Tracing the Footsteps of Faith: A Journey Through Makkah’s Sacred History
For a long time, I carried a deep-seated wish in my heart: to stand at the mouth of the Cave of Hira
ISHABIL TRIP AT A GLANCE
What started as a simple newspaper clipping about a historical tour from Sharafiyah turned into one of the most profound journeys of my life.
The Early Morning Departure
Our journey began at the break of dawn. Four of us shared a taxi to reach Sharafiyah by 6:45 AM. As our large 50-seater bus pulled away—carrying only twenty eager travelers—the horizon began to glow. A deep crimson sun rose over the eastern sky, painting a majestic backdrop as we set our sights on Makkah.
Our guide began his narrative immediately, turning the bus into a rolling classroom of Islamic history. While my previous trips during the rains had shown me a rare, lush green desert, this time the landscape had returned to its classic golden-brown hue, under the dry heat of the Saudi sun.
Jabal Thawr: The Mountain of Resilience
Our first stop was the foot of Jabal Thawr . Rising 1,405 meters above sea level, this mountain holds the cave where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) sought refuge for three days during the Hijrah to Madinah.
Looking up at the rugged peaks, I felt a sense of awe. While we stayed at the base to save time for our primary goal—Jabal al-Nour—the guide’s vivid storytelling brought the history of the cave to life, reminding us of the sacrifice and divine protection that defined that journey.
Conquering Jabal al-Nour: The Mountain of Light
As we navigated the winding streets of Makkah, Jabal al-Nour appeared in the distance. From afar, the pilgrims climbing the mountain looked like tiny white dots moving in a slow, rhythmic line.
The climb was no small feat. Even the paved road leading to the base was incredibly steep. At the foothills, small shops sold walking sticks, water, and fruit—essential fuel for the trek ahead.
The Ascent:
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The Struggle: Even with cement steps, the incline was grueling. We paused frequently, catching our breath alongside pilgrims from all over the world, mainly from Pakistan and India.
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A Moment of Refreshment: At one of the bends, a vendor was calling out "Energy! Sharbat!" I shared a small glass of lemon water with my friend Nasarkka. That 2-riyal drink felt like a magic potion, giving us the boost needed to reach the summit.
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The View: The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking Makkah became. The sprawling city, the winding roads, and the distant silhouette of the Clock Tower created a stunning tapestry.
Standing Where Revelation Began: The Cave of Hira
Reaching the top was exhilarating. Despite the January sun, the cool breeze made the experience pleasant. To reach the actual Cave of Hira, we had to descend a few steps on the other side and navigate through narrow rock formations.
Standing there, at the site where the Archangel Jibril first revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was an overwhelming experience. Despite the crowds and the iron railings protecting the steep cliffs, a sense of peace permeated the air. We spent some time in reflection before beginning our descent, which was much faster than the climb.
Through the Plains of Arafat and Musdalifah
Our bus then took us toward the vast plains of Arafat , the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage. We passed the modern Makkah Metro stations and the massive slaughterhouses, facilities that stay quiet most of the year but buzz with millions during the holy season.
Jabal al-Rahmah (The Mount of Mercy):
This beautiful small hill in Arafat is steeped in tradition. It is believed to be the place where Adam and Eve reunited and where the Prophet delivered his famous Farewell Sermon. Although our schedule was tight, we made a quick dash to the top to see the large stone pillar and the sweeping views of the tiled plains below.
The Transit through Musdalifah & Mina:
We continued through Musdalifah , where pilgrims gather pebbles for the "Stoning of the Devil." From the bus windows, we saw:
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Wadi Muhaasir: The site associated with the "Elephant Incident," where the army of Abraha was stopped.
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The Tents of Mina: An endless sea of white fireproof tents stretching across the valley.
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The Zubaida Canal: Our guide pointed out the ancient stone ruins of the canal built over a thousand years ago by Queen Zubaida, wife of Harun al-Rashid, to bring water from Taif to thirsty pilgrims.
A Journey Concluded
Before leaving Makkah, we stopped at the elevated area overlooking the three Jamarat pillars and visited Jannat al-Mu'alla , the historic cemetery where Khadija (RA) is buried. We also caught glimpses of the Masjid al-Jinn and Masjid al-Shajar from the bus.
While the Umm Al-Qura Museum was closed for renovation, the disappointment was minor compared to the spiritual fulfillment of the day. By 3:00 PM, we were back in Jeddah, our bodies tired but our souls enriched by the echoes of history.
Quick Tips for Travelers:
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Season: January is ideal; the weather is cool enough for the Jabal al-Nour trek.
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Hydration: Always carry water, though vendors are available on the mountain.
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Timing: Start early (6:00 AM) to avoid the peak midday heat and return by afternoon.
Read my Saudi Arabia Chronicles
As an expat living here for years, I treat every weekend and break as an opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage and incredible geography of Saudi Arabia.
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- 📍 Yanbu Flower Show: A Vibrant Spectacle by the Coast
- 📍 Al Wahba Crater: Standing Next to the Volcanic Wonder
- 🕌 Holy Cities & Rail Experience:
- 🌹 Taif (The City of Roses Across 3 Perspectives):
- ⚓ Jeddah Diaries (My Home Base Highlights):
- Read my all travel stories
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