Assalamualaikum.
The journey then carried us to Mount Uhud and the Shahada' Uhud Cemetery, the next two sacred sites in our Madinah Ziyarat Tour.
Major highways and roads in Madinah are primarily named after Saudi royalty (Kings and Crown Princes) to honor their leadership and service to the Two Holy Mosques, or after key figures such as legendary figures from the early days of Islam and historical events from Islamic history to honor the city's religious heritage.
From Masjid Quba, we make our way toward Mount Uhud, traveling along King Abdallah Ibn Abd Al Aziz Road, then continuing via King Abdullah Branch Road and Omar Bin Al Khattab Road. The route carries us through Prince Abdulmajeed Bin Abdulaziz Road and Sayed AlShouhada Road, before joining King Fahd Road and finally Nusaybah Ibn Kab Road. We also passed through other roads including Khalid ibn Al Walid Road, Ibn Taher Road, Ali ibn Abu Talib while making a diversion for a quick pass-by Masjid al-Qiblatayn.
About the roads for our journey to Mount Uhud:
📘Saudi Royalty and Leaders
🔹King Abdallah Ibn Abd Al Aziz Road: Named after the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (reigned 2005–2015), known for his major expansions of the Two Holy Mosques and infrastructure modernizations. It often refers to the Second Ring Road, a critical mid-city artery.
🔹King Abdullah Branch Road: A secondary road supporting the main King Abdullah Road, typically named to maintain the legacy of the late king in specific local districts.
🔹Prince Abdulmajeed Bin Abdulaziz Road: Named after Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz, a former Governor of Madinah (1986–1999) who spearheaded massive urban development and heritage preservation projects in the city.
🔹King Fahd Road: Named for King Fahd bin Abdulaziz (reigned 1982–2005). He was the first to adopt the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" and was responsible for some of the largest historical expansions of the Prophet's Mosque.
📘Early Islamic Figures
🔹Omar Bin Al Khattab Road: Honors Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam. He is remembered for his legendary justice and for being the first to significantly expand the Prophet’s Mosque.
🔹Sayed Al-Shouhada Road: Translates to "Master of Martyrs Road." It is named after Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet’s uncle, who was martyred at the Battle of Uhud. This road leads directly to the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery.
🔹Nusaybah Ibn Kab Road: Named after Nusaybah bint Ka'b (also known as Umm 'Amara), one of the first female converts to Islam and a courageous warrior who personally defended the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the Battle of Uhud.
🔹Khalid ibn Al Walid Road: Named after Khalid ibn al-Walid, one of history's greatest military commanders. Known as Saifullah (the Sword of Allah), he was undefeated in over 100 battles. His house in Madinah was historically located near the site of the current Prophet’s Mosque expansions.
🔹Ali ibn Abu Talib Road: Honors the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Rashidun Caliph. This road is significant because it passes near historical sites like the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque (part of the Seven Mosques), where he commanded forces during the Battle of the Trench.
📘Intellectual and Scholarly Legacy
🔹Ibn Taher Road: Named after Ibn Tahir al-Maqdisi, a celebrated 11th-century Sunni scholar, historian, and expert in Hadith (Prophetic traditions). He was famous for his extensive travels across the Islamic world to preserve religious knowledge, embodying Madinah’s long-standing status as a global center for learning and scholarship.
We passed through Al-Anbariya area via Prince Abdulmajeed Bin Abdulaziz Road, which is a major thoroughfare primarily located in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, specifically passing through the Al Shati district. It serves as a key connecting route in the coastal city. It is named after the late Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz, former Governor of Mecca.
View of part of the Railway Museum seen from Prince Abdulmajeed Ibn Abdulaziz.
🔹The Hijaz Railway Museum in Madinah, located on Omar ibn Al-Khattab St in the Al-Anbariya area, is a significant cultural site showcasing the early 20th-century railway that connected Damascus to Madinah. Housed in the restored Ottoman-era train station, it features original locomotives, carriages, and artifacts, offering free entry to visitors.
This building is the Masjid al-Khandaq (also known as the Mosque of the Trench or the Mosque of the Conquest), a modern mosque located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It serves as the central focus of a historic site known as The Seven Mosques (al-Masājid al-Sabʿa), situated at the foot of Mount Sela.
📘Key Significance
🔹Battle of the Trench: The site commemorates the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq) in 5 AH, where Muslims defended Medina by digging a trench.
🔹The Seven Mosques: While the complex is called "Seven," it currently consists of six small historic mosques and this large, modern Masjid al-Khandaq. The original count included Masjid al-Qiblatain, located about a kilometer away.
🔹Modern Architecture: The white building in your image is a relatively recent addition (built around 2007) to accommodate more worshippers visiting the historic area. It features bright white architecture, two prominent minarets, and a central dome.
