Solitude and Meditation
Before receiving prophethood, Muhammad ﷺ grew concerned with the moral decay and idolatry in Mecca. He sought retreat in the quiet cavern of Hira, situated near the peak of Jabal al-Noor. He spent days and nights praying and reflecting in absolute solitude, carrying simple provisions like barley bread and water.
The First Revelation
In the final third of Ramadan, the Angel Jibril appeared in human form and commanded the Prophet: "Iqra!" (Read/Proclaim). Muhammad ﷺ replied: "Ma ana bi qari" (I am not a reader). The angel embraced him tightly and repeated the command three times, before reciting the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq, initiating the light of Islamic message.
Visiting the Cave Today
The cave is narrow, offering enough room for only one or two people to pray at a time. The opening faces the Kaaba. Millions of pilgrims climb to the cave each year to stand where the Prophet ﷺ once stood.
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