Importance of Cave of Thawr in Islam

Posted by Ady Grewal on December 23rd, 2019

The cave of Thawr is located about 5 miles south to Makkah and Masjid-al-Haram. It remains situated at the height of 748 meters above sea level among the many hills and caves of Mount Thawr. It is a hollow rock with 1.25 meters of height. The cave of Thawr has 2 entrances; one from the west and one from the east.

What actually is the history of Cave of Thawr? Find out here.

The Plan of Quraysh

During his 8 years of Prophethood, Arabs plotted great troubles in the path of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). At that time, the Quraysh of Makkah was the biggest enemy of Muhammad (SAWW). The problems increased to such an extent that, by the will of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) decided to migrate from Makkah to Madinah along with the believers.

As the Migration to Makkah begins, Quraysh plotted a murder plan against Muhammad (SAWW) (nauzubillah) as he was sleeping on his bed. Through the blessing of Allah Almighty, he escaped successfully ad went to take shelter in the cave of Thawr leaving behind little Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA).

The most loyal and one of the closest companions of Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Abubakar (RA) was with him. As the Quraysh sent hitmen to murder both of them (nauzubillah), Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) and Hazrat Abubakar (RA), somehow, came to know about it. Therefore, decided to stay in the cave till the danger eliminates.

Encountering a Snake in The Cave of Thawr

Before entering the cave, Hazrat Abubakar (RA) decided to clean the area for Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). There were a lot of snake pits inside. Abubakar (RA) covered all of them with different pieces of clothes, however, one was left behind unknowingly. He then covered it with his own foot. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) was so tired that he decided to rest in Abubakar’s Lap upon entering the cave.

The pit which Abubakar (RA) was covering with foot had a snake inside who kept on biting. The pain was so intense that tears started rolling down his face, yet he (RA) did not utter a word. As Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) woke up and saw the snake bites, he put his saliva on the injured area and prayed for him. The pain suddenly went away.

The help of Pigeons and Spiders

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abubakar (RA) stayed in the cave for 3 days and 3 nights. At one point, the hitmen almost entered the cave but a miracle took place. By the order of Allah, Pigeons and spiders covered the cave in such a way that portrayed no one would have entered it. Spiders knit their cobwebs at the entrance while the pigeons laid eggs. Consequently, the hitmen went away realizing that no human can enter here. Later, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Abubakar (RA) made their way to Madinah Successfully and Safely.

 The people going for umrah and hajj through hajj packages 2020, often go for the Ziyarath of the Cave. Although its neither an obligation nor a ritual, people prefer going there out of love.