High on the slopes of Jabal al-Noor, a mountain bathed in the desert sun, sits Masjid Jabal an-Noor. This mosque marks the location of the Hira cave, a place of profound significance for Muslims worldwide. Masjid Jabal an-Noor isn’t just a building. It’s a gateway to a story that changed the course of history. The mountain, also known as the Mountain of Light, stands as a silent witness to the divine revelation received by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Before the advent of Islam, the cave within Jabal al-Noor, known as Ghar-e-Hira or the Cave of Hira, offered a sanctuary for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He would retreat to this secluded space for days, sometimes even months, seeking solace and reflecting on the world. It was in this very cave, during the last ten days of Ramadan in 610 CE, that the angel Jibreel (AS) appeared to him. The angel instructed him to “Read”. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) humbly replied, “I cannot read!” The angel reiterated, “Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created”. This divine command marked the beginning of the Quran’s revelation.
The Cave of Hira, just four meters long and barely wide enough for five people, has become a place of pilgrimage. Thousands of Muslims ascend Jabal al-Noor each year, particularly during Hajj, to visit this sacred site. They retrace the steps of the Prophet (PBUH), seeking a connection to this pivotal moment in Islamic history. Masjid Jabal an-Noor serves as a beacon for those seeking this connection. It reminds us of the power of faith and the significance of reflection.
Climbing Jabal al-Noor to reach Masjid Jabal an-Noor and the Hira cave is a physical challenge. It’s a journey of approximately 1750 steps. But the breathtaking view of Masjid al-Haram and the Holy Kaaba from the summit makes the effort worthwhile. The experience transcends the physical. It becomes a spiritual journey, echoing the Prophet’s search for truth and enlightenment. The descent from the mountain is often filled with a sense of peace. The echo of the first revelation resonates within those who have made this pilgrimage to Masjid Jabal an-Noor. It’s a reminder that revelation can be found in moments of quiet contemplation, high on a mountainside, in a cave of light.