Top Islamic Places to Visit in Makkah: Arafat, Noor & Hira Cave

Makkah, the holy city, is a showcase of rich Islamic history, spectacular landscapes, and historical sites. From the open plains of Arafat to the great Mount Jabal al-Noor and the sacred Cave of Hira, these are all places where stories have been etched into the foundations of faith. Whether Pilgrim or traveler, Makkah has so much more than spiritual opulence. Every stone, path, and hilltop is imbued with meaning.

So, use this comprehensive guide, and find out why Arafat, Jabal al-Noor, and the Cave of Hira should be on any traveler's or Pilgrim's list of things to do in Makkah when entering the blessed land.

Arafat, also known as Jabal-e-Rehmat (Mount of Mercy), is a small hill on the Arafat ground in Makkah that marks the location where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his Farewell Sermon. Each year on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, it is the main focal point for the central ritual of Hajj, as thousands of pilgrims converge in worship. Located southeast of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Arafat is steeped in historical and spiritual significance, evoking contemplation, prayer, and the mercy of God. It is now easier to get to Al Arafat with so many options like Umrah taxi services.

Mount Arafat sits in the Arafah plain, roughly 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is positioned between Makkah and Taif, located about 10 kilometers from Mina, 6 kilometers from Muzdalifah, and around 22 kilometers from central Makkah.

Mount Arafat, in Makkah, holds major religious significance as the site of the Farewell Sermon delivered by the Prophet Muhammad during his last Hajj near Makkah. This sermon served as a reminder of the importance of justice, equality, and unity for all Muslims. Mount Arafat and the nearby plain of Arafat are also regarded as a site of divinity, mercy, and forgiveness, and it was where the Prophet prayed for the forgiveness of his followers.

On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat to pray and reflect. They perform the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers while facing the Qibla and stay in continuous supplication until sunset. According to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, on this day, Allah SWT descends to the closest heaven and tells the angels:

“My slaves have come to Me, rough and disheveled, coming from every distant valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of a grain of sand or a drop of rain or like the foam on the sea, I will forgive them. So go forth, My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or whom you have interceded for.”
[Tabarani]

The Special Dua to Say on Arafat

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best invocation on the day of Arafah, and the best of all the invocations I ever offered or other holy Prophets before me ever offered is:
“There is no god but Allah: He is Unique; He has no partner, the whole universe is for Him and Him is the praise, and He has power over all things.”
[Tirmidhi]

This dua has unparalleled virtue on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, particularly for the people who come together at Arafat for Hajj.

In Islam, Arafah has significant spiritual importance because it is the precise location where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had prayed (Dua) to Allah.

Some top hotels to stay near Mount Arafat:

6.7 Pleasant

اسفار الواحة ASFAr

طريق الملك فيصل Mecca, SA

7.9 Good

Al Adl Jewel Hotel

King Faisal Road Mecca, SA

6.7 Pleasant

Modern flat in Jabal Alnour near Al-Haram

مكة المكرمة Mecca, SA

Jabal al-Nour stands about 634 meters above sea level and is located roughly 4 kilometers northeast of Masjid al-Haram. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a clear, panoramic view of Makkah. The mountain’s rocky path is a popular route, especially during the Hajj season, as pilgrims make the climb to visit the site where the first Qur'anic revelation took place.

Historically known as Jabal Hira or Mount Hira, this mountain of Allah is now best known by Jabal al-Nour, meaning the "Mountain of Light". Among its other names are "Mountain of the Qur'an" or "Mountain of Islam." Each name is descriptive of its great history and spiritual importance.

At 40 years of age, Prophet Muhammad commenced separating himself from the corrupt environment of Makkah and seeking a spiritual retreat in the Cave of Hira located in Jabal al-Nour. He sometimes retreated for days at a time to engage in worship and devote his mind to reflection and the pursuit of knowledge.

