About Jabal Thawr
South of the Sacred Mosque, Jabal Thawr has a rounded shape with ten pointed peaks and reaches about 755 m, according to Saudipedia. It was formerly known as Jabal Athal. On the mountain is the Cave of Thawr, linked by Islamic tradition to the hijra: there the Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr hid from the Quraysh before continuing in secret to Medina.
Higher than Jabal al-Nour, Thawr calls for good fitness, sturdy shoes and plenty of water for those who decide to climb. Those who do not plan to tackle the slope can see it from below, on a tour of the historic sites arranged with the group. As at Hira, going up to the cave is a personal choice, not a step of the pilgrimage.
