Makkah
Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira)
The mountain where the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet ﷺ.
What is Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira?
Jabal al-Nour ('Mountain of Light') sits north-east of Makkah. Near its summit is the Cave of Hira where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation of the Qur'an - Iqra - from Angel Jibril ﷺ.
Significance & history
Before Prophethood, the Prophet ﷺ used to retreat to the Cave of Hira for reflection. It was here, at age 40, that he received Sūrah al-'Alaq's opening verses. The site is not part of any ritual but is deeply cherished for its history.
【BOOK】 The author's climb to Jabal al-Nour and reflections in the cave will appear here.
Role in the ritual
Visiting Jabal al-Nour is not part of Umrah or Hajj. It is optional - a historic ziyarah, not an act of worship in itself. Do not tie any dua, tawaf, or salah to the cave.
Etiquette
- Do not tie ribbons, leave belongings, or seek blessings from the cave walls - these acts have no basis.
- The climb is steep and takes 1-2 hours each way; not recommended for the elderly or those with heart conditions.
- Carry water, wear grip-soled shoes, and start before dawn to avoid heat.
- Avoid making photos the goal - the visit is for reflection.
Key Facts
Jabal al-Nour rises about 640 m above sea level.
The first five verses of Sūrah al-'Alaq were revealed here.
Visiting the mountain is not a Sunnah - just a permitted historic ziyarah.
Visitor information
- Location
- About 4 km north-east of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah
- Timings
- Open access; best climbed between Fajr and sunrise.
- - Hire a licensed taxi to the base and agree on the fare before starting.
- - The narrow cave entrance requires bending - go carefully in a queue.
- - Do not spend so long here that you miss your Nusuk permit slot at the Haram.