📘Nearby Historic Mosques
The complex includes several small, historically significant mosques named after the Prophet Muhammad and his companions who were stationed at these points during the battle:
🔹Al-Fath Mosque: The largest and most prominent, built on the hill where the Prophet is said to have prayed for victory.
🔹Salman Al-Farsi Mosque: Named after the companion who suggested digging the trench.
🔹Other Mosques: Named for Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, Umar bin Khattab, Ali bin Abi Talib, and Fatimah Az-Zahra.
View of King Abdullah Road from Khalid Ibn Al Walid Road. Looming at the background is the Mount Uhud and to the left is Jabal la'alla'.
View of King Abdullah Branch Road merging with King Abdullah Road with Mount Uhud and Jabal la'alla'.
This is Jabal La'la' (also spelled Jabal La’alla’), a historic hill in Madinah with significant ties to the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ time, particularly during the defensive preparations for the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq) in 627 CE.
📘Historical and Religious Significance
The hill is most famous for being the location where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed specific prayers or observed the surrounding terrain during a critical moment for the early Muslim community.
🔹The Battle of the Trench: Located in the western part of the city near the Sela' Mountain (Jabal Sela'), this hill was part of the strategic landscape during the siege of Madinah.
🔹A Place of Supplication: Islamic tradition notes that the Prophet ﷺ stood or prayed on this hill, seeking victory and protection for the Muslims against the confederate tribes.
🔹Connection to Masjid al-Fath: It is situated near the Seven Mosques area. Some historical accounts link the site to the general area where the Prophet ﷺ made his successful supplication for victory, which led to the naming of the nearby Masjid al-Fath (The Mosque of Victory).
📘Location and Context
🔹Proximity: The hill is located northwest of the Prophet's Mosque and is closely associated with the Sela' Mountain ridge.
🔹The Seven Mosques: Visitors exploring the Khandaq (Trench) site often pass by this area. The cluster includes mosques named after major companions like Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali, and Salman al-Farsi, all of whom were active in this immediate vicinity during the battle.
📘Modern Day
While less prominent today than the massive Mount Uhud or Jabal Ayr, Jabal La'la' remains a point of interest for students of Seerah (Prophetic biography) who visit Madinah to trace the defensive lines of the early Muslims.
This area is the recent urban developments and parks surrounding Masjid al-Qiblatayn in Medina.
🔹Recent Upgrades: The surroundings of Masjid al-Qiblatayn have recently been transformed with the addition of landscaped gardens, walking paths, and modern amenities like cafes.
🔹Atmosphere: These public areas are designed to provide a serene escape from the city's bustle, featuring well-tended green spaces that complement the historic architecture of the "Mosque of the Two Qiblas".
🔹Geography: The rugged mountains seen in the background are the typical peaks surrounding the northern and western quadrants of Medina, where the mosque is located.
This Masjid al-Qiblatayn. Our Madinah Ziyarat Tour took us past Masjid al-Qiblatayn, where we had only a brief pass-by view without stopping to visit.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the Two Qiblas) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is a historically significant site where Prophet Muhammad received the divine command to change the direction of prayer (Qibla) from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Mecca. Situated roughly 4-5 km from Masjid an-Nabawi, it is known for the momentous mid-prayer shift in direction.
📘Historical Significance
🔹The Command: In the second year of Hijra (624 CE), while leading the Dhuhr (or Asr) prayer, Prophet Muhammad was revealed Quranic verse 2:144, instructing him to turn from facing al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to the Sacred Mosque (Kaaba).
🔹Significance: It serves as a symbol of obedience and the establishment of a distinct Muslim identity.
🔹The Name: It is famously called "Masjid al-Qiblatayn" (Mosque of the Two Qiblas) because the congregation shifted their orientation 180 degrees during the same prayer service.
🔹Original Name: It was originally known as Masjid Bani Salamah, as it was built in the village of the Bani Salamah clan. Built in 2 AH (623–624 CE) by Sawad ibn Ghanam ibn Ka'ab.
🔹Early History: It is considered one of the three earliest mosques in Islamic history, alongside Al-Masjid al-Nabawi and Quba Mosque.
📘Spiritual Importance
🔹For Pilgrims: Visiting Masjid al-Qiblatayn is part of many Madinah ziyarah tours. It is not as large or central as Masjid an-Nabawi, but its unique history makes it a deeply meaningful stop.
🔹Symbolism: Represents the transition of Islam’s spiritual center from Jerusalem to Makkah, reinforcing the Kaaba’s role as the focal point of Muslim worship worldwide.
🔹Legacy: The mosque embodies the immediacy of obedience to divine command, a lesson cherished by Muslims across generations.
