Mount Uhud

Mount Uhud rises on the northern edge of Madinah, about 5 kilometres north of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It is a long reddish ridge, about 7.5 kilometres from end to end, standing apart from the other hills around the city, and its highest point is 1,077 metres above sea level, rising about 377 metres above the surrounding land.

The mountain is known for the Battle of Uhud, fought on the plain at its foot in March 625, in the third year after the Hijra, between the Muslims of Madinah led by the Prophet Muhammad and an army from Makkah. The Muslims suffered heavy losses after a group of archers left their post on a small hill, and about seventy companions were killed, among them the Prophet's uncle, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

The martyrs were buried near the battlefield, and the walled Martyrs' Cemetery remains the focus of visits. About 200 metres away stands the Sayyid al-Shuhada Mosque, rebuilt in its present form around 2017, whose name means master of the martyrs, a title given to Hamza. Opposite the cemetery is Jabal al-Rumat, the Archers' Hill, which visitors climb to look across the battlefield to the mountain.

Hadith collections, including Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, record the Prophet saying that Uhud is a mountain that loves us and is loved by us, and many pilgrims to Madinah include it in their ziyarah, the visit to the historic sites of the city. The area around the mosque has shops, date sellers and parking for buses.

There is no fee to visit the area, the mosque or the archers' hill. Visitors should behave quietly at the cemetery, which can be viewed through its railings. Early morning is the most comfortable time, as there is little shade, and taxis and tour buses run from central Madinah.

When exactly was the battle? Islamic sources place it on 3 Shawwal in the year 3 AH, which corresponds to about 19 March 625. The Sayyid al-Shuhada Mosque beside the battlefield has one dome and two minarets and serves daily prayers as well as the many groups who stop here on ziyarah tours.