Cave of Hira

The cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nour — a stone niche where the first words of the Quran were revealed.

• Where: about 5.2 km from Masjid al-Haram in a straight line, on its north-east side (21.45770, 39.85930)
• City: Makkah

History

The cave is a narrow cleft between two boulders, about four metres long and less than two metres wide, open at both ends so that a person inside faces the Kaaba. Here the Prophet ﷺ spent nights in seclusion, and here Jibril came with the command "Read" in Ramadan 610 CE. He returned home trembling to Khadijah, who wrapped him in a cloak and reassured him; the revelation then continued for twenty-three years.

What to do there

• Enter one at a time; sit briefly, reflect, make dua, and leave room for the next pilgrim.
• Do not write on the rock or leave anything behind.

Tips for pilgrims

• The last stretch to the cave is a scramble over rock; hold the rails and go slowly.
• Sunrise from the summit is beautiful and the air is cool then.

Nearby places

• Jabal al-Nour — 190 m away
• Hira Cultural District — 940 m away
• Path to the Cave of Hira (start) — 980 m away
• Revelation Exhibition — 1.0 km away

Open Cave of Hira on the UmrahMap 3D map for walking or driving directions, or see all Ziyarah places in Makkah.

Text by the UmrahMap content team from the sources listed; updated 2026-09-25. This text is still being reviewed by scholars. Visiting rules and opening hours can change — check locally.

UmrahMap is made by UmrahCore, Umrah and Hajj management software for travel agencies.