‘And they ask you about the mountains, so say, ‘My Lord will blow them away with a blast’
Quran (20:105)
Mountains in the Quran
Mountains have played a role in the history of mankind and Islam, and even in the Quran Allah mentions their importance and use. Mountains are mentioned around 67 times in the Quran in some form including in stories related to Prophets Nuh, Musa, Dawud (AS), and Muhammad (SAW).
Read the story of Musa AS (Moses) and Pharaoh here >>
Here we take a look at some mountains and how they were mentioned in the Quran:
- Mount Judi. In the Quran, this mountain is associated with the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the Great Flood. It is mentioned in Surah Hud (11:44). News articles suggest it is located in Turkey. Whether in the Quran or bible, it is intriguing that a ship should come to rest on a mountain, to show that a flood did indeed take place.
- Mount Sinai. The Quran mentions this mountain with Prophet Musa and the revelation of the Torah to him. The 52nd Surah, called ‘The Mount’, includes within it the mount of Sinai. It is situated in Egypt
- Mount Noor. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received his first divine revelation with 5 verses of the Quran in a cave on this mount. Since then, this mountain has become known as Noor, or light. It lies around 3km from the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Mount Safa. Mentioned in Surah Baqarah (2:158), this is a small mount now within the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia and is mentioned in the Quran as being one of the signs of Allah. It is used as the starting point for the ‘Sa’ee’ or ritual of walking back and forth seven times as part of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Mount Marwah. Along with mount Safa, this is a mount within the Masjid al Haram also mentioned in the Quran as being one of the signs of Allah. It is the end point of the ritual of waking seven times during Hajj in honour of Hajrah, the mother of Prophet Ismail (AS) who went in search of water between these two mounts.
- Mount Arafat. Is located about 20 km from Makkah in Saudi Arabia and is known as the Mount of Mercy due to its association with the Hajj pilgrimage where the pilgrims are forgiven here on the plains of Arafat. It is here that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave his farewell sermon to his followers. It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah (2:198)
- Mount Thawr cave. Located about 8km outside Makkah, Saudi Arabia, it is here that the Prophet took refuge for three days when being pursued by the Quraish during his migration to Madinah. Although, not mentioned by name in the Quran, it is indicated to in Surah Taubah (9:40).
- Mount Uhud. This mountain occupies a special place for Muslims as it stated in a hadith as being one of the mountains of Paradise. Located just outside the city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, one of the foothills of this mountain was the scene of a famous battle in Islam and is referenced by the Quran in Surah Ale Imran (3:121, 3:165)
And you see the mountains, thinking them rigid, while they will pass as the passing of clouds. [It is] the work of Allah, who perfected all things. Indeed, He is Aware of that which you do.
Quran (S. An-Naml 27:88)
