Jabal al-Thawr, also known as جبل ثور (Mount Thawr), is one of the most significant Islamic landmarks in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where the Prophet ﷺ and his companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) sought refuge. Located just a few kilometers south of the sacred mosque, Masjid al-Haram, this mountain in Saudi Arabia houses the famous Thawr Cave (Ghar Thawr), a site of immense religious significance in the history of Islam. It was here that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his loyal companion stayed hidden during the migration to Medina (Hijrah), remaining inside the cave for three nights while the Quraish pursued them. Today, Jabal Thawr is a beloved destination for pilgrims who come for ziyarah during Hajj and Umrah, eager to visit the Cave of Thawr and reflect on this timeless event.
What is Jabal Thawr?
The Jabal Thawr mountain rises like a steep mountain from the Misfalah district of the city of Makkah, reaching an elevation of around 640–760 meters above sea level. Unlike Jabal al-Nour, which is known for the Cave of Hira, Thawr is quieter yet equally challenging. The mountain has three interconnected peaks, and at its summit of the mountain lies the cave in Jabal Thawr, known as Ghar Thawr. Small in size but vast in historical significance, the cave continues to inspire reverence for its role in the Prophet’s ﷺ prophethood journey. The name Thawr translates as “bull” (ثور) in Arabic, giving the mountain its distinct identity in Islamic history.
The Cave of Thawr and the Migration
The story of the revelation is often recalled alongside the Hijrah, when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was commanded by Allah to emigrate to Madinah (Yathrib). On their way, the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr (RA) entered the cave in Jabal Thawr to sought refuge for three days. As the search parties of the Quraysh approached, Allah protected His Messenger with miraculous signs. A spider’s web was spun, often described as the web at the cave’s entrance, while a dove rested nearby. This scene is remembered as the spider and the tree moment that deceived the Quraysh into thinking no one had recently reached the cave. Thus, they passed by, leaving the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr unharmed.
This event is recorded in the Qur’an in Surah al-Tawbah (9:40): “Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us.” Standing in the cave, believers reflect on how the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid for three days, relying completely on Allah’s divine care.
Location and Pilgrimage Experience
Thawr is located in the south of Makkah, close to Misfalah. The cave inside Jabal Thawr rests near the summit of the mountain, and the challenging climb takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on stamina. Though demanding, those who endure are rewarded with panoramic views of the Makkah city and its valleys. The trail is rugged, so visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and proper footwear.
For those performing Hajj or Umrah, though not obligatory, visiting the site remains an important historical tradition. Pilgrims often recite Qur’an or du’a upon reaching the cave, recalling the bravery of the Prophet and his companion during this moment of trial.
Reflection and legacy
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) left Mecca at night, they first turned south towards the Thawr instead of directly heading to Makkah and Madinah, wisely avoiding their pursuers. After climbing they entered the Ghar-e-thawr, and Abu Bakr tore his clothes to block the cave’s holes before the Prophet ﷺ could rest. Food and water were quietly supplied by Asma bint Abi Bakr (RA), while her brother Abdullah ensured the route remained safekeep the refuge from the Quraysh undiscovered. Finally, after three nights, they left the cave and continued their migration to Medina, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Islamic history.
Conclusion
Jabal Thawr is more than just a mountain of Islam, it is a timeless reminder of courage, patience and Allah’s protection. For Muslims, the visit to the cave of Thawr symbolizes reliance on Allah in times of fear and hardship. The mountain’s historical importance, its panoramic beauty, and the biograph of the Prophet tied to it make it one of the most important places and holy sites in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Climbing Thawr, standing inside the cave, and gazing towards the Kaaba gives every believer a sense of connection to the Prophet and Abu Bakr, to the sacrifices made, and to the unshakeable truth of faith found in the Quran.
