The identification of Jabal Musa in Egypt as the biblical Mount Sinai is based on ancient tradition, historical accounts, and geographic considerations. One of the earliest references comes from Christian pilgrims in the 4th century CE, including Egeria, who recorded local traditions linking the site to Moses' reception of the Torah. The Byzantine and later Islamic traditions continued to affirm this identification, leading to the establishment of Saint Catherine's Monastery in the 6th century CE during the reign of Emperor Justinian I.

Geographically, Jabal Musa is one of the highest peaks in the south-central Sinai Peninsula, fitting the Biblical description of a mountain set apart where the Israelites could camp at its base (Exodus 19:2). The rugged terrain, isolation, and dramatic landscape match the theophanic setting described in the Book of Exodus, where the mountain was enveloped in thunder, fire, and smoke during the divine revelation. Archaeologically, while no definitive evidence of Israelite the Exodus has been found, the region contains ancient pilgrimage routes, inscriptions, and monastic settlements, supporting its long-standing religious significance.

Critics argue that Biblical Mount Sinai might be located elsewhere, such as in northwest Arabia (Jabal al-Lawz) or northern Sinai, based on alternate interpretations of the Exodus route. However, Jabal Musa remains the traditional and most widely accepted candidate due to its deep-rooted historical and religious legacy.

Mount Sinai (Jabal Mousa) in Egypt is part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), a Proterozoic geological formation that developed during the Neoproterozoic Era (circa 870–550 million years ago). The mountain's geological history is characterized by plutonic and volcanic activity, with the formation of intrusive granitic bodies and associated volcanic rocks.

The core of Mount Sinai consists of a ring complex, a geological structure formed by successive magmatic intrusions. The dominant rock type in this complex is alkaline granite, which varies in composition from syenogranite to alkali feldspar granite. These granites were emplaced in the later stages of the ANS's evolution, crystallizing at shallow to intermediate crustal levels. The presence of potassic feldspars and quartz in these granites suggests a high degree of magmatic differentiation.

Surrounding the granitic intrusions, Mount Sinai also features a diverse array of volcanic and subvolcanic rocks, including rhyolites, trachytes, and ignimbrites. These volcanic rocks are predominantly alkaline to peralkaline in composition, indicating their formation from silica-rich magmas with high concentrations of sodium and potassium. The volcanic sequences include both subaerial lava flows and explosive pyroclastic deposits, as well as subvolcanic porphyry intrusions, which cooled beneath the Earth's surface before reaching a fully crystallized state.

The stratigraphic relationships among these rock types suggest that the granitic bodies formed at varying depths, with the oldest magmatic events occurring at deeper levels and later intrusions solidifying at progressively shallower crustal levels. This complex magmatic history is consistent with the post-orogenic tectonic environment of the ANS, where crustal extension and lithospheric thinning allowed for the emplacement of evolved felsic magmas.

circa 555 CE

The pilgrimage to the summit of Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa) in Egypt follows ancient paths used by monks, pilgrims, and travelers for centuries, leading to the sacred peak where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. The ascent begins at Saint Catherine’s Monastery, a Byzantine-era religious complex at the foot of the mountain, and follows two main routes, each with its own historical and spiritual significance.

The Siket Sayidna Musa, or Path of Our Lord Moses, is the steeper and more challenging of the two, consisting of approximately 3,750 stone steps carved into the mountainside by monks in the Middle Ages as an act of repentance. This route follows a direct and demanding ascent, passing through significant religious landmarks. One of the most important stops along the way is Elijah’s Basin, a small valley situated about 750 steps below the summit, where the Prophet Elijah is believed to have rested during his journey to Mount Horeb, as described in 1 Kings 19:8–9. The path also passes by the Rock of Moses, a formation some traditions associate with the place where Moses stood to receive the divine revelation. The final stretch of this route consists of a particularly demanding 750 steps, requiring a steep and strenuous climb before reaching the peak. Due to its difficulty, this route is favored by those seeking a deeply spiritual experience through physical exertion, reminiscent of the trials endured by prophets and saints.

The Camel Path, also known as Siket El Basha (Path of the Governor), offers an easier but longer ascent. Unlike the steep stone steps, this winding trail follows a more gradual incline and is wide enough to accommodate camels, allowing travelers to ride most of the way up. Historical records suggest that this route was developed during the Ottoman period, possibly to allow governors, high-ranking officials, and elderly pilgrims to reach the summit more comfortably. While this path is less physically demanding, all travelers must eventually dismount and climb the final 750 stone steps near Elijah’s Basin to reach the top.

circa 555 CE

Church
Atop Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa) stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, a small Greek Orthodox church marking the traditional site where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. The current structure, built in the 20th century, stands on the ruins of an older Byzantine-era chapel that dates back to at least the 6th century CE, when Emperor Justinian I commissioned religious structures in the Sinai region, including Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

The chapel is constructed from local granite and remains closed to the general public, only opening for special religious services. Inside, it is said to contain relics of Saint Catherine and other sacred artifacts. Near the chapel, there is also a small cave, traditionally identified as the place where Moses waited to see God’s glory (Exodus 33:21–22). The church, along with the summit of Mount Sinai, continues to be a significant pilgrimage site for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim visitors.

circa 555 CE

Mosque
A small mosque also stands on the summit of Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa), built to serve Muslim pilgrims who revere the mountain as the site where Prophet Musa (Moses) received divine revelation. The existence of a mosque on the summit is believed to date back to the Fatimid period (909–1171 CE). However, the current structure was recently constructed using local granite and remains a significant place of worship despite its modest size. It is a small nearly square structure, without any architectural distinctions including a dome or minaret. Islamic tradition holds Mount Sinai in high regard, referring to it as At-Tur (The Mount) in the Qur'an (7:143, 20:9–14), where Moses spoke with Allah. Though typically closed, the mosque stands alongside the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, symbolizing the mountain’s shared religious significance in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

circa 555 CE

Cave of Moses
The so-called cave of Moses on the summit of the Jabal al-Musa is a small parly natural and partly man-made cave situated directly underneath the mosque-structure. The cave contains a mihrab (prayer niche marking the direction of the qibla).

circa 555 CE

"Elijah's Basin"
The so-called "Elijah's Basin" is a small valley situated approximately 750 steps below the summit of Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa) in Egypt. This site holds religious significance due to its association with the Prophet Elijah (called Ilyas in Islamic tradition). According to tradition, it is believed to be the place where Elijah sought refuge during his journey to Mount Horeb, as described in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 19:8–9). The basin serves as a notable landmark for pilgrims ascending Mount Sinai, offering a place for rest and reflection before reaching the peak, traditionally considered the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments.