A Complete Experience at Mount Hira

Jabal Al-Nour, home to the famous Cave of Hira, is situated near the center of Makkah, marking a significant event in history and faith. Whether you are retracing the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) footsteps, finding a solitary point, or just exploring things to do in Makkah, the experience at Mount Hira holds profound spiritual and historical value. The climb will take you on a steep trail, but the view you get from the top is worth it, as well as the physical and spiritual vista.

Dive into this guide as we take you through the trek, the cave, its immense significance in Islam, and all information needed for a complete experience at Mount Hira.

The Cave of Hira is found on Jabal Al-Nour – or the "Mountain of Light", located roughly 4 kilometers northeast of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. Hira has an elevation of 634 meters (2,080 ft) above sea level, facing north. The entrance to the cave is narrow and faces the Kaaba. This small and remote cave is of incredible spiritual significance in Islamic history, as it is the exact location where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation of the Holy Qur'an through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).

Before his first revelation, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would withdraw from society periodically to spend time in contemplation and solitude. On top of this mountain was a small cave known as Hira that would later be where he would go to worship and contemplate deeply. In Ramadan in 610 CE, while he was meditating in the cave, the forty-year-old Prophet Muhammad was visited by Angel Jibreel, who came to him and embraced him, commanding him to "Read!"

Muhammad (PBUH) exclaimed, "I cannot read." Jibreel embraced him tightly and repeated "Read!" three times in total, with the same result each time.

After three attempts where Muhammad (PBUH) did not fulfill Jibreel's command, Jibreel then recited the first verses of the Qur'an as commanded by Allah:

"Read in the name of your Lord who created - created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know."
(Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1-5)

The overwhelmed and trembling Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) descended the mountain, and as he made his way down, Jibreel proclaimed, "O Muhammad, you are the Messenger of Allah."

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had true dreams from an early age that would later become reality in his adult life. So, while increasing solitude and estrangement from society, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would go to the cave of Hira. In the cave of Hira, he would deeply reflect and do worship in isolation away from distractions. Sometimes he would take provisions with him to stay long periods before returning to his wife, Khadija (RA), to restock his supplies and continue his retreats to the cave of Hira, until one blessed night when he received the first revelation from Allah (SWT) through Angel Jibreel (AS).

Mount Hira, located near Makkah, is one of the most significant historical sites in Islam. It was here that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first divine revelation through the Angel Jibreel — a moment that marked the beginning of the Qur’anic revelation during the month of Ramadhan, on the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).

"The month of Ramadhan is that in which was revealed the Quran."
[Quran 2:185]

"Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree."
[Quran 97:1]

Although significant to the Prophet's life, Cave Hira is not a sacred site equivalent to Masjid al-Haram, and Muslims are not religiously required to visit or pray therein. However, due to its historical importance and the surrounding panoramic view of Makkah, people choose to visit the Cave Hira to feel connected to that monumental moment.

The entrance of the Cave of Hira on the summit of Jabal Al-Nour, from the outside, may look narrow and dim, but opens to a seemingly expansive interior. Being trapped within rocks allowed for natural light to enter from various angles. After you leave the narrow passageway behind, you will see the mouth of the cave. A few careful steps and you are in the holy chamber of a cave where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed and received the beginning verses of the Qur'an. Once inside the cave, you will notice how cooler and lighter it is compared to the journey up.

The Cave of Hira is located roughly 600 meters vertically uphill from the base of Jabal al-Nour and lies around 50 meters below the summit. As you start walking, the slope averages around 35° but steepens to around 70° as you get near the cave. The average person takes about an hour to complete the climb, although in peak seasons or during hot weather, this time may double due to the need for additional rest stops, as well as delays caused by crowding.

Once you are settled inside the Cave of Hira, first perform two nafl raka'ahs. You should do them with the supplicatory intention of shukr (gratitude). This is also a great opportunity for you to make du'a from your heart, and to recite Salawat upon the Prophet. Once you leave the cave, you can go back to the top of Jabal al-Nour, where you can continue making nafl prayers, reciting Qur'an, and sending Salawat — or simply revel in the incredible view of Makkah that adds to the overall reflection and serenity of the moment.

Looking to stay near the Cave of Hira? Book from our handpicked hotels for a peaceful and convenient stay.

6.7 Pleasant

Modern flat in Jabal Alnour near Al-Haram

مكة المكرمة Mecca, SA

7.9 Good

Al Adl Jewel Hotel

King Faisal Road Mecca, SA

6.7 Pleasant

اسفار الواحة ASFAr

طريق الملك فيصل Mecca, SA