⛰️ Cave of Hira (Jabal al-Nour)
Saudi Arabia
About This Sacred Site
The Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour ('Mountain of Light') is where Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran from the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) in 610 CE, marking the beginning of his prophethood and of Islam itself. Muhammad had been retreating to this small cave for meditation and contemplation when the angel appeared and commanded him to 'Read!' — the first word of what became the Quran. The cave is located about 3.2 kilometers from the Masjid al-Haram and requires a steep 600-meter climb to reach. Though not an official part of Hajj, millions of pilgrims make the climb each year.
Key Facts
- •Where Prophet Muhammad received the first Quranic revelation in 610 CE
- •The Angel Jibril's command to 'Read!' (Iqra) was the first word of the Quran revealed here
- •Located on Jabal al-Nour, 3.2 km from the Great Mosque of Mecca
- •Requires a steep climb of about 600 meters to reach the small cave
- •Muhammad used to retreat to the cave for meditation before his prophethood
Location
Coordinates: 21.4575, 39.8583
Related Holy Sites
🕋Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque of Mecca)
The holiest site in Islam, home of the Kaaba, and the destination for Hajj pilgrimage.
🕌Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque)
The second holiest mosque in Islam, containing the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.
🕌Ajmer Sharif Dargah
India's most important Muslim shrine, visited by people of all faiths.
⛰️Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat)
The sacred mountain where pilgrims gather for the most important day of Hajj.
⛺Mina (Tent City)
A vast tent city where millions of Hajj pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.
🕌Masjid al-Quba
The first mosque built in Islam, founded by Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Medina.