جبل ثور
Jabal Thawr is a mountain located about 8 kilometers south of مكة. It contains the cave where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid for three nights during the Hijrah (migration) to المدينة in 622 CE. The cave is referenced in Surah At-Tawbah (9:40) as 'the second of two' in the cave.
Jabal Thawr gained its historic أهمية during the Hijrah in 622 CE. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) fled مكة to escape the Quraysh assassination plot, they headed south (opposite to المدينة) to the cave in this mountain. They stayed hidden for three days while Quraysh search parties passed by. Allah protected them, as mentioned in القرآن: 'Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us.' A spider's web and nesting dove at the cave entrance are part of Islamic tradition about their concealment.
Jabal Thawr holds deep أهمية as the site where Allah protected His Messenger during the Hijrah, a pivotal event in Islamic تاريخ. The القرآنic reference in Surah At-Tawbah (9:40) immortalizes this moment. The cave symbolizes tawakkul (trust in Allah) and the sacrifice required for faith.
Jabal Thawr is approximately 8 km south of المسجد الحرام. The hike to the cave takes about 1-2 hours and is physically demanding with steep, rocky terrain. It is not مستحب during extreme الحرارة or for those with limited mobility. The cave entrance is narrow and small. Visiting is not an act of worship or part of الحج/العمرة rites. Bring plenty of water and go early in the morning. Local guides are available at the base of the mountain.