Ghar Hira

Ghar Hira, located at the summit of Jabal al-Nour in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the cave that bore witness to the inception of the Islamic call through the revelation received by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH.) It was within this cave that the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed: "Read in the name of your Lord who created." It is one of the most significant historical sites for Muslims.

The mountain where Ghar Hira is situated is renowned as the site where Prophet Muhammad used to worship before his prophethood. The mountain has a unique shape and appearance resembling the hump of a camel.

Ghar Hira is located about five km northeast of the Great Mosque and stands as one of the sites frequented by pilgrims and visitors daily in Makkah. Jabal al-Nour earned its name due to its association with the divine revelation that was first received at that very place.

It rises to a height of 634 m and has a steep descent from 380 to 500 m, covering an area of 5.25 km.

Prophet Muhammad used to seclude himself in Ghar Hira for worship and distance himself from the people of Makkah. It was then that the angel Gabriel came to him and commanded him to "Read." This marked the revelation of the first verse of the Quran: "Read in the name of your Lord who created."

Ghar Hira is formed by a cavity at the top of Jabal al-Nour, with its entrance measuring four meters in length and one meter in width. The interior of the cave leads towards the Kaaba and can accommodate only four or five people. From the summit of Jabal al-Nour, one can enjoy a view of Makkah and its buildings.

In the year 2020, the Saudi government initiated a dedicated project to maintain and clean the area of Jabal al-Nour and Ghar Hira. The project aimed to remove visual distortions that had accumulated over the years and rectify the negative behaviors left behind by some visitors at this historical and tourist site.

The Ministry of Tourism is establishing a visitor center at the site of Jabal al-Nour in Makkah, as part of a development and rehabilitation project under the Islamic Historical Sites Program. This involves preparing the site, opening it to visitors, and educating them about its historical significance.