Overview
Hira is a small cave near the top of Jabal al-Nour. Before prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to retreat there for worship and reflection.
The first revelation
Sahih al-Bukhari (hadith 3) records, from Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), that the angel Jibril came to him in the Cave of Hira and said “Read!”, and the first verses of Surah al-Alaq were revealed: “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” (Qur’an 96:1–5). The Prophet ﷺ then returned to Khadijah, who comforted him and took him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal.
Significance
Hira marks the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an. Visiting it is a matter of historical interest; there is no special act of worship prescribed for the cave.
Map
Visiting information
Reached by climbing Jabal al-Nour (see that page). The cave is small and often crowded; be patient and respectful.
Related Ziyarat locations
Jamarat
The three stone pillars in Mina that Hajj pilgrims stone during the days of Hajj.
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Jabal al-Nour
The 'Mountain of Light' in Makkah, containing the Cave of Hira where the first revelation of the Qur'an came.
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Masjid Namirah
The large mosque at the edge of Arafat where the Day of Arafah sermon is delivered.
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Jabal Thawr
The mountain south of Makkah whose cave sheltered the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr during the Hijrah.
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Muzdalifah
The open area between Arafat and Mina where Hajj pilgrims spend the night after the Day of Arafah.
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Safa and Marwa
The two hills between which pilgrims perform sa'i, commemorating Hajar's search for water.
Read history & details →Related Ziyarat tours & packages
Group Umrah
Organised Umrah for mosques, communities and families travelling together.
View details →Premium Umrah Package
Premium hotels near the Haram, private vehicles and personalised Ziyarat.
View details →Standard Umrah Package
Comfortable hotels closer to the Haram, private transfers and guided Ziyarat.
View details →Visit Cave Hira with ZiyaraWay
Private and group Ziyarat tours with transport and guidance.
Book a Ziyarat tour Ask on WhatsAppSources & references
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3
- Qur'an 96:1–5 — https://quran.com/96/1-5
Historical reports sometimes differ; where they do, this page notes it. Please consult qualified scholars for religious rulings. Visiting rules and opening times are set by the Saudi authorities and may change.
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