📘Architecture and Design
🔹Architecture: The mosque, redesigned in 1988, features a, distinctive white, traditional architectural style with two main domes and two minarets. : Renovated by architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, known for blending traditional Islamic architecture with modern functionality.
🔹Original Features: For centuries, the mosque uniquely featured two mihrabs (prayer niches): one facing Jerusalem (Bait al-Maqdis) and the other facing Mecca to honor the event.
🔹Modern Reconstruction: During a major renovation in 1987 under King Fahd, the mosque was rebuilt to accommodate 2,000 worshippers. The old mihrab facing Jerusalem was removed to focus on the Mecca direction, though a small marker still indicates the original direction.
🔹Capacity: Following significant expansions, the mosque spans over 6,000 square meters, offering a large, modern prayer space.
📘Visiting Information
🔹Location: The mosque is located on the northwest side of Medina, easily reachable via public transport or tours.
🔹Accessibility: As of late 2025, it is generally open 24 hours, welcoming visitors and pilgrims.
🔹Etiquette: Visitors must dress modestly and maintain the sanctity of the prayer space.
This is Al Noor Mall in Medina, Saudi Arabia, a prominent retail destination located in the city.
The exterior of a judicial building; the Administrative Court in Medina, Saudi Arabia, which is part of the Board of Grievances.
شركة الديار المتميزة للتجارة - Al-Diyar Distinguished Trading Company
شركة كيان الخليج الإقالت - Kayan Al Khaleej Company Acquisitions
This image shows the recently revamped road leading to Mount Uhud with modern cycling track in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The mountain in the background is Mount Uhud, a significant historical and geographical landmark associated with the Battle of Uhud.
These "humanization projects" aim to reduce environmental pollution, expand green spaces, and provide safe routes for residents and visitors engaging in physical activities. The location has undergone significant "humanization" as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life program.
The improvements include:
🔹Infrastructure: The area features recently developed infrastructure designed to improve accessibility and enhance the quality of life, including new dedicated bicycle paths covering 70 km.
🔹Dedicated Infrastructure: The bright blue path is a specialized track for bicycles and scooters, alongside widened, marble-paved sidewalks for pedestrians.
🔹Accessibility: The project aims to make the historical site more accessible and "human-friendly," featuring new seating areas, cafes at the summit, and organized vehicle transport (like GMC trucks) to the top for a panoramic view of Medina.
🔹Urban Greenery: The renovation involved planting thousands of trees and installing modern lighting to enhance the visual identity and environmental quality of the area.
Mount Uhud itself is a major Islamic landmark, famous as the site of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE). It is approximately 7.5 km long and stands about 5 km north of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
📘Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Program
The Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Program is a national initiative aimed at transforming Saudi cities into vibrant, sustainable, and "human-centered" environments. In Madinah, this is specifically realized through Humanization Projects that shift urban planning away from car-centric designs to focus on the needs and well-being of people.
📘Key Humanization Projects in Madinah
The Madinah Region Development Authority (MRDA) is spearheading several landmark projects to improve livability and visitor experience:
🔹Quba Avenue: A major 3.6 km transformation that converted a congested road into a secure, pedestrian-only path linking the Prophet’s Mosque to the Quba Mosque. It features wide walkways, electric carts, and bicycle paths.
🔹Ohod Avenue: A 2.7 km path connecting the Prophet’s Mosque to Mount Uhud. Unlike Quba, it maintains dedicated lanes for cars and buses while adding safe pedestrian pathways, bicycle lanes, and over 15,000 trees.
🔹Rua Al Madinah: A massive 1.5 million square meter development east of the Prophet's Mosque. It focuses on pedestrian-friendly hospitality, adding 47,000 hotel rooms and cultural zones designed with wide plazas to ease visitor movement.
Hijra Road: A 24 km project that traverses historical sites like the Al Qaswa Park and historical farms. It is being upgraded with dedicated running, walking, and cycling tracks.
📘Global Recognition
🔹As a result of these efforts, Madinah has become the first Saudi and Arab city to achieve the UN-Habitat SDG Cities Gold Level.
🔹It is also recognized as one of the WHO Healthy Cities, meeting global benchmarks for environmental sustainability and community well-being.
This road is more than a transport route—it’s a gateway to history and spirituality, now framed by modern amenities that make the journey accessible and inviting. It represents Madinah’s ongoing transformation: honoring its sacred past while embracing the needs of today’s pilgrims and residents.
When we reached the Mount Uhud Tourist Bus Parking Bay, a number of buses were lined up. Still, the expanse of the Mount Uhud complex absorbed the crowd, leaving the surroundings serene and tranquil.
We crossed the Wadi Qanat to the Mount Uhud Complex entrance.
