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The Cave of Thawr (Arabic: غار ثور; “Ghar Thawr” or “Ghar e Soor”) is famous for having sheltered the Prophet ﷺ and his close companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq I from Makkan search parties as they were migrating from Makkah to Madinah. It is located near the summit of Jabal Thawr, a mountain located four kilometres south of Makkah.
Standing at a height of around 760 meters, the Jabal Thawr (literally, “mount of the bull”) is approximately 120 meters higher than the Jabal Nour. The Athal or Thawr Athal is another name for this mount that can be found in sources.
Located about 12 km south of Makkah, Mount Thawr is a significant yet lesser-visited site compared to Jabal Al Nour and the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation. Although the climb to Jabal Thawr is challenging, those who reach its summit are rewarded with sweeping views and a chance to see the revered cave where Allah (SWT) protected the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion from their rivals. Pilgrims can enhance their spiritual journey by using an Umrah taxi service of Makkah2madinah, which provides convenient and reliable transportation to and from this historic site, making the journey more accessible and comfortable for all visitors..
Let Nour Baserti guide you on a journey to Cave of Thawr, where you can connect with the rich history of Islam and immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of this sacred site.
Mount Thawr, also known as Jabal Thawr, holds immense historical and spiritual significance. It was here that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his close companion Abu Bakr (RA) took refuge during the Hijrah, escaping the Quraysh tribesmen who sought to harm them. This moment marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and serves as a testament to the unwavering faith and trust in Allah's protection.
The cave at Mount Thawr, known as Gare e Hira, became a place of refuge and divine protection for the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) for three days. During this time, a miraculous spider spun a web across the entrance of the cave, and a pigeon laid eggs at its mouth, creating the illusion that the cave was uninhabited, thus safeguarding the Prophet and his companion from their pursuers.
Upon reaching Ghar e Soor, Abu Bakr entered the cave first, tidying and patching any holes with shreds of his clothing. Unable to fill one hole completely, he covered it with his heel. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ joined him in the cave, he rested his head on Abu Bakr’s lap before drifting off to sleep.
As the Prophet ﷺ rested, a snake bit Abu Bakr repeatedly on the heel covering the hole. Enduring the pain silently, Abu Bakr refrained from moving his foot to avoid disturbing the Prophet’s ﷺ sleep. However, as the pain grew unbearable, tears escaped his eyes and fell upon the Prophet’s ﷺ blessed cheeks, awakening him.
Concerned, the Prophet ﷺ inquired about Abu Bakr’s distress. Learning of the snakebite, he applied his blessed saliva to the wound, instantly relieving the pain and healing the injury.
They remained in the Cave of Thawr for three nights, with Abu Bakr’s son, Abdullah I, standing guard at the entrance during the nights. Each morning, he would return to Makkah to gather intelligence on the plans of the disbelievers, informing the Prophet ﷺ in the evenings. Additionally, Amir ibn Fuhayrah I, Abu Bakr’s slave, visited the cave daily, bringing milk from his goats for the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr.
According to narrations from Anas bin Malik, Zayd bin Arqam, and al-Mughirah bin Shu’bah M, on the Night of the Cave, Allah commanded a tree to grow right in front of the Prophet ﷺ, concealing him from view. Additionally, two wild pigeons were commanded to perch at the mouth of the cave. As the young men of the Quraysh approached from all directions, armed with sticks, staffs, and swords, they came within forty arms’ lengths of the Prophet ﷺ.
One of them hurried to peer into the Cave of Thawr but only saw the two wild pigeons at the entrance. Returning to his companions, he reported that he saw nothing but birds, concluding that no one was inside. The Prophet ﷺ, hearing this, realized that Allah had diverted their attention away from him, thus ensuring his safety.
Hearing the approaching footsteps of the disbelievers, Abu Bakr informed the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about their proximity, fearing discovery. In response, the Prophet ﷺ reassured him, citing the verse from Surah al-Tawbah (9:40): “Grieve not! Surely, Allah is with us.” This declaration instilled tranquility in Abu Bakr’s heart, dispelling his anxiety, and he became completely fearless. Abu Bakr narrated:
I said to the Prophet ﷺ while I was in the Cave. ‘If any of them should look under his feet, he would see us.’ He said, ‘O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two (persons) the third of whom is Allah?’
[Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]
This incident is mentioned in the Quran:
إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِذْ أَخْرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ثَانِىَ ٱثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُمَا فِى ٱلْغَارِ إِذْ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا ۖ فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُۥ عَلَيْهِ وَأَيَّدَهُۥ بِجُنُودٍۢ لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَجَعَلَ كَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلسُّفْلَىٰ ۗ وَكَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلْعُلْيَا ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
Even if you do not help the Prophet, God helped him when the disbelievers drove him out: when the two of them were in the cave, he (Muhammad) said to his companion, ‘Do not worry, God is with us,’ and God sent His calm down to him, aided him with forces invisible to you, and brought down the disbelievers’ plan. God’s plan is higher: God is almighty and wise.