Two small caves in the mountains around Makkah hold some of the most moving moments in the story of Islam. In Ghar Hira, the first revelation of the Quran came down. In Ghar Thawr, the Prophet ﷺ and his closest friend took shelter during the Hijrah. Many pilgrims dream of seeing them.

This guide explains the story of each cave, what the climb is really like, and how to plan your visit safely, especially with family. Visiting the caves is not part of Umrah or Hajj, but it can deepen your love for the Seerah.

Ghar Hira: where the revelation began

Before prophethood, Muhammad ﷺ loved to spend nights alone in worship and reflection in a small cave on a mountain north-east of Makkah. Sayyidah Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) would send him food. One night in the month of Ramadan, when he was forty, the Angel Jibreel came and said: “Read!” The first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq were revealed: “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” (96:1–5). He returned home trembling, and Khadijah comforted him with the famous words that Allah would never disgrace him (Sahih al-Bukhari).

The mountain is called Jabal al-Nour, the Mountain of Light. It is about 640 metres high and around 4 to 5 km from Masjid al-Haram. The cave is small, about the size of a single person lying down, and faces towards the Kaaba.

Climbing Jabal al-Nour: what to expect

The path is made of steps and uneven rock. Most healthy adults reach the cave in about 1 to 2 hours, with rests. The way down takes a little less. There is often a queue at the cave itself, because only one or two people can stand inside at a time.

• Start time: go after Fajr or after Asr. Midday in summer is dangerous.
• Fitness: the climb is steep. People with heart, knee or breathing problems should not try it, and pregnant women are usually advised not to.
• What to bring: water, good shoes with grip, a small torch for early or late climbs, and a little cash.
• Children: keep them close; some parts have steep drops.

At the foot of the mountain is the Hira Cultural District, with a museum and an exhibition about the revelation and the Quran, a pleasant option for those who cannot climb.

Ghar Thawr: the cave of the Hijrah

When Quraysh plotted to kill the Prophet ﷺ, Allah gave him permission to migrate to Madinah. He left at night with Abu Bakr as-Siddiq and went south, the opposite direction to Madinah, to confuse the trackers. They hid for three nights in a cave on Jabal Thawr. The Quraysh search party came so close that Abu Bakr was afraid, and the Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:40). Abdullah, Abu Bakr’s son, brought them news, and Asma, his daughter, brought food.

Jabal Thawr lies on the south side of Makkah, around 7 to 8 km from the Haram. It is higher (around 750 metres) and the climb is longer and harder than Jabal al-Nour, often 2 to 3 hours to the top. Most visitors view the mountain from below and reflect on the story.

Ghar Hira vs Ghar Thawr at a glance

• Location: Hira is north-east of the Haram; Thawr is south.
• Event: Hira is where revelation began; Thawr is where the Hijrah began.
• Climb: Hira takes about 1 to 2 hours; Thawr about 2 to 3 hours.
• Best for families: Hira, plus the cultural district at its base.

Keeping the right intention

The caves are places of history, not places of special ritual. There is no special prayer or dua taught for visiting them, and the Prophet ﷺ did not return to Hira to worship after prophethood. Scholars advise visitors not to rub the rocks, take stones, write on walls or tie cloths. Visit to remember Allah’s favour, to thank Him for the Quran and to learn from the trust and courage of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr.

How to get there

Both mountains are a short drive from the Haram, but parking and finding a ride back can be hard. A private taxi can drop you at the start of the path and pick you up when you come down. Many families add the caves to a full Makkah Ziyarat tour together with Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina and Jannat al-Mu’alla. See our list of Makkah ziyarat places.

Reflections to take with you

Standing near Hira, think about the first word revealed: Iqra, read. Islam began with knowledge. Many pilgrims make an intention here to read more of the Quran with understanding when they go home.

Near Thawr, remember the courage of Abu Bakr, the help of his children Abdullah and Asma, and the shepherd Amir ibn Fuhayrah who covered their tracks. Each played a small part in a great plan. Whatever your role in your family or community, sincere effort for Allah is never small.

These reflections are the real gift of a visit. Photos are nice, but a changed heart lasts longer.

Safety tips for the climb

• Tell your driver or family when you expect to be back.
• Do not climb alone, and do not climb in the dark without a torch.
• Take breaks in the shade and drink water before you feel thirsty.
• Watch for loose stones and be careful on the way down, when most slips happen.
• Keep your phone charged and your hotel address saved.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides and services

• Makkah Ziyarat taxi
• Makkah to Taif taxi and ziyarat
• Masjid Aisha Meeqat taxi
• Holy mountains guide
• All routes and fixed prices

Sources and further reading

• Quran 96:1–5 (quran.com)
• Quran 9:40 (quran.com)
• Sahih al-Bukhari 3 – beginning of revelation (sunnah.com)
• Visit Saudi – Makkah

This guide is general information for pilgrims. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so please ask a qualified scholar about your own situation. Official rules change often; always check the official Nusuk platform and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.

Written by the Zikr Cabs team: we drive pilgrims between Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Taif. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp.

Book on WhatsApp