Historical Places
Jabal al-Nur and the Cave of Hira
Makkah
A mountain over six hundred metres high, located approximately four kilometres northeast of al-Masjid al-Haram, near whose summit is a small cave—Ghar Hira. Before receiving prophethood, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to spend time in seclusion in this cave. At the age of forty, it was here that the angel Jibril (peace be upon him) brought the first revelation—the first five verses of Surah al-‘Alaq, beginning with “Iqra.” He then returned home and described the event to Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). The cave is narrow, about three and a half metres long; only a few people can fit inside at one time. The ascent is steep and generally takes more than an hour. The Hira Cultural District has now been developed at the foot of the mountain, where there is an exhibition related to revelation. Visiting this place is not part of any ritual of Hajj or Umrah.
More places in Makkah
Jabal Thawr and the Cave of Thawr
A small cave hidden on the steep slopes of Jabal Thawr, south of Makkah. During the Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took refuge here for three nights.
Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) Mosque
Although there is a mosque on the fourth floor, the high-rise building houses a shopping mall where various kinds of goods can be purchased.
Mina—the City of Tents
A valley located between Makkah and Muzdalifah, where the pilgrims stay during the days of Hajj. This place is the center for the Jamarat, sacrifice, and the nights of Tashriq.
Jamarat
The three pillars located in Mina, at which pilgrims throw pebbles. This is an obligatory rite of Hajj, associated with the memory of Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
Masjid al-Khayf
Mina’s largest and oldest mosque is located near Jamrat al-Sughra. During the Farewell Hajj, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed prayer here.
Arafat and Masjid Namirah
A vast plain east of Makkah, where the pilgrims stay on 9 Dhul-Hijjah. This wuquf is the principal pillar of Hajj. Masjid Namirah is located at the western edge of the plain.