The Mountain of Divine Protection
Jabal Thawr (ุฌุจู ุซูุฑ โ “Mountain of Thawr”) is a rocky mountain located approximately 4 kilometers south of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. It is forever etched in Islamic history as the place where Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ and his closest companion Abu Bakr As-Siddiq ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู took refuge during their migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in the year 622 CE.
The cave near the summit โ known as Ghar Thawr (ุบุงุฑ ุซูุฑ โ “Cave of Thawr”) โ is where the Prophet ๏ทบ and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู hid from the Quraysh search parties during the Hijrah. ALLAH protected them in this cave, and the Quraysh trackers came to the very entrance but did not enter.
ALLAH’s Promise of Protection
“If you do not aid him โ ALLAH has already aided him when those who disbelieved expelled him [from Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he [Muhammad] said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed ALLAH is with us.’ And ALLAH sent down His tranquillity upon him and supported him with soldiers [angels] you did not see…”
โ Surah At-Tawbah (9:40)
The Story of the Hijrah to the Cave
๐ The Night of Migration
After 13 years of persecution in Makkah, the Quraysh leaders plotted to assassinate Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ. On the night of the planned attack, ALLAH commanded the Prophet ๏ทบ to migrate to Madinah. He left his home under cover of darkness, with Ali ibn Abi Talib ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู sleeping in his bed as a decoy. The Prophet ๏ทบ met Abu Bakr ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู, and together they fled Makkah heading south toward Jabal Thawr โ the opposite direction of Madinah (which lies north) โ to mislead their pursuers.
๐๏ธ The Climb to the Cave
The two companions climbed the steep, rocky mountain under the darkness of night. Abu Bakr ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู, out of love and concern, would walk ahead of the Prophet ๏ทบ to check for danger, and at times walk behind him to protect him from any pursuer. When they reached the cave near the summit, they entered and decided to hide there for three days until the search parties gave up and returned to Makkah.
โ ALLAH’s Divine Protection
On the third day, the Quraysh search party โ led by expert trackers โ followed the footprints all the way to Jabal Thawr and climbed up to the very entrance of the cave. Abu Bakr ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู, seeing the enemies’ feet just outside, whispered in fear: “O Messenger of ALLAH, if any one of them looks down, he will see us!”
The Prophet ๏ทบ calmly replied: “O Abu Bakr, what do you think of two with whom ALLAH is the third?” (Sahih al-Bukhari). By ALLAH’s will, the search party turned back without entering the cave. The exact manner of ALLAH’s protection is known only to Him โ what matters is that His promise was fulfilled.
Lesson: This event demonstrates that when ALLAH protects someone, no army or strategy can harm them. ALLAH’s protection is absolute and complete. “And if ALLAH helps you, none can overcome you.” (Quran 3:160)
The Cave of Thawr (ุบุงุฑ ุซูุฑ)
The cave itself is located near the summit of the mountain, accessible via a steep and challenging climb. Unlike the more famous Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour (where revelation began), Ghar Thawr is narrower, darker, and more concealed โ perfect for hiding.
๐ Structure & Access
The cave is small and difficult to reach, requiring a strenuous climb of approximately 1,400-1,500 steps carved into the rocky mountainside. The entrance is low and concealed by rocks, making it almost invisible from below. Inside, the space is cramped โ only 4-5 people can fit at once.
โ ๏ธ Important Religious Guidance
Visiting Jabal Thawr is not a religious obligation and is not part of Hajj or Umrah rituals. It is visited purely for historical and educational purposes. Do not perform specific prayers or rituals “for” the mountain or cave โ this is not prescribed in Islam. Simply reflect on the story, learn from the history, and make Du’a to ALLAH as you would anywhere.
๐ฐ๏ธ Best Time to Climb
The climb is physically demanding and exposed to direct sun. Attempt it only early morning (after Fajr) or late afternoon (before Maghrib). Midday heat (12 PM – 4 PM) makes the climb dangerous. The ascent takes 60-90 minutes, and the descent 45-60 minutes.
Practical Climbing Guide
If you decide to climb Jabal Thawr to visit the cave, here is everything you need to know:
Physical Fitness Required
This is NOT an easy climb. It is steeper and more strenuous than Jabal al-Nour (Hira). The path is rocky, uneven, and exposed. Only attempt it if you are in good physical condition. Not recommended for elderly, children under 12, or anyone with heart/respiratory conditions.
Proper Footwear is Essential
Wear sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes with excellent grip. The rocks are sharp and loose in places. Sandals, flip-flops, or dress shoes are dangerous. Many people slip and injure ankles/knees due to poor footwear.
Hydration & Supplies
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. There are NO facilities or vendors on the mountain. Also bring: energy snacks (dates, nuts, protein bars), a hat or cap, sunscreen SPF 50+, a small towel, and a basic first-aid kit.
Navigation & Safety
The path is marked but can be confusing. Never climb alone โ go with a group or guide. Share your location with someone who’s not climbing. Cell service is available but spotty near the summit. If you feel dizzy, exhausted, or experience chest pain โ stop immediately and descend.
Photography & Respect
Photography is allowed for educational/historical purposes. However, do not disturb other visitors praying or reflecting. Keep noise to a minimum. Do not write your name or graffiti on the rocks โ respect the sanctity of the site.
What NOT to Do
Do not perform special prayers or rituals “for” the cave or mountain. Do not take rocks or soil as “blessed souvenirs” โ this is not Islamic practice. Do not litter. Do not climb during peak heat (11 AM – 4 PM) or after sunset (no lighting).
The Journey After the Cave
After three days in the cave, the Prophet ๏ทบ and Abu Bakr ุฑุถู ุงููู ุนูู emerged and continued their journey north to Madinah. They were guided by AbduLLAH ibn Urayqit, a skilled tracker hired by Abu Bakr, and were supplied with provisions by Abu Bakr’s son AbduLLAH and daughter Asma (may ALLAH be pleased with them), who risked their lives bringing food to the cave.
The journey from Makkah to Madinah took approximately 8-12 days, traveling along hidden routes to avoid Quraysh patrols. When they finally arrived in Madinah, they were greeted with immense joy by the Ansar (Helpers). This migration โ the Hijrah โ marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (1 AH) and represents the turning point in Islamic history, when the Muslims transitioned from persecution to establishing the first Islamic state.
Reflection: The story of Ghar Thawr teaches us that true reliance (Tawakkul) on ALLAH means taking all necessary precautions (the Prophet ๏ทบ planned the route, hired a guide, had provisions) while fully trusting that ultimately, ALLAH is the Protector. Abu Bakr’s unwavering loyalty and the Prophet’s ๏ทบ calm certainty โ “Do not grieve; indeed ALLAH is with us” โ remain timeless examples for believers facing hardship.
NewHaj Recommendation
For most visitors, we recommend learning about the historical significance of Jabal Thawr without attempting the physically demanding climb โ especially if you have limited time in Makkah or are not an experienced hiker.
If you do choose to climb, go with realistic expectations: it’s a strenuous 2-3 hour round trip in harsh conditions. The historical and spiritual lessons can be learned and appreciated just as deeply through reading, reflection, and Du’a โ without the physical risk. Remember: visiting the cave is not part of Islamic worship, and there is no special reward for the climb itself.
Author: NewHaj Hub
For Hajj and Umrah
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