Mount Uhud
Madinah An-Nabawiyyah
Mount Uhud
A prominent mountain overlooking Madinah from the north, witnessing numerous historical events.
Mount Uhud is a mountain overlooking Madinah from the northern side. It was originally about three and a half miles away before urban expansion reached it, and it is located 4 kilometers from the Prophet's Mosque. The mountain stretches as a chain from east to west and leans towards the north. Mount Uhud has witnessed several significant events since the advent of Islam and holds a great religious status.
Naming
There are several opinions regarding why Mount Uhud was given this name:
The first opinion suggests that the mountain was named 'Uhud' (meaning 'One' or 'Unique') because it stands alone, separated from other mountains, surrounded by valleys and plains.
The second opinion is that it was named after a man called 'Uhud' from the Amalekites (the traditional early inhabitants of Madinah), who moved to the mountain and lived there.
The third opinion posits that it was named so because it symbolizes the Oneness of Allah.
Geological and Geographical Structure
Most of the mountain's rocks are red granite, while some rocks tend to be dark green and black. It has several cavities called 'Maharis' that trap rainwater, and it contains numerous caves and crevices. The mountain is 7 kilometers long, between 2 and 3 kilometers wide, and its height reaches approximately 1,077 meters.
The Battle of Uhud
The field of Mount Uhud is the site of the Battle of Uhud between the Muslims and the Quraysh, which took place in the third year of Hijrah. The battle occurred in the southwestern part of the mountain near the 'Mount of Archers' (Jabal ar-Rumat). Seventy companions were martyred in that battle, including Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad, after the archers left their positions on the hill, allowing the Quraysh army to surround them from behind.
Virtues of Uhud
Muslims believe that Mount Uhud loves them and they love it, as narrated by the companion Anas bin Malik that the Prophet said: 'This is a mountain that loves us and we love it.' Furthermore, Muslims view it as one of the mountains of Paradise based on another prophetic narration.
The immense size of Mount Uhud has been used as a metaphor in Islamic traditions to describe the magnitude of rewards, as well as to describe the weight of the companion Ibn Mas'ud's leg on the Day of Judgment.
Historical Landmarks
The mountain encompasses several historical landmarks, most notably the Martyrs' Cemetery of Uhud, which houses the bodies of the 70 companions martyred during the battle. The mountain is also famous for a cleft where it is said Prophet Muhammad sought refuge during the battle when the Muslims were scattered. Nearby is also the Al-Fash Mosque.