Wadi Qanat (or Wadi Qanah/Al-Aqul) is a historically significant, seasonal valley running south of Mount Uhud in Medina. It merges with Wadi Buthan and Al-Aqiq to form Wadi Idam, crucial for managing water in the region. Rejuvenated by the Saudi government, it is now a green recreational area with walking paths, palm trees, and scenic views.
As one of the city's three primary seasonal streams, it has been revitalized under the Saudi Vision 2030 "humanization" initiative to serve as both a landmark for Islamic history and a modern green oasis.
Key Details and Significance:
🔹Location: Situated directly south of Mount Uhud and Jabal al-Rumah (Mount Archers), this valley is an integral part of the scenic and historical landscape of the Battle of Uhud area.
🔹Natural Water Basin: Its name, meaning "channel" or "basin," reflects its role in collecting and directing rainwater through Madinah's arid landscape.
🔹Geographical Importance: It functions as a natural basin or channel (Qanat) that collects water, serving as a vital ecological feature.
🔹Historical Context: Closely connected to early Islamic history and the Prophet’s ﷺ era, it lies near the battlefield of 3 AH/625 CE. The wadi is famously associated with the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), which took place along its banks.
🔹Development: The Madinah Municipality has rehabilitated the valley, adding pedestrian walkways, seating, natural marble flooring, and extensive landscaping (date palms and tamarisk trees), turning it into a popular urban destination.
🔹Nature & Environment: Known for its greenery, the area acts as a tranquil, scenic spot offering a contrast to the nearby arid, rocky mountains.
Wadi Qanat serves as both a natural watershed and a preserved landmark, connecting modern urban design with the rich heritage of Medina.
A view of Mount of the Archers, Mount Uhud and Masjid Sayed Al Shouhada seen from the bridge that crosses Wadi Qanat.
The newly developed Mount Uhud Complex has been transformed into a modern Islamic and cultural landmark designed to enhance the experience of millions of visitors while preserving the site’s deep historical and spiritual significance.
Key features of the updated complex include:
📘"Humanized" Infrastructure
🔹Pedestrian Connectivity: The site is a primary stop for the Madinah Bus and hop-on-hop-off services, making it easily accessible from the Prophet’s Mosque.
🔹Specialized Tracks: It features widened, paved sidewalks, dedicated bicycle lanes, and scooter tracks to facilitate comfortable movement for all visitor ages.
🔹Urban Greenery: The development includes over 83,000 square meters of green areas, with thousands of trees planted to provide natural shade and reduce temperatures.
📘The "Heart of Uhud" Wellness Project
🔹A massive 240,000-square-meter wellness and rehabilitation resort is a centerpiece of the new development. This SAR 2 billion complex includes:
🔹Medical & Rehabilitation Centers: Staffed by world-class experts to position Madinah as a regional hub for wellness tourism.
🔹Hospitality & Dining: Integrated luxury hotel suites, suites, cafes, and restaurants focused on relaxation and a tranquil visitor experience.
📘Historical & Educational Preservation
🔹Enhanced Landmarks: Sites like Archers' Hill (Mount al-Rumah) and the Martyrs' Cemetery (restplace of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib) have been beautified with improved pathways and lighting that harmonizes with the mountain's natural red granite.
🔹Cultural Amenities: An open-air museum, a historical virtual reality area, and a theater are integrated into the 33,000-square-meter amenity zone to provide an immersive educational journey into the Battle of Uhud.
🔹Preserved Nature: The design maintains the mountain’s "Maharis" (natural cavities that store rainwater) and indigenous desert plants like Sidr and Acacia, blending modern facilities with the authentic geological character of the range.
A view of the Mount Ainain from the Mount Uhud vast open plaza.
Information about Mount Ainain displayed on an info-board at the open plaza.
As pilgrims and visitors stand before the Mount of the Archers, they encounter a site whose layered beauty reveals itself through both its rugged physical form and its enduring historical and spiritual resonance.
📘Visual Impression
🔹The hill rises modestly, rocky and uneven, with scattered stones that make its terrain look rugged yet natural.
🔹People gathered upon it—standing, sitting, walking—mirror the way pilgrims and visitors today retrace the footsteps of history.
🔹Birds circling and resting nearby add a sense of timelessness, as if nature itself continues to witness the lessons of Uhud.
🔹The clear blue sky and bright sunlight emphasize its openness, making the mound appear both humble and dignified.
📘Historical Echo
🔹This is the very mound where 50 archers were stationed under Abdullah ibn Jubair during the Battle of Uhud (625 CE).
🔹Their premature departure from the post allowed Khalid ibn al-Walid’s cavalry to flank the Muslim army, turning near-victory into a painful setback.
🔹The Qur’an (Surah Al-Imran, verses 152–153) references this moment, immortalizing it as a lesson in discipline and obedience.
