The role of Ghar e Hira, or Cave of Hira, in the spread of Islam is quite important. Muslims, from all over the world, go to this place to offer Nafawil and pray their hearts out. This is the reason a ziyarat trip to Ghar e Hira is a part and parcel of Umrah trips, regardless of whether you plan them yourself or book premade deals. Not only luxury but many of the Cheap Umrah Packages include a visit to Ghar e Hira to attract people. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about this magical place situated just outside Mecca.
The Story of the First Revelation inside Ghar e Hira
At the age of 40, Muhammad (PBUH) regularly went to the Cave of Hira to spend some time alone and reflect on the social and moral condition of the society. One night, he was sitting in the cave when Allah sent down Angel Jibreel and asked him to “read.” The Holy Prophet replied that he can’t read. This happened three times, and the angel embraced him tightly each time. After the third try, the Jibreel revealed the first verse of the Holy Quran to the Prophet.
Overwhelmed and bewildered by what happened, the Holy Prophet came back home and asked his wife, Khadija (RA), to cover him with a blanket. She consulted her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, about the incident that happened. He was a Christian priest and confirmed that Muhammad (PBUH) has met the same prophet that used to bring revelations to Moses. In other words, he was the first man to confirm the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH).
Cave of Hira: Location and How to Get There?
The holy cave of Hira is located in the Jabal Al Noor, which is a 634-meter high mountain in the Hejaz Region of Saudi Arabia, just outside Mecca. The location of this cave is quite near to the Holy Kaaba (around 4 kilometers), and it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to go there from the city center. As the cave is located in a mountain, it is obvious that reaching there is not going to be an easy task. Plus, the temperature of Mecca is also very hot. So, if you are traveling with kids or elders, make sure you book Umrah Family Packages during the winter season so you can reach this mountain easily.
If you want to go to the cave, plan your trip during the evening or when the sun is not shining at its brightest. It usually takes between 60 minutes and 4 hours to reach the top of the mountain and enter the cave. It is recommended to bring some water bottles, protein bars or some dates for an instant energy boost, and wear light-colored clothes to protect from sun rays. The climb is around 1200 steps, so you can break it up and set small milestones to help you complete it.
For example, you can divide it into 6 phases with 200 steps each. Once you complete a phase, drink some water and take a short break to catch your breath. This may seem tough to you, but once you reach there and pray two rakat nafal, the relaxation and serenity you will get is hard to explain in words. It is an experience that can only be felt.
What is Inside the Ghar e Hira?
Reaching the top of the mountain is one thing, but actually going inside the cave is a totally different experience. The entry point to the cave is quite narrow, and it might not be easy for everyone to go inside and come out. However, slim and healthy ones can manage it quite easily. The cave looks dark from the inside but it is bright on the inside. There are empty spaces between the stones that let sunlight come in and provide enough light for people to pray nafal and recite the Quran there. Another interesting thing is the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cave. Even when the outside is scorching hot, the temperature of the cave is pleasant. This is not just due to geography; the place has magical characteristics due to the events that took place here.
Some Interesting Facts about the Cave of Hira
- The cave is quite small in size. It measures only 4 meters by 1.5 meters. However, 5-6 people can pray there at one time.
- During the Hajj and peak Umrah seasons, more than 10,000 people trek up the mountain daily.
- If you are trekking the mountain during the evening, stay a bit longer at the top to enjoy the beautiful views of the city. The bright yellow lights of Mecca present a lively picture.
- The entrance of the cave is exactly in front of the Kaaba in Mecca. It clearly shows the importance of this cave.
- The mountain looks like a camel’s hump. The camel is quite famous among the people of Saudi Arabia, and it is also the country’s national animal. The Holy Prophet (PPBUH) also used to ride camels.
Final Words
The importance of Ghar e Hira is second to none, and praying here comes with many rewards and blessings. If you are looking for Umrah packages from the UK, contact Muslims Holy Travel, a leading Umrah tour operator in the country. They can also help you plan your ziyarat trip to Ghar e Hira and other holy places.
