Makkah
Jabal Thawr
The mountain of the Prophet's ﷺ cave during the Hijrah.
What is Jabal Thawr known for?
Jabal Thawr, south of Makkah, contains the cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq ﷺ hid for three nights during the Hijrah to Madinah. Allah protected them with a spider's web and a nesting dove at the cave entrance.
Significance & history
Referenced in the Qur'an: 'When they were in the cave, he said to his companion, Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us' (9:40). Jabal Thawr symbolises complete trust in Allah at the moment of maximum danger.
【BOOK】 The author reflects on Abu Bakr's ﷺ courage in this chapter.
Role in the ritual
Visiting Jabal Thawr is not part of Umrah or Hajj. It is an optional historical ziyarah - no dua, salah, or ritual is tied to the cave itself.
Etiquette
- Do not seek blessings from the cave stones or leave items behind.
- The climb is longer and steeper than Jabal al-Nour - not suitable for the elderly.
- Do not delay your Hajj/Umrah rituals for this optional visit.
Key Facts
Jabal Thawr rises to about 759 m - a strenuous 1.5-2 hour climb.
The Hijrah began in 622 CE - the start of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Abu Bakr ﷺ was the Prophet's ﷺ sole companion in the cave.
Visitor information
- Location
- About 4 km south of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah
- Timings
- Open access; best in cooler months and early morning.
- - Take at least 2 litres of water per person.
- - Wear proper walking shoes; the trail has loose stones.
- - If you have any heart or joint condition, admire the mountain from its base instead.