Makkah, the holiest city of Islam, is also the birthplace of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW), not only it houses many sacred sites and mosques, Masjid-al-Haram being the prominent mention, the city shares a great association with the history and religion of Islam. Every year, millions of pilgrims arrive here to offer the holy rituals of Hajj and Umrah with their Cheap Umrah packages.
In addition, Makkah houses the Holy Kaabah in Masjid-al-Haram which serves as the only Qibla for Muslims. Muslims, across the globe, offer their daily obligatory prayers facing its direction regardless of their position in the world.
The city of Makkah has many sacred sites i.e. hills, caves, mosques, plains and graveyards that have directly or indirectly played a vital role during the beginning of the Islamic religion. One such place is the ‘Cave of Hira’,
Here’s what you need to know about the Hira cultural district tour in Makkah.
Fast facts about Hira Cultural District:
Hira Cultural District is a must-visit for the pilgrims arriving in the city for Hajj and Umrah rituals, whether on Umrah visas or tourist visas. In fact, this tour is usually offered within the Ziyarath travel services opted for with your all-inclusive Umrah packages.
- It is present at Jabal An-Nur, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
- Visitors can take a trip there on Saturday to Thursday (from 08:30 A.M. to 09:30 P.M.) and Friday (from 04:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.)
- The Hira cultural district tour requires at least a full day and has no entry fee for the visitors.
- The nearby attractions include;
- Visitor centre.
- Path to Hira Cave.
- Exhibition of the Prophet (SAWW).
- Holy Qur’an Museum.
- Hira Park.
- The Cultural Library
- Hira Cultural District covers an estimated area of 67,000 square meters, preserving Makkah’s unique identity, traditions, culture, arts, and historical narratives.
Here’s what Hira Cultural District Tour has to offer for you.
1. Cultural District Visitor Centre:
Upon entering the Hira Cultural District, visitors first come across the Visitor Centre which is a pathway to discovering the spiritual and historical world it has to offer.
The visitor centre simply serves as an information area where one can get assistance with maps and guidance to explore the district effectively.
2. The Revelation Gallery:
One of the most prominent destinations within the district is the Revelation Gallery. It provides a brief history of all revelations that were made from the times of Hazrat Adam (AS) to the times of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW).
The gallery includes a model of the Cave of Hira which nearly mirrors the original and accommodates only a limited number of visitors. The path to the Cave of Hira is also marked with informative descriptions.
3. Museum of the Holy Quran:
Following the Revelations gallery, visitors can go towards the Museum of the Holy Quran in the district. This museum offers detailed information about the Holy Quran using various modern technologies and displays along with ancient manuscripts from different eras.
4. Saudi Coffee Museum:
Hira Cultural District also features the Saudi Coffee Museum, offering a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts. Visitors can savour Saudi Coffee while learning about its types and preparation methods in Saudi Arabia.
5. Cultural Library:
The Cultural Library in the district houses an extensive collection of;
- Islamic manuscripts.
- Ancient documents.
From Islamic history to philosophy and Arabic literature, you can find everything here for a deeper understanding of the religion of Islam and Arabic culture.
6. Hira Garden or Park:
Adjacent to the Hira Cave, the Hira Garden or park is a serene space featuring;
- Lush greenery.
- Comfortable seating.
- Peaceful cabins for relaxation.
7. Culinary Delights:
Commercial facilities within the Hira Cultural District also include a variety of cafes and restaurants that serve everything from local cuisines to international dishes with authentic taste.
8. Trekking to the Hira cave:
The Cave of Hira is originally present in Jabal al-Nour. You can take an uphill trek to the destination for an hour approximately till you reach Hira Cave. It is a small cave that can only accommodate four to five people at a time. However, remember to bring an ample supply of water and wear suitable shoes for trekking.
Significance of Hira Cave:
Hira Cave holds so much importance for Muslims because it is where the Holy Prophet (SAWW) received the first-ever revelation of the Holy Quran during the month of Ramadan. As per the will of Allah Almighty, Hazrat Jibril (AS) came down and revealed the first few verses of Surah Al-Alaq to the Holy Prophet (SAWW). This marked the start of a period of enlightenment in Arab i.e. the beginning of Islamic religion.
When touring Makkah with halal holiday packages, the Hira Cultural District is a must-visit.
