As you move a little forward, you can enter the cave and reach the place where Prophet Mohammed used to sit and pray. Inside Ghar e Hira, it is much cooler than the path that leads to it. Therefore, it is a good spot to rest and remember Allah, especially if there is not a lot of crowd. Praying there is becomes difficult when there are many pilgrims.
5 Facts about the Cave of Hira
- With dimensions of 4 m and 1.5 m in length and width, this cave is set on a 380 m slope mountain, possessing a shape that is similar to a camel’s hump.
- According to researcher Mohie ElDin Al-Hashmi, the Hira Cave has enough space to hold six adults at a time.
- During Hajj, approximately 5,000 pilgrims trek up to the cave daily.
- After sunset, the top of the Nour mountain offers a panoramic view of the Makkah city dotted with bright yellow city lights.
- In recent times, in light of a few accidents of pilgrims falling while climbing their way up to the cave, it was suggested to build stairs to the cave site and enclosing. The suggestion was rejected by The Scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas saying, “Climbing up to this cave is not one of the rituals of Hajj or Sunnahs of Islam, rather it is an innovation and is one of the things that lead to shirk or associating others with Allaah. Based on that, people should be prevented from climbing up to it; no stairs should be built and it should not be made easier to climb up to it, in accordance with the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”
Spiritual Journey in the Cave
It is in the Cave of Hira where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) engaged in deep contemplation, meditation, and prayer. It was during one such moment of spiritual reflection that the Angel Gabriel appeared to him, conveying the first revelations of the Quran.
Theology and Spirituality
The experience in the Cave of Hira holds profound theological and spiritual significance. It signifies the divine initiation of prophethood and the transmission of the Quranic revelations, making it a cornerstone of Islamic belief. This event underscores the importance of solitude and reflection in one’s spiritual journey, emphasizing the significance of divine guidance.
If you are planning a trip to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, it is recommended to visit the cave for its historic and religious significance and also for the splendid top view of the holy city.
Suggested Read: Mountains In Saudi Arabia Are Home To Historical Peaks And Charming Vistas
The Cave of Hira FAQs
Why is the Cave of Hira famous?
Known as the Hill of Illumination or Mountain of Light, Jabal Al-Nour Mountain is famous for the Cave of Hira. This was the place where Prophet Muhammad is said to have been blessed with the first of his many revelations.
What is the location of the Cave of Hira?
In the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, outside Makkah, the Cave of Hira is located in the Jabal Al-Nour Mountain at the height of 634 meters. It is 4 km away from the Holy Kaaba and overlooks the north with its entrance pointing directly towards the holy Kaaba.
How to reach the Cave of Hira?
Hira Cave is located at the top of the Nour Mountain, which is a 20 meters’ walk to and from the cave. After a climb of about 1,200 steps, the summit is complete, and one can easily recognise the Cave of Hira by a sign painted on stone.
What is the importance of the Cave of Hira in Islam?
The Cave of Hira holds a lot of significance for Muslims worldwide. Prophet Mohammad is believed to have spent time in the cave meditating and is said to have been presented with his first revelation of the holy Quran by Hazrat Jibreel.
What are the other names of the Cave of Hira?
Known as the Hill of Illumination or Mountain of Light, Jabal Al-Nour Mountain is famous for the Cave of Hira.
Can people visit the Cave of Hira?
Yes, people can visit Cave of Hira.
Is there any specific religious practice associated with visiting the Cave of Hira?
There is no specific religious practice; however, people can reflect on their deeds, and pray while their visit to Cave of Hira.
Are there any specific etiquettes for visiting the Cave of Hira?
When visiting the Cave of Hira, it is essential to maintain a sense of reverence and humility. While there may not be rigid etiquettes, it is customary to offer prayers, recite Quranic verses, and engage in supplication within the cave. Pilgrims and visitors often approach with a sense of devotion, acknowledging the historical and spiritual significance of the site.
How busy is the Cave of Hira, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons?
The Cave of Hira experiences varying levels of visitation throughout the year. During the Hajj and Umrah seasons, it can become significantly crowded, as pilgrims from around the world seek to experience the sacred site and reflect on the Prophet spiritual journey. It is advisable to plan visits during less busy times or exercise patience when visiting during peak seasons to fully immerse in the spiritual atmosphere.
