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Ghar-e-Hira (Arabic: غار حراء, “The Cave of Hira”), located near the summit of Jabal al-Nour (Arabic: جبل النور), is where the Prophet ﷺ received the first Quranic revelation. Prior to the revelation, he would often retreat to the cave to find peace, solitude and an opportunity to reflect and meditate. Since the revelation, the Cave of Hira has become one of the most frequented sites of Ziyarah, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Ghare-Hira is located 3.2 kilometres north of Makkah, towards Arafat. Once a distinct open area from the city, the cave is now integrated into the greater metropolis of Makkah, with no clear demarcation between it and the Haram of Makkah.
It is situated about 8-9 kilometres away from Masjid al-Haram by car.
The cave measures 2 metres in height (6.5 feet) and 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) in length and the width at its widest point is 1.3 metres (4.3 feet). This provides enough height for two average-sized men to stand in and pray. Jabal al-Nour, the mountain on which the cave sits, is 634 metres (2,080 feet) in height.
Let Nour Baserti guide you on a journey to Ghar-e-Hira, where you can connect with the rich history of Islam and immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of this sacred site.
The Cave of Hira holds deep historical and spiritual significance as the place where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received his first revelation. Introduced to the Prophet ﷺ by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib I, in his childhood, the cave later became a site of profound contemplation and solitude for the Prophet ﷺ.
At the age of 40, the Prophet ﷺ began seeking seclusion to devote himself to the worship of Allah. He spent long days in the cave, engaging in spiritual reflection and gnosis of Allah (ma’rifah), contemplating how to guide his community. It was during these moments of isolation that the Prophet ﷺ began experiencing meaningful dreams, the significance of which would later become clear.
During his retreats, the Prophet ﷺ would carry provisions, and when they were exhausted, he would return to his home or his wife, Khadijah J, would bring them to him. These moments marked a pivotal point in the early life of the Prophet ﷺ, leading to the eventual divine revelation that would change the course of history.
One day, while immersed in worship inside the Cave of Hira, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was visited by Jibril S, the angel entrusted with delivering divine revelations. Jibril, in his majestic form, commanded the Prophet ﷺ, “Iqra” (Recite!). The Prophet ﷺ, feeling unprepared, responded, “I am not going to recite.”
Jibril, in response, embraced him tightly. After releasing the Prophet ﷺ, he repeated the command, “Iqra,” but again, the Prophet ﷺ gave the same reply. For the third time, Jibril embraced him and then recited the first revelation:
"اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ ❁ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ❁ اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ ❁ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ❁ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ"
(Read! In the name of your Lord Who created, created man from a clot of blood. Read, and your Lord is the Most Honorable, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not.) [Surah al-Alaq, 96:1-5]
Having memorized these powerful verses, the Prophet ﷺ left the Cave of Hira, trembling with awe and emotion. Upon returning to his home, he turned to his wife, Khadijah J, and said, “Cover me! Cover me!” Overcome by the intense experience of the first divine revelation, the Prophet ﷺ sought comfort and solace from his beloved wife.