Jabal al-Thawr, also known as the Cave of Thawr, is a mountain located near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It holds historical and religious significance in Islam, and it is specifically associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The most notable aspect of Jabal al-Thawr is the cave located on its slopes, known as the Cave of Thawr (Ghar Thawr). It is famous for an incident during the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra, which took place in 622 CE.
According to Islamic tradition, as the Prophet Muhammad and his close companion Abu Bakr were fleeing persecution from Mecca, they sought refuge in the Cave of Thawr. It is said that when the Quraysh tribe, who opposed the Prophet, reached the entrance of the cave, a spider spun its web across the entrance, and a dove laid eggs. This created the illusion that the cave had not been disturbed for a while, and the pursuers left without discovering them.
The story of the Cave of Thawr is often cited as an example of trust in God and divine protection. Pilgrims and visitors often visit the cave to commemorate this significant event in Islamic history and to reflect on the trials faced by the Prophet Muhammad during his mission.
Pilgrims who perform the Hajj or Umrah often include a visit to Jabal al-Thawr as part of their religious journey, although it is not one of the main sites associated with the rituals of Hajj or Umrah. Its primarily visited for its historical and spiritual significance.