Jabal Al-Nour Taxi — Cave of Hira Transport from Makkah
Private taxi to Jabal Al-Nour (Mountain of Light) — home of Ghar Hira (Cave of Hira) where the first Quranic revelation descended upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 610 CE. 5km north of Masjid Al-Haram. Driver waits at the mountain base.
The First Revelation — Historical Context
In approximately 610 CE — around the 17th night of Ramadan — the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was in seclusion (I'tikaf) in the Cave of Hira when the Angel Jibreel AS appeared and embraced him three times, saying: "Iqra!" (Read/Recite!)
The Prophet ﷺ, who had not been taught to read, replied: "I cannot read." After the third embrace, Jibreel AS recited the first words of the divine revelation:
"Read in the name of your Lord who created — created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous — who taught by the pen — taught man that which he knew not."
— Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1–5 (First verses revealed)
The Prophet ﷺ descended from the mountain trembling and returned to his wife Khadijah RA, who comforted him and brought him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal — a scholar of the earlier scriptures — who recognised the event as prophethood. The Quranic revelation continued for 23 years.
Practical Guide to Visiting Jabal Al-Nour
The Climb
- Approximately 1,100–1,200 paved steps with railings — challenging but manageable for moderately fit adults
- Ascent: 40–60 minutes. Descent: 30–45 minutes. Allow 2–3 hours total including time at the cave.
- Bring water — the climb is physically demanding, especially in summer (40°C+). Visit before 9am to avoid peak heat.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes strongly recommended. The path is rocky near the top.
At the Cave
- The cave is small — approximately 4m long, 1.7m wide. Queuing is usually required during Hajj and Umrah peak times.
- There is no specific prayer or ritual prescribed at Ghar Hira. Many pilgrims make Du'a and recite Surah Al-Alaq.
- The view from the summit looks north over modern Makkah. The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is visible to the south.
- Best time to visit: early morning (6–9am) before the heat and before tour groups arrive.