What is the ruling on ascending to the Cave of Hira with the intention of observation and exploration, and does the ruling differ based on the days of Hajj?

Ascending to the Cave of Hira with the intention of drawing closer to Allah is an innovation (bid‘ah), and the fundamental principle in acts of worship is that they are prescriptive (tawqif). As for ascending for observation and exploration, it is not forbidden, unless there is a fear of the ignorant being misled. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that visiting Mount Hira and other mountains and places around Mecca is not from the Sunnah; rather, it is an innovation, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Caliphs did not visit those places for worship. The Permanent Committee has issued a fatwa stating that ascending to the Cave of Hira is neither among the rituals of Hajj nor among the Sunnahs of Islam; rather, it is an innovation and a means to shirk (polytheism). Therefore, people should be prevented from ascending to it, and it should not be facilitated. Sheikh Ibn ‘Uthaymin affirmed that visiting the Cave of Hira or the Cave of Thawr with the intention of drawing closer to Allah is not a Sunnah, but ascending merely for observation without the intention of worship is not objectionable.