📘Symbolic Meaning
🔹The rocky terrain reflects the hardship and testing of faith faced by the early Muslim community.
🔹Its modest size compared to Mount Uhud reminds us that small places can hold immense lessons.
🔹Today, pilgrims climb and reflect here, not for grandeur, but for the humility of learning from history’s trials.
📘Modern Experience
🔹The hill is easily accessible, often visited alongside the Martyrs’ Cemetery nearby.
🔹It has become part of Madinah’s spiritual tourism routes, where visitors pause to reflect on the balance between human weakness and divine wisdom.
🔹Standing on its summit, one feels both the weight of history and the lightness of spiritual reflection.
Masjid Sayed Al Shouhada seen from the Mount Uhud Complex open plaza.
The Sayed Al-Shuhada Mosque is a major historic landmark in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, completed in 2017 to honor the martyrs of the 625 CE Battle of Uhud, including Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib. Located near Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery, this 54,000-square-meter facility accommodates 15,000 worshippers and features modern Islamic architecture near the site of the pivotal early Islamic battle.
📘Key Details and Significance
🔹Location: Situated in the Sayed as Shuhada area of Medina, about 3 kilometers north of the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid e Nabawi).
🔹Significance: It faces Mount Rumat (Archers' Hill) and is adjacent to the cemetery where 70 companions of the Prophet Muhammad, martyred during the Battle of Uhud, are buried.
🔹Dedication: Named in honor of Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle who was martyred in the battle and is known as Sayyid ush Shuhada (Leader of the Martyrs).
🔹Structure: Completed in April 2017, the modern structure spans 54,000 square meters, featuring large prayer halls and accommodating 15,000 worshippers.
🔹Accessibility: The site includes ample parking, a large courtyard, and is designed to be accessible to visitors and pilgrims.
The mosque serves as a key stop for pilgrims visiting the sacred sites of Medina, offering a place for reflection on the sacrifices made during the early days of Islam.
A view of Mount of the Archers, Mount Uhud and Masjid Sayed Al Shouhada seen from the Mount Uhud Complex open plaza.
🔹Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told the archers at Uhud that even if they saw "birds snatching us away" (meaning the Muslim army was being defeated and torn apart), they must not leave their post. This emphasized absolute obedience to orders, forbidding them from abandoning their position to collect war booty, regardless of how the battle appeared to be turning.
🔹Small Hill, Big Role: While often called a mountain, it is a relatively small, rocky hill compared to its massive neighbor, Mount Uhud. It is approximately 180 meters long and 40 meters wide.
🔹Unique Geology: Unlike surrounding ranges, Mount Uhud and its foothills, including the Archers' Mount, are characterized by its dramatic fiery red granite and volcanic rocks.
🔹Accessibility: Modern infrastructure has made the hill accessible to visitors, with paved, serviced roads leading to it.
This image captures Jabal al-Rumah (Mount of the Archers), a small but historically momentous rocky hill in Medina.
📘Visual Breakdown
🔹The Terrain: The hill is a rugged, low-lying mound primarily composed of weathered volcanic rock and sand. Unlike the towering peaks of Mount Uhud in the distance, Jabal al-Rumah is modest in height, making it easily accessible for the people seen congregating at its summit.
🔹Activity: Numerous visitors are scattered across the slope and clustered at the top, likely reflecting on the tactical significance of the site during the Battle of Uhud.
🔹Foreground Details: A large number of pigeons are gathered in the dusty clearing at the base. You can see two women in the lower left—one taking a photo and another seated—highlighting the hill's role as a major site for modern pilgrimage and historical tourism.
🔹Environment: The scene is set under a clear, bright blue sky, typical of the arid climate of the Hejaz region.
📘Historical Context in View
From this vantage point, the archers had a clear view of the battlefield below. Their abandonment of this specific high ground is cited as the primary reason the opposing cavalry was able to circle around and launch a surprise attack, leading to one of the most difficult moments in early Islamic history.
🔹A Monument of Reflection: Today, it serves as a powerful, tangible lesson on the importance of obeying the leader, focusing on the broader goal over the spoils of war.
🔹Visible Reminder: Visitors, including pilgrims, often climb the hill to visualize the battle tactics and pay respects to the martyred archers.
📘Why It Still Matters
🔹Spiritual Lesson: Teaches the importance of steadfastness and collective discipline.
🔹Historical Reminder: Demonstrates how small tactical errors can shift the outcome of great battles.
🔹Pilgrimage Experience: Provides a tangible connection to early Islamic history, making it a place of reflection and prayer.
The scene shows pilgrims gathered atop the modest mound of the Archers’ Hill, their presence echoing the footsteps of those who once stood guard during the Battle of Uhud. The rocky slope, dry and rugged, bears the marks of time, while birds soar above as if still keeping watch. Behind them rises the imposing silhouette of Mount Uhud, its vast, solemn ridges forming a dramatic backdrop. Together, the two mountains embody a dialogue between humility and grandeur—one small yet pivotal, the other towering and eternal. The clear sky frames this meeting of history and devotion, where visitors pause to reflect on lessons of discipline, sacrifice, and divine wisdom.
The Two Witnesses.
The Two Sentinels.
The Sayed Al-Shuhada Mosque.
As we gathered on the slope of the Mount of Archers, Ustaz Herman recounted the Battle of Uhud, weaving together historical facts with spiritual insights from the Quran. Standing on the very ground where it all unfolded, a surreal silence fell over us as we listened intently.
Standing amidst the battle’s true landscape—majestic mountains rising and rocky foothills stretching before us—I could only begin to imagine what it must have been like. The warriors of Uhud faced not only the physical trials of combat, but also the unforgiving terrain that mirrored the greater struggle: the testing of faith and endurance placed upon the early Muslim community.
Tears welled in my eyes as Ustaz Herman recounted the injuries the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) endured at Uhud. Hearing how he bled heavily from stones and arrows—sustaining a broken tooth, a cut lip, and wounds to his forehead—made the reality of his sacrifice feel deeply personal.
Prophet Muhammad PBUH was severely injured during the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE. The injuries occurred when the tide of the battle turned against the Muslims after a group of archers left their assigned posts on the mountain.
According to Islamic tradition and historical accounts, his injuries included:
🔹Head and Face: A stone thrown by Utbah ibn Abi Waqqas hit the Prophet PBUH, causing a deep gash on his forehead and injuring his lips.
🔹Teeth: The impact of the stones or an arrow dislodged one of his lower right teeth (specifically the lateral incisor).
🔹Helmet Injury: The force of a blow caused two rings from his metal helmet to break and pierce his cheekbone.
🔹Other Injuries: He was struck on the shoulder by a sword and fell into a trap (a hidden pit), which caused further pain and injuries to his knees.
🔹Severe Condition: Aisha (RA) reported that this was one of the hardest days of the Prophet's life.
Key Historical Details:
🔹Medical Care: His daughter, Lady Fatima RA, tended to his wounds after the battle. When washing alone did not stop the heavy bleeding, she used burnt ashes from a straw mat to seal the wounds.
🔹Protective Companions: Many companions were also wounded while shielding him. For example, Abu Talha RA shielded him with his own body, and Abu Ubaydah RA lost his own front teeth while using them to pull the metal helmet rings out of the Prophet's face.
🔹Refuge: The Prophet (PBUH) sought refuge in a cave on Mount Uhud to recover from his injuries.
🔹Rumors of Death: The severity of his injuries and his temporary disappearance into a cave on Mount Uhud led to a widespread rumor that he had been killed, which caused significant distress among the Muslim ranks.
As a Muslim, upon learning about the severe injuries sustained by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the Battle of Uhud, I felt a mix of profound sadness, deep love, intense gratitude. The injuries—broken teeth, a wounded face, and heavy bleeding—represent a moment of immense physical suffering that is deeply emotional. They are viewed not just as historical facts, but as evidence of prophet’s humanity and his immense sacrifice for his faith and followers.
📘Deep Emotional Grief and Sorrow
Many Muslims feel a visceral sense of sadness when hearing these details, often leading to tears. The thought of the Prophet, who is held in higher esteem than one's own family, being physically struck and bleeding heavily is personally painful for many believers.
🔹Empathy for his Pain: The description of metal from his helmet being embedded in his cheek or the pain of a broken tooth resonates as a reminder of the brutal physical reality he endured.
🔹Historical Reaction: During the battle itself, rumors of his death caused "shattered presence of mind" and extreme distress among his companions and family.
📘Awe at His Character and Mercy
A central feeling for Muslims is amazement at the Prophet's response to his attackers while he was still bleeding.
🔹Forgiveness over Retribution: Instead of cursing those who injured him, he famously prayed, "O Allah, guide my people, for they do not know". This mercy in the face of agony is a source of immense pride and love for Muslims.
🔹Divine Restraint: Some traditions note he wiped his blood so it would not touch the ground, fearing that if it did, divine punishment would befall his people.
📘Spiritual Lessons and Inspiration
Knowledge of these injuries serves as a "deep lesson in obedience, patience, and steadfastness".
🔹Humanity of the Prophet: These events emphasize that while he was a Prophet, he was also a human who felt pain, hunger, and fatigue, making his perseverance more relatable and inspiring.
🔹Perspective on Personal Struggles: Seeing that the "Beloved of God" suffered such severe trials helps Muslims find strength in their own hardships, viewing them as tests of faith.
