Jabal Thawr and Ghar Thawr: The Cave of the Hijrah
South of Makkah stands Jabal Thawr, a tall, rugged mountain that holds one of the most touching stories in the life of the Prophet ﷺ. In a small cave near its summit, the Prophet ﷺ and his closest companion, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), sheltered for three nights while the Quraysh searched for them at the start of the Hijrah to Madinah.
In this guide you will find the history and significance of Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr, where it is and how far it is from the Haram, the best time to visit, simple etiquette, practical tips and how to get there comfortably with a private Zikr Cabs car. It is part of our Makkah Ziyarat Guide.
History and significance of Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr
In 622 CE, after years of persecution in Makkah, Allah permitted the Prophet ﷺ to migrate to Yathrib, the city that would become Madinah. The Quraysh had plotted to kill him, so he left secretly at night with Abu Bakr. Instead of heading straight north towards Madinah, they went south to Jabal Thawr, a route the pursuers would not expect.
They stayed in the cave for three nights. Abu Bakr’s son Abdullah brought them news from Makkah, his daughter Asma brought food, and his freed servant Amir ibn Fuhayrah grazed sheep over their tracks. At one point the searchers came so close that Abu Bakr feared they would be seen. The Qur’an records the Prophet’s words of reassurance: “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us” (Surah al-Tawbah 9:40). The same moment is described in a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Popular stories also mention a spider’s web and a dove’s nest at the cave’s entrance. These accounts appear in some biographies, but scholars differ on how strong their chains of narration are, so it is best to share them carefully. What is certain is the lesson of trust in Allah (tawakkul) that the event teaches.
Jabal Thawr rises to around 750 metres above sea level. The climb is longer and harder than Jabal al-Nour, and the path is less developed, so most visitors view the mountain from below as part of a ziyarat tour.
Where is Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr? Location and distance
Jabal Thawr lies in the south of Makkah, roughly 4–7 km from Masjid al-Haram depending on the road. The drive takes about 15–25 minutes, and tours usually stop at a viewpoint near the base.
Distances and travel times are approximate and depend on your hotel, the route and traffic, especially in Ramadan and the Hajj season.
Best time to visit and etiquette
If you intend to climb, start immediately after Fajr and only in cooler months (roughly November to February). Most families simply stop for a short visit and photos, which can fit any time of day outside the hottest hours.
As with other historical sites, there are no special rituals at Ghar Thawr. Use the visit to remember the sacrifice of the Hijrah and the friendship of Abu Bakr, and avoid rubbing walls, collecting stones or other practices with no basis in the Sunnah.
As with all ziyarat, it helps to keep the right intention. Visiting historical places is not part of the rites of Umrah or Hajj. It is a chance to learn, to reflect on the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and to make du’a. Scholars remind us not to seek blessing from rocks, walls or soil, and to follow the Sunnah in what we say and do. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.
Combining Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr with other ziyarat
Most pilgrims visit Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include Jabal al-Nour & Ghar Hira, Arafat & Jabal al-Rahmah, Muzdalifah and Mina. Each has its own guide, linked at the end of this page. A good plan is to choose three or four places for one morning, starting with the one that needs the most walking while it is still cool, and to leave time for rest and prayer. If you only have one free morning, our suggested route in the Makkah Ziyarat Guide shows a practical order that avoids driving back and forth across the city.
Visiting Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr with family, children and elderly pilgrims
Ziyarat with family is a special memory, but it is easy to try to do too much. Keep the day short and gentle: plan around prayer times, take water and light snacks, and let anyone who is tired rest in the air-conditioned car while others step out. For wheelchair users, ask your driver to stop as close as the rules allow, and remember that some paths and steps are not suitable for wheelchairs. Teach children a short story about each place before you arrive, so the visit becomes a lesson they remember. Above all, keep the visit calm and respectful, as others around you may be in quiet prayer or reflection.
Practical tips for your visit
- The climb can take 1.5–2.5 hours up for an average walker; it is not suitable for people with heart or knee problems.
- Never climb alone or in the heat of the day.
- Wear proper walking shoes, and take water, a snack and a small first-aid kit.
- If you are on a tight schedule, combine a short stop at Jabal Thawr with Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina on the same tour.
- Dress modestly and carry water, especially from May to September, when temperatures can pass 45°C.
- Keep your ID and the Nusuk app with you, as some areas have checkpoints, and access rules can change, so follow the instructions of officials on site.
How to get to Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr with Zikr Cabs
The easiest way to visit Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr and other nearby sites at your own pace, and brings you back in time for prayer. You never have to bargain with street taxis or wait for a crowded bus.
Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr is included in our Makkah Ziyarat taxi tour, which starts from SAR 200 for a sedan. Fares are fixed per vehicle, not per person, and larger cars such as the GMC Yukon, Hyundai H1/Staria, Toyota Hiace and Coaster are available for families and groups. See all vehicles and prices on our routes and prices page. * Rates exclude VAT.
Frequently asked questions about Jabal Thawr & Ghar Thawr
What happened at Ghar Thawr?
The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr hid in the cave for three nights at the start of the Hijrah to Madinah in 622 CE, as mentioned in Surah al-Tawbah 9:40.
Is Jabal Thawr harder to climb than Jabal al-Nour?
Yes. It is higher and the path is longer and rougher. Many pilgrims view it from the base instead.
How far is Jabal Thawr from Masjid al-Haram?
Roughly 4–7 km, usually 15–25 minutes by car.
Do Makkah ziyarat tours include Jabal Thawr?
Yes. The Zikr Cabs Makkah ziyarat usually includes a stop at Jabal Thawr.
Is there a special prayer at the cave?
No special prayer is prescribed. Visit for reflection and to learn the history.
Nearby ziyarats
Related reading
← Back to the Makkah Ziyarat Guide
Sources and further reading
- Qur’an, Surah al-Tawbah 9:40
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3653 (the cave during the Hijrah)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Hijrah
- Nusuk – official platform for Umrah, Hajj and Rawdah
This guide is general information for pilgrims. Official rules on permits and access change often; please check Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.
Book on WhatsApp