Q: Some pilgrims have accidents while ascending Mount Al-Nur and descending Hira’ Cave. Therefore, some people suggested establishing stairways that lead to the cave, along with blocking any other ways leading to it by iron grids to prevent anyone from going there except through the specified route for ascending and descending.

A: Ascending the mentioned cave is neither of the Hajj rituals nor of the acts of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) in Islam; rather, it is a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) and is one of the means leading to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Accordingly, people must be prohibited from ascending it; stairways should not be established, and ascension to it should not be facilitated by any means, pursuant to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Agreed upon its authenticity by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim) More than fourteen centuries have passed since the rise of Islam and the outset of revelation, and we have not known that any of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), or the Muslim rulers who were in charge of the rituals in the past have done this. Welfare indeed lies in following their way and treading in their footsteps, in the hope of attaining reward from Allah (Part No. 11; Page No. 360) by applying the Manhaj (methodology) of His Messenger (peace be upon him), and blocking all the means leading to Shirk.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.