📘Reverence for the Sahaba (Companions)
The account also triggers feelings of admiration for the companions who shielded him. Stories like that of Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, who used his own teeth to pull metal links out of the Prophet's face (losing his own teeth in the process), are told with great honor and emotional weight.
In essence, knowing this history turns the event into a deeply spiritual lesson, reinforcing that the Prophet’s mission was based on sacrifice, mercy, and unwavering trust in Allah.
Next, we walked to the Shuhada' Uhud Cemetery.
Info-Board on the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery.
The Info-Board states "Among the most prominent of those buried are: Hamza Bin Abdul Muttalib), the Prophet's uncle and the leader of martyrs, Mus'ab Bin Umair (The Standard Bearer of the Muslims, Abdullah Bin Jahsh and Hanzalah Bin Abi Amir (who was washed by the Angels). Some of the bodies were later relocated to their current location during the era of Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan, fearing of floods and their bodies remained unchanged."
What does it mean by "their bodies remained unchanged"?
In the context of the Shuhada' Uhud Cemetery, the statement that their bodies "remained unchanged" means they were found in a state of miraculous preservation, showing no signs of decomposition even decades after their burial.
Specific details from historical accounts regarding this phenomenon include:
🔹Intact Condition: When the graves were opened during the reign of Muawiyah I (approximately 40–50 years after the battle) due to flooding, the bodies were found completely intact and appeared as if they had been buried that very day.
🔹Fresh Blood: In a famous account, a worker’s shovel accidentally struck the leg of one of the martyrs (often identified as Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib), and fresh blood began to flow from the wound as if he were still alive.
🔹Physical Appearance: Witnesses reported that the bodies were flexible, their skin was not dry, and even delicate features like the hair on their beards remained preserved.
🔹Fragrance: The bodies were noted to emit a pleasant fragrance (often described as musk), rather than the odor of decay.
🔹Spiritual Significance: In Islamic tradition, this preservation is considered a miracle (karamah) and a sign of Allah's favor toward martyrs, confirming the Quranic verse that martyrs are "alive" with their Lord. It supports the theological belief that the earth is forbidden from consuming the bodies of Prophets and, in special cases, the most righteous martyrs.
Th Info-Board also stated "The Cemetery has gone through several stages, where domes and mosques were built over it in different periods. After that it was removed during the era of the first Saudi state, in compliance with the Sunnah of the Prophet regarding leveling graves."
The removal of domes and mosques from the Shuhada' Uhud Cemetery (Cemetery of the Martyrs of Uhud) was a significant historical event driven by the religious and political shifts during the rise of the First Saudi State in the early 19th century.
📘Historical Context of the Structures
Before the 19th century, the cemetery—which contains the remains of 70 companions of Prophet Muhammad, most notably his uncle Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib—featured various architectural additions built primarily during the Ottoman era:
🔹Mausoleums and Domes: Elaborate domed structures and shrines were erected over the graves of prominent martyrs to mark their final resting places.
🔹Mosques: Small mosque structures were constructed adjacent to the graves for visitors and pilgrims.
📘The First Saudi State and the "Wahhabi" Movement
When the First Saudi State (the Emirate of Diriyah) captured Medina in 1806, they implemented the reformist teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. The removal of these structures was central to their religious mission:
🔹Theological Justification: The movement advocated for a return to the "pure" practices of early Islam (Salaf), arguing that building structures, domes, or mosques over graves was an un-Islamic innovation (bid'ah).
🔹Prevention of Shirk: Authorities believed these elaborate shrines could lead to the veneration of saints and intercession through the dead, which they categorized as shirk (associating partners with God).
🔹Leveling of Graves: In accordance with their interpretation of the Prophet's Sunnah regarding leveling graves (taswiyat al-qubur), they systematically dismantled the domes and mausoleums, reducing the cemetery to a field of simple, unmarked mounds of earth and stone.
📘Aftermath and Rebuilding
The history of these structures followed the fluctuating control of the region:
🔹Ottoman Restoration: After the Ottoman-Saudi War (1811–1818) and the defeat of the First Saudi State, Ottoman forces regained control and rebuilt many of the sacred sites and domes between 1848 and 1860.
🔹Second Removal: Following the establishment of the modern Saudi state in the early 20th century, these structures were removed again (around 1925–1926) to reflect current state religious policies.
Today, the cemetery remains an open area with unmarked graves enclosed by a barrier, though a new, modern Sayed Al-Shuhada Mosque (completed in 2017) now stands nearby to serve the large number of worshippers without being built directly over the graves.
There are info-boards on "Important Guidelines" at the Shuhada's Uhud Cemetery in multiple languages serve to maintain the sanctity and respect of the site. Visitors are advised to observe specific Islamic etiquettes to ensure a spiritual and respectful visit.
The sign in the photo below is located near the Jabal al-Rumah (the Hill of the Archers). It provides guidance for pilgrims visiting this historic site.
Translation of the Sign:
"Respected Visitor,
Your tour of historical sites like Jabal al-Rumah for the purpose of knowledge, information, and learning is permissible. However, making this tour for the purpose of worship, seeking proximity to Allah, or with Sharia-based beliefs in its virtues is not correct."
The sign reflects the Saudi government's position on preventing certain ritualistic behaviors at historical sites, emphasizing that these locations are for education and reflection rather than specific religious worship.
The Saudi government places these info-boards at historical sites like Jabal al-Rumah (the Hill of the Archers) to prevent practices it considers bid'ah (religious innovation) or shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Historically, and in current times, certain ritualistic behaviors at such sites have prompted these warnings:
📘Common Prohibited Behaviors
🔹Specific Acts of Worship: Performing formal prayers (Salah) specifically on the hill or facing it, rather than facing the Kaaba, is discouraged.
🔹Veneration of the Site: Seeking "blessings" (tabarruk) from the earth, stones, or physical structure of the hill itself.
🔹Supplication Toward the Hill: Making dua (supplications) while facing the hill or the nearby martyrs' graves, under the belief that the location itself makes the prayer more likely to be accepted.
🔹Rituals at Graves: The hill overlooks the graves of the 70 martyrs of Uhud, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib. Prohibited behaviors include crying excessively, touching the fences, or calling upon the martyrs for help.
📘Purpose of the Sign
The sign explicitly states that visiting for knowledge and history is permitted and encouraged. However, it warns against:
🔹Intentional Worship: Treating the hill as a sanctuary or a place for specific religious rituals not prescribed in Islamic law.
🔹Belief in Virtues: Attributing special spiritual "merit" or "proximity to Allah" simply by being on the hill.
The Saudi authorities aim to maintain these sites as educational landmarks that tell the story of the Prophet’s biography (Seerah) rather than allowing them to become shrines for ritualistic pilgrimage.
Are there documented instances of pilgrims taking stones or sand from the Uhud battlefield for practices considered bid'ah (innovation)?
Yes, there have been many documented cases where visitors and pilgrims collect stones, sand, or pebbles from the Mount Uhud battleground to take home as "tabarruk" (seeking blessings).
📘Why This Happens
🔹Belief in Sanctity: Many visitors believe that because the blood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and 70 Sahaba (companions) was shed on this soil, the ground itself possesses spiritual curative powers or special blessings.
🔹Misconception of Rituals: Some pilgrims mistakenly apply the concept of collecting pebbles for the Jamarat ritual (stoning the devil) during Hajj—which is a legitimate requirement traditionally done at Muzdalifah—to other historical sites.
🔹Relics and Souvenirs: People often want a tangible connection to Islamic history, leading them to take natural elements as keepsakes.
📘The Saudi Government's Stance
The Saudi authorities strictly discourage and often prevent these actions for several reasons:
🔹Prevention of Bid'ah: Taking these items for religious purposes is viewed as bid'ah (innovation) or potentially shirk (idolatry), as there is no basis in Islamic Law (Sharia) for seeking spiritual benefit from physical objects like dirt or stones.
🔹Environmental & Site Integrity: With millions of visitors annually, the constant removal of sand and stones would eventually lead to the physical degradation of the historical landmark.
🔹Warning Boards: This is exactly why boards like the one in your original image are placed at the site—to educate pilgrims that while the site is historically significant, the physical earth there is not an object of worship or a source of divine blessing.
There have even been reports of pilgrims later feeling regret for taking these items and attempting to mail them back to Saudi Arabia to be returned to their original location, fearing they have committed a religious error.
Visitors can find several traditional and modern retail options:
🔹Souvenir & Gift Shops: Numerous stalls and shops offer locally made treasures and religious accessories, with prices often ranging from 3 to 11 SAR. These include unique gift shops that are noted for not just having "repetitive stuff".
🔹Date Markets: The area is well-known for selling high-quality dates, including the famous Ajwa dates.
🔹Local Handicrafts: At Souq Al-Uyun nearby, you can find traditional handicrafts, local foods, and agricultural products while enjoying views of the mountain.
🔹Specialty Stores: Almunawara Store is a notable boutique nearby that sells premium prayer mats, perfumes, and other high-quality locally made souvenirs.
The Mount Uhud and Shuhada Uhud Cemetery are key stops and part of the Red Route of Madinah’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours, providing pilgrims with seamless and easy access from the Prophet’s Mosque, showing its integration into modern spiritual tourism.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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