Cave of Hira is located on the mountain area of just far away from Makkah. It holds great importance in Islamic history. It is not luxury, no dome, no golden but it changed the human history. It length is 4 meters long and width is half metre. This place has strong connection with beginning of Quran and early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Many Muslims book Umrah packages including flights with Qiblatain UK and after the performance of Umrah also visit this place.
It is located in Jabal Al Nour which is k own as mountain of light. This is important place in this area first massage of Quran has occurred.poeple visit this place due to it’s to this incident.
Location of cave of Hira
It is important to know where cave of Hira is before visiting it. It is outside the busy city but pilgrims can easily travel. In Hejaz region about 634 meters high. It is about 4 kilometers from Holy Kaba and its entrance point is facing the house of Allah SWT
This cave is also known as Jabal of Hira.it is most visited place in time of Umrah and Hajj. Muslims pray inside the Cave of Hira and make supplications.
History of Cave of Hira
Spiritual practice of Tahannuth (meditation) by Prophet (PBUH).
When Our Prophet was around 40 he began to remain alone spend hours in Meditation which is also known as Tahannuth. He was worried about the behavior of Muslims in that era. They used to worship idols and pray in front of statues this thing made him worried. This is why he started to remain loneliness and in ibadah of Allah to search the truth.
It used to perform Tahanuuth means spending time away from people and distraction of world in quest place.it started giving attention to Allah only.
Pilgrims from UK who can book flights from their end can book Umrah Packages without flights. Which includes visa, hotels, transport and ziyarat tours. They can visit these sites as the part of their Ziyarats.
First revelation (Surah Al Alaq, Iqra)
He used to remain in cave of Hira day and night. On night during the month of Ramadan (610CE), our Prophet was in deep meditation in cave of Hira suddenly at the time of tahujjud, Angel Jibreal (A.S) visited him as a human. He came with piece of silk.
He came close Him and asked, Read! Prophet Muhamad (PBUH) replied that he could not read, then Angel Jibreal (A.S) embraced him tightly and released and after that asked Him again to read, He said again I could not read! This happened for three times. At the end Jibreal (A.S) revealed the verse of Quran on the order pf Allah’s SWT.
Read in the name of your Lord, the Creator .He who created man from a clot. Read! And Your Lord is the Most beneficial .Who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not.
(Surah Al Alaq 96:1-5)
After that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), recited these verses, and said it was tough words were written on my heart. After that incident He (PBUH) went down the mountain and when he was on the way Angel jibreel appread and sai, O Muhamad, you are the messenger of God, and I and Jibreel. He (PBUH) told His wife Hazrat Khadija (R.A).
Spiritual significance of cave of Hira
The cave of Hira is also famous for its deep spiritual meaning.
Beginning of Prophetic mission
After the incident on the cave of Hira our Prophet (PBUH) started to spread the Islam in whole Ummah.When he came back after the revelation he told this incident to his wife and her cousin. They convinced Him that He (PBUH) must spread to message of Allah SWT.
Quranic revelation
This place has strong connection with this place because first verses Of Quran reveled in this place.
Symbolize solitude, reflection and Guidance.
This Cave is also symbol of solitude, Reflection and Gratitude. Being alone in a peaceful way, because this place is quiet.it teaches us that sometimes meditation gives us clarity.
Not compulsory for hajj and Umrah
It is not compulsory to visit this place during Hajj and Umrah means it is not included in the rituals of Umrah. So if you forget to visit this place there is no any problem.
How to visit cave of Hira during Umrah?
Even it is not part of required rituals, but for many Muslims visiting this place holds significance.
Basic guidelines
You can start from masjid Al Haram after Umrah. Take a taxi ride that take you base of Jabal al Nour. After reaching start the walk as no car go up to Mountain.
Best time to visit
Best time to start the climbing is in the morning.in early morning the weather is cooler and pleasant.
Climbing overview
You can rest as there some stopover for pilgrims. Resting is important
Return time
After spending some time and make some duas it is not good to stay longer so return before it get dark.