Have you heard of the famous pilgrimage site, Cave of Hira? If not, then it’s time to acquaint you with this sacred destination, which is a must-visit for Hajj or Umrah pilgrims. The history of the Hira Cave is a fascinating one, but we’ll get into that later. This cave located on Jabal Al Nour, or the “Hill of Illumination” witnesses a great footfall of pilgrims because of its significance to Islamic history. So, here’s more about this hidden gem in Saudi Arabia that will enrich your experience and connect you with the divine.
Cave of Hira: Insight on the Lost Time in History
The Hira Cave Makkah is a site of utmost importance to those who follow the Islamic practices. Linked to the great Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the history of this cave is one that everyone must know.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) early years in life found him traveling throughout Syria and Palestine (former Levant regions). This cave became a haven for him, away from the humdrum of the city, where he could enjoy a moment of peace. Initially the purpose of visiting this place was to meditate and connect with God; however, it soon became the site where he received his first revelation. In 610 AD, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 40 years old, Hazrat Jibreel or Archangel Gabriel visited him with his first revelation, the first verses of Quran.
“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.”
This is when the prophethood of Muhammad began and even after leaving the cave, he could hear the voice of Jibreel saying, “O Mohammad, you are the Messenger of God, and I am Jibreel.” Soon, he accepted God’s message and began preaching the message of Islam to one and all.
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Hira Cave Mecca: Significance in Islam
Now that you’re aware of the Cave Hira story, you might have understood the significance of this place and why it’s one of the historical places in Makkah.
A lot of pilgrims are curious about this location where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation. However, not every pilgrim visits this destination as it’s not as sacred as the other holy places to visit in Mecca, such as Masjid Al-Haram. But we recommend you pay a visit to this fascinating location near the mountain top and experience the divine light shining upon you. The tourist count increases every year; with around 5000 pilgrims climbing up the mountain to visit this cave. Therefore, it has become one of the preferred tourist attractions in the city.
This cave is a cornerstone of Islamic belief, which emphasizes the importance of a person’s spiritual journey and their efforts to connect with the divine. It was Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) spiritual journey that led him to become the messenger of God.
Inside Hira Cave Saudi Arabia
Let’s give you a virtual tour of Ghar e Hira, which will urge you to plan a trip here right away. The entry to Jabal Al Nour, where the cave is located, is a narrow one and might look dark from the outside, but once you enter, it’s decently illuminated by sunlight. After crossing this passage, you’ll find the cave in your line of sight and as you enter, you’ll find the place where the Prophet used to pray and meditate.
The interior of the cave is cooler than the outside and provides relief from the desert heat. You can even rest here for a while or pray to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala), if the place isn’t crowded with other tourists.
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Things to Do in and Around the Cave of Hira
When it comes to the things to do in Makkah, there’s a lot to explore and experience, but here are a few things that you can do in and around the Hira Cave.
- Hike to the Cave of Hira
- Pray or meditate inside the cave
- Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the mountain
Attractions near Cave of Hira
Here are some of the tourist attractions near Hira Cave that you must check out on your visit.
- Great Mosque of Mecca
- Kaaba
- Station of Ibrahim
- Abraj Al-Bait Towers
- Mount Arafat
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How to Reach Cave of Hira?
It’s best to visit Jabal Al Nour, where the cave is located by taking a taxi or a private car and driving northwest of the Old City. This cave is around 10 km away from Mecca; however, the cave is located at a height of around 634 m in Jabal Al Nour. So, you must climb from the mountain’s entry point to the cave, which will take around 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your level of fitness.
It’s ideal to start your climb to this sacred site at dusk or dawn, when the temperature is relatively low and pleasant.
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Travel Tips
- Be mindful of the religious sentiments of others
- Wear comfortable and good-fitting shoes for the hike
- Dress modestly and adorn comfortable clothes
- Stay hydrated during the climb
- Don’t litter the surrounding area
- Be careful of the mountain edge
- Carry a flashlight
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Being one of the most fascinating sites in Saudi Arabia, Cave of Hira was off the tourist radar for a long time has finally come into light. With thousands of tourists visiting this place every year as an extension of their Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, it’s time that you do too. Embrace the pious aura and the blessing of the almighty, feel the sacred power being bestowed upon you as you spend some peaceful time here. Our Saudi Arabia tour packages help you plan a memorable trip to this famous tourist spot, so book now!
Cave of Hira FAQs
Cave of Hira is a religious site, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Hazrat Jibreel or Archangel Gabriel.
Yes, you can go inside the Hira Cave and pray where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once meditated.
The Cave of Hira is located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, outside Makkah, on the top of Jabal Al Nour. It’s around 4 km away from the holy Kaaba.
People visit the Cave of Hira to satisfy their curiosity about the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation. Tourists from all over the world pay respect to him by visiting this place during their Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage.
Angel Gabriel said to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “O Muhammad, you are the messenger of God, and I am Jibreel.” The Prophet could see Hazrat Jibreel in every direction after receiving his first revelation.
The hike to Cave Hira takes around 45 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on the fitness of the person.
It’s difficult to climb to Cave Hira, even for experienced hikers, but not impossible. Several tourists every year climb up the Jabal Al Nour to pay their respects at the cave.
Yes, Cave Hira is among the historical and religious sites from the Prophet’s time that are still preserved and visited by pilgrims every year.
