Let us recommend a famous tourist attraction to you during your vacation that you must add to your itinerary right away. Jabal Al Nour, also known as the Hill of Illumination or the Mountain of Light is a religiously and historically significant destination in Makkah. Thousands of tourists worldwide visit this attraction because of the legend behind it. Another aspect that makes this mountain popular is the panoramic views of the city and the Holy Mosque that you are greeted with. So, let’s know more about this mountain and get an insight into why it’s famous among pilgrims.
Jabal Al Nour History: The Legend of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The reason Jabal Al Nour has gained fame is because of Cave Hira that is located on this mountain. It’s believed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was blessed with one of his first revelations here during Ramadan in 610 CE. During the last 10 days of the Ramadan month, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned to this cave and was visited by Hazrat Jibreel or Archangel Gabriel, who asked him to recite Quran’s first verse. The first revelation was the first five ayats of Surah al-Alaq by the angel.
Due to this cave, this place is also known as Mount Hira. This mountain’s shape gives the impression of a hill on top of another hill. Standing 634 m tall, you won’t find water or any vegetation near this area as it’s mostly rocks and barren land. One of the things to do in Makkah is to visit this cave. A lot of pilgrims climb up to the cave during Hajj, but it’s not obligatory.
Location: Makkah Province, Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 12 A.M to 11:59 P.M
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
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Jabal Al Nour Mecca: Inside the Hira Cave
Since this cave is one of the most important places to visit in Makkah, let’s enter the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) meditated and retreated for some peaceful time. There’s a narrow entry point to the cave and once you enter it, the path to Ghar-e-Hira is easily visible due to the sunlight and the entire path’s covered with stones. As you move forward, you’ll reach the place where the Prophet used to sit and meditate. You can feel the positivity inside and this part of the cave is a lot cooler than the rest of it.
To reach this cave, you must climb approximately 1,200 steps and you’ll see a sign on a stone telling you of your arrival at Hira Cave. As you climb atop this cave, you can see the entire city at your feet. Be careful though and don’t wander off too close to the edge. If you’re visiting this cave at night, then keep a flashlight handy.
Jabal Al Nour & Spirituality
It’s evident by now that Jabal Al Nour or the Hira Cave is the cornerstone of Islamic belief. So, those on a spiritual journey would find a sense of peace and serenity here. This cave reminds people of divine guidance and reinstates their belief in the almighty. Therefore, a trip to Makkah calls for visiting Hira cave as well, one of the historical places in Saudi Arabia.
Even though the cave can only fit five people at once, there are several pilgrims who wait in queue to pray inside the holy cave.
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Travel Tips for Jabal Al Nour
There are a few tips you must keep in mind when traveling to this cave in Makkah.
- Respect the religious sentiments of people
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Carry a flashlight at night
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid going near the edge of the mountain
- Wait in queue patiently
- Wear modest clothes
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How to Reach Jabal Al Nour Mecca Saudi Arabia
Jabal Al Nour is approximately 12 km away from the holy city of Mecca and it takes around 16 minutes to reach here. You can travel till Bilal bin Rabah Mosque via car, but from that point, you’ll have to walk on foot. From the mountain, you’ll have to climb around 20 m to the cave, which takes around 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on your physical prowess. It’s ideal to start your ascent at dawn or in the evening when the heat is bearable. Once you reach the top, you’ll see the sign painted on a stone.
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Now you know the power of Jabal Al Nour Makkah, where people from all around the world visit the Cave of Hira. The reason this place gained fame and became a symbol of spirituality is because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation here, which eventually led him to start his journey of spreading the teachings of Allah to all. It’s a must-visit tourist attraction in Makkah, which would provide you with a sense of calm and allow you to feel the presence of God. Our Saudi Arabia tour packages ensure a trip to this sacred cave, so book your package now!
Jabal Al Nour Makkah FAQs
Jabal Al Nour is the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira by archangel Gabriel or Hazrat Jibreel. Therefore, this mountain is known as the “Mountain of Light.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in Hira Cave to meditate and make sense of the world around him. He would return home only to carry food and water to the cave and reside there for a prolonged period of time.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in the cave for around 40 days. It was during the last 10 days of Ramadan in 610 CE when he was visited by Hazrat Jibreel who asked him to recite the first words of Quran.
Hazrat Jibreel or Archangel Gabriel appeared in front of Muhammad when he was in Hira Cave, meditating during Ramadan. The angel guided him to begin proclaiming God’s message.
Jabal Al Nour is located in the Hejaz region of Mecca and overlooks the North and its entrance pointing towards the Holy Kaaba. The mountain is at a height of 634 m approximately.
Jabal Al Nour is also known as the Mountain of Light, Mount Hira, and Hill of Illumination. It’s a must-visit attraction for all.
