Saudi Arabia (842 m) – Periodic Home of the Prophet Muhammad
Jabal Al-Nour is a tall, rocky hill just outside of the city of Mecca. According to Muslim tradition, it was on this mountain where the Prophet Muhammad received his earliest divine revelations that ultimately led to the foundation of Islam. Often overlooked because of its proximity to the great shrines of Mecca, the Jabal Al-Nour is nevertheless one of the most important historic sites of early Islam.
During the early 7th century, the Prophet spent much of his time during his early adult years, occasionally residing in the Cave of Hira near the top of the mountain. Although a stop at the Cave of Hira is not a mandatory part of the traditional pilgrimage to Mecca, a climb up Jabal An-Nur and a peek into the Prophet’s mountainside retreat is nevertheless a very popular detour for visitors to the Holy City. The cave is often visited in preparation for the final, climactic trek to the Masjid Al-Haram.
Jabal Al-Nour is accessible on foot from Mecca as well as nearby Mira and Mount Arafat. Rough-hewn stairs carved into the mountainside afford pilgrims relatively easy access to the top, though the climb can be arduous and is not for everyone. A large open area at the mountain top is a popular place for the recitation of prayers. The mountain is off limits to non-Muslims.
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