Jabal al-Nour: A Journey to the Cave of Hira

Jabal Al-Nour: The Sacred Beacon of Light

The Mountain of Light, Jabal Al-Nour, sits majestically over the sacred city of Makkah and holds a special place in the history of Islam. The top of the mountain houses the revered Cave of Hira, where the journey of revelation began in profound significance. It was here, in the silence of Ramadan 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first message from Hazrat Jibreel (Archangel Gabriel) for the beginning of the revelation of the Holy Quran-a moment to forever be marked in the pages of spiritual history. This transformative night, now known as Laylat al-Qadr - The Night of Power, inspires millions. Devotees come up the rugged slopes of this mountain for devotion, often to experience the serene solace in which the Prophet (PBUH) often took refuge. Standing atop the mountain, stunning vistas of Makkah and the Holy Mosque stretch out to the ground, reminding one of the mountain's significant statures.

It becomes a main point for the spiritual seeker during Hajj, but it remains a treasured, not obligatory journey for those undertaking Umrah. The climb is steep, but the reward is beyond words, both in spirit and in view.

Ready to walk into the lands that hold the footsteps of history, a birthplace of divine revelation?

Cave of Hira is located atop the esteemed Jabal Al-Nour Mountain in Saudi Arabia's Hejaz region, which is approximately 4 kilometers from the Holy Kaaba. At a level of 634 meters above sea level, this revered site holds significant spiritual meaning since it was the cradle of divine revelation. The entrance of the cave is oriented towards the north to face the Kaaba exactly, thus providing a sense of deep connection to the most sacred building in Islam.

The trek to the Cave of Hira is an endurance and dedication test. About 3 kilometers from the center of Makkah, the climb starts at the end of Jabal Nour Road, close to Bilal bin Rabah Mosque. From this point, a trail marked as the Ghar-e-Hira Trail marks the beginning of the trek. The ascent totals 1,200 steps and takes from 45 minutes to three hours depending on fitness level. Though the ascent is difficult, the track is well-worn and has fabulous views of the surrounding landmarks. The cave is defined at the summit by a mural sign, making it easy for pilgrims to find it on their journey.

The story of Ghar-e-Hira, the Cave of Hira, is deeply interlinked with the life of the early years of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Much before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started fulfilling his divine mission, there was always the noise in Makkah, and the Prophet would leave for Syria and Palestine on a tour, which provided him with secluded time for profound reflection.

However, his inner quest finally found its haven atop Jabal Al-Nour, nestled in the tranquil embrace of the Cave of Hira.

Even before the very first revelation, Prophet Muhammad took refuge in this sacred cave, for the peaceful comfort that it provided him. The Cave of Hira had soon become his haven, away from the chaos of the world, into the quiet, where he spent long hours in vigil contemplating the riddles of life and putting his heart and soul into fervent supplications.

It became a natural characteristic of the early life of the Prophet that was found in his spiritual pursuit of solitude. In this stage of meditation and devotion, he found himself prepared to meet history in an encounter that was destined to turn history.

In the last 10 days of Ramadan, in the year 610 CE, the Cave of Hira was going to be broken by that silence. On that called Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, the Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel) visited the Prophet with a directive: "Recite!" That was the start of the revelation of the Holy Quran and the beginning of the dawn of Islam.

This sanctuary evolved to become a place of monumental importance wherein holy light first shone, creating an illumination upon the world.

Today pilgrims from around the world climb up the Mountain of Light through the Cave of Hira, wherein they try to follow up the footsteps of the Prophet in the quest for a more profound spiritual connection. Indeed, this historical site commemorates the Prophet's strict adherence to his faith while at the same time noting the potency of solitude in transformation.

The expedition into Ghar-e-Hira is one in which the narrow, small entrance to this cave stands as a testament to its humility. From the outside, the cavity appears to be dark and small, but as one steps into it, he finds it adequately illuminated and tranquil, the sun rays filtering through the clefts in the rocky structure.

For those who would make this pilgrimage, there is a special challenge just entering the cave. It is narrow at the entrance and requires some maneuvering, especially for those of a more robust build. Yet it is this narrowness that maintains the intimate and holy atmosphere inside the cave. The path that leads up is strewn with stones and uneven steps but allows glimpses of sunlight to help guide pilgrims up the climb.

The experience inside the Ghar-e-Hira varies at different times of your visit. In the silent hours, Ghar-e-Hira offers an appropriately quiet space to ponder over and remember Allah. During the high pilgrimage seasons, the space within this cave can be very limiting in accommodating people, making personal times of reflection a bit more challenging.

Nevertheless, to many, the ascent and view of this place of veneration are among the most stirring and unforgettable parts of their spiritual journey.