- Address: Ghar Hira, Jabl-e-noor, Jabal An Nur, Makkah 24238, Saudi Arabia
- Official website: internationalgarden3.co
Cave Hira is located in Saudi Arabia on the slope of Jabal al-Nur mountain . The cave is of great value for Muslims, so tens of thousands of pilgrims annually follow it, climbing to a height of 270 m along a long staircase.
Cave Hira is located in Saudi Arabia on the slope of Jabal al-Nur mountain . The cave is of great value for Muslims, so tens of thousands of pilgrims annually follow it, climbing to a height of 270 m along a long staircase. Here you can often observe how Muslims in light robes climb endlessly along the stone steps and "disappear" in the narrow entrance to the cave.
What is interesting about Hira Cave?
This place is located 3 km from the center of Mecca , and to reach it is quite simple. The only difficulty is the 600 wide steps that lead directly to the mountain towards Hira. On average, each pilgrim makes about 1200 steps. Most of the believers visit the cave during the Hajj. Although Hira is not officially recognized as a sacred place, Muslims still feel it necessary to touch its walls.
The reason for this attention to a small cave 2 m wide and 3.7 m long is the mention of it in the Quran, in sura al-Alak. There it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad received in Hiray the first revelation from the angel of Jabrail, after which the prophet often retired in the cave for his reflections.
Tourist visits
Undoubtedly, the cave of Hira is considered one of the most interesting places in Saudi Arabia. Especially tourists are curious when they look at the stone staircase, which may seem uncomfortable and even dangerous. It is carved into the rock, and the angle of its tilt at different sites can vary significantly. The metal railings that are located in the most dangerous places make it easier. Photos of the cave of Hira often grab a ladder. From the point of view of tourism, it looks spectacular, and the panorama opening from above is absolutely divine!
Going to the cave, you should know that only Muslims are allowed to visit it, since this cave is unofficially considered the birthplace of Islam. If you profess another faith, then the entrance is closed to you.
How to get there?
In order to get to the Hira cave, you need to reach the Bilal bin Raba mosque , which is located in the north-east of Mecca . From it goes a mountain path towards Hira. Its length is 500 m.