jabal al-noor

Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light) is one of the most significant Islamic historical sites in Makkah. Located northeast of Masjid al-Haram, the mountain is home to Ghar Hira (Cave of Hira). Before his prophethood, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would retreat to the cave for worship and seclusion. It was in this cave that the Angel Jibreel عليه السلام came to the Prophet ﷺ with the first revelation, marking the beginning of the revelation of the Qur'a

The first verses revealed were from Surah Al-'Alaq (96:1–5), beginning:

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ

“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”

— Qur'an 96:1

The mountain is approximately 642 metres above sea level, and its summit is associated with the Cave of Hira, where this momentous beginning of revelation took place.