Hira (Arabic: حراء Hira ʾ) or the Cave of Hira (غار حراء GAR Hira ʾ) is a cave which is located approximately 3.2 km from Mekkah, Saudi Arabia on a mountain called Jabal Al-Nur. The cave itself is only around 3.7 m x 1.6 m. The Cave is located at an altitude of 270 m (890 ft) and a radius of 263.23 m (863.6 ft) (Wikipedia.org).
Prophet Muhammad pbuh received the first revelation of Al-Alaq 1-5 from Allah SWT through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira. This was where the Prophet pbuh worship for many days and nights. The angel Gabriel came to the Prophet pbuh in the Cave of Hira on the day of the 17th of Ramadan at the age of 40 years, 6 months, 8 days (Atlas on the Prophet Biography).
- Recite in the name of your Lord who created
- Created man from a clinging substance
- Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous
- Who taught by the pen
- Taught man that which he knew not
A few days ago, with some friends of mine tried to climb the historic of Jabal Al-Nur. We departed from Jeddah at 3 pm and arrived at Mekkah around Asr time. To get to the historic site we had to pass through a small road (large enough for a vehicle) that sat at the edge of the mountain and yet it was very steep. At 4.30 pm we started to climb Jabal Al-Nur, via a winding staircases. Whilst reaching to the top, there were places to rest for those who wanted to take a break and drink some water. Approximately 30-45 minutes later, we reached the top of the mountain. At the mountain peak, a shop sits which sells hot/cold drinks, water, snacks, and beads for people who want to do dzikr. Also it is provided a small space for visitors who will perform their prayers in congregation.
Hira cave is not exactly located at the top of the mountain. We had to go down some more stairs and go into the hole behind the top of the mountain rocks named, Al-Nur. The hole is so narrow and we had to take turns if we want to go in and out. There are two slits left and right, where from the entrance, the left side must be circular to go to the open terrace in the cave of Hira. Generally, visitors perform 2 rakaats sunnat prayers at the place. Unfortunately, for women, not many chances to pray. Hira cave can only be filled by 5-6 people to perform prayers. Before going down, we decided to perform Maghrib prayer. Although it was already dark, but we could still see down the road, by the light of the moon.
I imagine, how the Prophet pbuh struggled to climb up the mountain and stayed in the cave of Hira. Allahumma shallii wa sallim ‘alaa sayyidinaa Muhammad..
Subhanallah.
