Historical Places
Jabal Thawr and the Cave of Thawr
Makkah
About four kilometres south of the Grand Mosque in Makkah stands a mountain approximately seven hundred and fifty metres high, near the summit of which is a small cave—Cave of Thawr. On the night of the migration to Madinah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) left Makkah and first took refuge in this cave, where they stayed for three nights. At that time, the Quraysh had sent people in every direction to search for them. During this period, Abu Bakr’s son Abdullah would bring them news from Makkah at night, and his daughter Asma (may Allah be pleased with her) would bring food. After three nights, they left the cave and set out for Madinah. This incident of the cave is mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah of the Qur’an. The cave is very small, and its entrance is narrow; the climb up the mountain is considered even more difficult than that of Jabal al-Nur. Climbing it is not part of any ritual of Hajj or Umrah.
Photo credit: Ministry of Media - Saudi Arabia
More places in Makkah
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.
Jabal al-Nur and the Cave of Hira
The small cave of Ghar Hira is near the summit of a steep mountain northeast of Makkah.
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).
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.
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.