Jabal Al-Nour

Jabal al-Nour is one of the historical sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the city of Makkah al-Mukarramah, specifically northeast of the Great Mosque, at a distance of 4 km. The Cave of Hira is one of the most important historical and Islamic sites at its summit. It is where the first revelation descended upon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and where the call of Islam began, representing the last divine religion and heavenly messages. This is where the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed: "Read O Prophet in the name of your Lord who created."

The mountain has several names, including Jabal al-Quran, Jabal al-Islam, and Jabal Hira. However, the most famous name is Jabal al-Nour, which means the "Mountain of Light," referring to the divine lights of Prophethood that emerged from it. From its summit, one can view the city of Makkah al-Mukarramah, as it stands at an elevation of 642 m above sea level. Its area spans 5,250 m2.

The slope of Jabal al-Nour becomes steep from an elevation of 380 m and gradually reaches a level of 500 m, and then it continues to decline at a right angle until reaching the summit of the mountain. The summit is known for its resemblance to a camel's hump.

Located at the summit of Jabal al-Nour is the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to go into seclusion before receiving the prophethood. The cave is a hollow space within the mountain, with its entrance facing the north and its interior directed towards the Kaaba. It is a narrow cave that only fits up to five people.

Jabal al-Nour is considered one of the tourist attractions in Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Kingdom in general. It is also one of the most important historical sites visited by pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The Executive Committee for the Islamic Historical Sites and Museums Path, under the "Pilgrim Experience Program", supervised by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, has undertaken several development projects for Jabal al-Nour. These projects aim to provide visitors with accurate historical information about the mountain and provide access to it.

Among the works of the Executive Committee of the Historical Sites Path is the establishment of the Hira Cultural District Center, located over 67,000 m2. It includes the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the story of the revelation using the latest technologies, the Visitor Center, the Holy Quran Museum, the cultural gallery, the way of ascending to the cave, and several other facilities.