While one night he was in worship in the darkness of the cave, the angel Jibril appeared out of nowhere. He tightly held the Prophet ﷺ and commanded, "Read!" The Prophet denied saying he did not know how to read. The action was repeated thrice, after which Jibril released him and spoke the divine words:

“Read in the Name of your Lord Who has created, Who has created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is the Most Generous. He has taught by the pen, taught man that which he did not know.”
[Surah al-Alaq, 96:1-5]

Trembling from the experience, the Prophet managed to return home and immediately asked his wife, Khadijah, to cover him with a blanket. This event represents the beginning of the revelation of the Qur'an.

If you are going to Jabal al-Nour without being part of a guided ziyarah tour, your best option is to take a taxi, which is easily available near Masjid al-Haram. When trying to arrange a ride, you should be clear: Ask the driver to please drop you off as close as you can to the trailhead. Most drivers, when they drop you off, think they are being helpful, because they will stop at the base of the road, requiring you to trek an additional 10–15-minute uphill walk, without even reaching the climb itself. This added trek can be grueling work in the heat, so it's always best to specify the stop when you're required.

Climbing to the Cave of Hira typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on one’s speed, how often one stops, or the foot traffic through the trail. When visiting the summit or exploring the cave area, allow yourself extra time for climbing.

Some top hotels to stay near Jabal al-Noor:

6.7 Pleasant

Modern flat in Jabal Alnour near Al-Haram

مكة المكرمة Mecca, SA

6.7 Pleasant

Two Bedroom Furnished Apartment

Mfwc7723 Al Hajj Mecca, SA

7.9 Good

Al Adl Jewel Hotel

King Faisal Road Mecca, SA

Ghar-e-Hira sits nearly 3.2 kilometers northeast of central Makkah, in the direction of Arafat. Urban expansion has engulfed the cave, and there is little distinction between it and the city now, as the cave seamlessly blends into the city with little indication of its previous location. By road, the distance from Masjid al-Haram to the mountain is about 8 to 9 kilometers.

The cave is roughly 2 meters high and measures 3.5 meters in length and 1.3 meters in width at maximum. The cave is big enough for two adults to stand and offer prayers comfortably. Ghar-e-Hira is situated on Jabal al-Nour, which rises to 634 meters above sea level.

The interior of Ghar-e-Hira is oriented towards the Qibla and has a narrow aperture where the view of Masjid al-Haram could once be seen.

As a young boy, Abdul Muttalib I, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, first pointed out the Cave of Hira to the Prophet. Then, at the age of 40 years, the Prophet began to take time to withdraw from the moral decay of Makkah. He would begin to retreat and dedicate time to spiritual contemplation and worship in the void of the cave. He would regularly take some food and water with him into the cave, and he would spend a great deal of time in solitary confinement. During this solitude, the Prophet ﷺ began experiencing vivid dreams that manifested with an astonishing degree of clarity and truthfulness in the days that followed. This cave was also where he received the first Quranic revelation.

The Cave of Hira sits at about 600m ascent from Jabal al-Nour, and approximately 50m below the summit. The trail generally starts with a moderate three- to four-degree incline, then steepens to a sixty-to-seventy-degree incline near the summit. The ascent generally takes about one hour, but depending on the temperature or the volume of climbers, the length of time it takes may increase significantly, usually due to the many breaks required in steep gradients and the lack of space to move together in groups.

A steep descent leads you to a narrow, uneven path toward the entrance of Ghar-e-Hira. Be careful during the last portion of this trail, especially as it passes through narrow areas with little room for walking. Even on particularly busy days of the pilgrimage season, this area can become densely populated, which slows movement and restricts access. Patience and vigilance are key as you approach the cave.

Once you enter Ghar-e-Hira, it is recommended to offer two rak'ahs of nafl salah, performed with the niyyah (intention) of shukr (gratefulness) to Allah for allowing you to pray at a place where divine revelation first descended upon the Prophet. Also, use this time to make a heartfelt du’a and regularly send Salawat upon the Prophet. You could further extend your worship by performing more nafl prayers, reciting passages of the Qur'an, and performing dhikr. While inside, take a brief moment to contemplate the historical and spiritual significance of the cave, and upon exiting, bask in the views of Makkah unobscured in front of you.

Some top hotels to stay near Ghar-e-Hira:

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