Jabal an-Nour (جَبَل ٱلنُّوْر,), Mountain of the Light’ or ‘Hill of the Illumination’) is a mountain near Mecca in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. The mountain houses the grotto or cave of Hira’ (غَار حِرَاء, Cave of Hira’), which holds tremendous significance for Muslims throughout the world, as the Islamic prophet Muhammad is said to have spent time in this cave meditating, and it was here that he received his first revelation, which consisted of the first five ayats of Surah Al-Alaq from the angel Jibra’il (as is pronounced in certain Quran recitation schools and some Arab tribes; also known as Gabriel). It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Makkah. The mountain itself is barely 640 m (2,100 ft) tall; nonetheless one to two hours are needed to make the strenuous hike to the cave. There are 1750 steps to the top which, even for a fit individual, can take anywhere between half an hour and one-and-a-half hours.
This rocky peak is visible for many kilometers around. Its significance in Islamic history, along with soaring views of Makkah and the Holy Mosque from its summit, make Jabal Al Nour a popular spot for pilgrims.
