"O Uhud! Be firm, for upon you there is none but a Prophet, a supporter of truth and two martyrs,” said Muhammad when he walked over this mountain. Mount Uhud Madinah is a historically significant mountain in Islamic culture. It is a heavily visited site with numbers peaking in millions annually. "Uhud is a mountain that loves us, and we love it,” are one of the several Mount Uhud Hadiths spoken by the Prophet. It has instilled a sense of universal love and desire amongst Muslims to visit this place. In the daytime, the mountain displays its stunning elegance under the enchanting sunlight during the nighttime, the artificial lights merge with the natural beauty of the mountain enhancing the appeal of the attraction even more.
Story and Significance of Mount Uhud Madinah
Mount Uhud holds immense historical and religious significance in Islam. It was here that many brave companions demonstrated their courage and sacrifice, making it a revered site for Muslims worldwide. Mount Uhud Madinah is surrounded by many prominent religious and historical landmarks, such as the Martyr’s Cemetary and the Masjid Quba. Tourists and pilgrims from around the globe visit this sacred site to experience the historical and spiritual value of these peaks. This mountain holds several reminders of its past, with a grand mosque in the valley. Additionally, tourists partake in many exciting adventure activities, such as rock climbing, hiking and sightseeing. This blog covers all the important aspects of Mount Uhud Madinah and how it became one of the most endearing places of visit amongst the Islamic community.
Details of Mount Uhud Madinah
The Mount of Uhud extends as a chain from east to west and slants towards the north. It stretches to a width of 7 kilometers and towers up to a height of 1077 metres, making it the highest mountain in Madinah.
The pathways around the mountain have been enhanced to facilitate the movement of tourists. Now one may ask, where is mount Uhud located? Well, here are the details:
Mount Uhud Location: Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Nearest Airport: Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (18.1 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Madinah Station (16.1 kms)
Nearest Bus Stand: SAPTCO Bus Station Madinah (7.2 kms)
How to Reach Mount Uhud Madinah?
There are a few ways to reach Mount Uhud Madinah
By Taxi, Car Rental:
- Taxis are readily available in Medina and are the most convenient way to reach Mount Uhud.
- You can easily hail a taxi from your hotel or any other location in the city.
- When renting a car, ensure the driver has a valid license and adhere to local traffic rules.
Activities in and Around Mount Uhud Madinah
1. Hiking at Mount Uhud Madinah
There are various trails for hikers of different levels, offering a chance for enthusiasts to enjoy the road and test their physical abilities. The view at the summit of the mountain is breathtaking so make sure you try your best.
2. Rock Climbing at Mount Uhud Madinah
Rock Climbing is another adrenaline inducing adventure sport that one can do at Mount Uhud Madinah. Climbers can enjoy various difficulties as the angle of the slopes gets steeper. These trails challenge climbers from beginner to advance to push through their limits.
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3. Martyr’s Cemetary
There were about 85 Martyrs that were buried post the battle of Uhud. The graves are all fenced out and there is a large mosque located at the site of this burial ground. It is an important site in the Islamic Prophet’s narrative. This place is a staple in the itinerary of many local tour packages. Some prominent people who rest in these graves are:
- Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib: The Prophet Muhammad's beloved uncle
- Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr: He was the Prophet's standard-bearer during the battle.
4. Uhud Market
If you enjoy flea market shopping, then this traditional market in Uhud is perfect for all your shopping needs. The market includes many traditional items and souvenirs you can take back with yourself. Some of those souvenirs include prayer beads (misbaha), Islamic calligraphy, dates, and local handicrafts. Apart from that you can also find spices, perfumes, and local crafts. The flea markets are also known for their low prices and wide variety of items that are available here.
5. Sightseeing the Cave of Mount Uhud
The Cave of Mount Uhud is also one of the most revered sights as it served as a refuge for Prophet Muhammad after the Battle of Uhud. This cave is a symbol for resilience and offers visitors a chance to learn about history, which feels like an overall spiritual experience.
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6. Informative Tours
You will find many enthusiastic local tour guides when you reach Mount Uhud Madinah. They offer extensive guided tours explaining the significance of this pilgrimage site and the history that relates to it. These tours also include visiting other sites, such as Archer’s Hill, Martyr’s Garden and the Mount Uhud Cave.
If you want to explore more activities to do in Madinah, check out our article on things to do in Medina.
Key Attractions Near Mount Uhud Madinah
1. Al Masjid an-Nabawi
In the history of Islam, Al Masjid an-Nabawi is one of the most significant sites. Muslims all throughout the world dream of seeing this enormous landmark. It was Muhammad's second mosque in Medina, following the Quba Mosque. It is the second largest and holiest mosque in Islam, ranked after the Masjid Al-Haram which is based in Mecca. In general, it is open at any time of day. It is without a doubt among the world's most revered mosques.
Location: Al Haram, Madinah 42311, Saudi Arabia
2. Dar Al Madinah Museum
The Dar Al Madinah Museum is the first and largest museum dedicated to Al Madinah's history and rich legacy. The city of the beloved prophet is highlighted in the museum with its rich history and old civilization. In addition to a large collection of historical scriptures, the museum also features miniature models that show ancient landmarks of the city.
Location: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth, Madinah 42362, Saudi Arabia
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3. The Seven Mosques
. The seven mosques are a group of mosques that were built close to each other where the battle of the Trench was fought. The mosques mark the locations where the command posts are said to have deployed.
These are the mosques:
- Masjid Al-Fatah
- Masjid Salman Farsi
- Masjid Umar
- Masjid Abu Bakr
- Masjid Ali
- Masjid Fatima
- Masjid al-Khandaq
According to historians, there were originally only six mosques, after which the Masjid Al-Qiblatain , which is about a kilo meter away from them, was added to them.
Location: Al Haeer Rd, Al Aziziyah, Riyadh 42312, Saudi Arabia
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4. Archers’ Hill
There is a small mountain in front of Mount Uhud called the Archers' Hill. It is one of the most visited places in Madinah as it serves as a very important reminder of the battle of Uhud. The hill is also referred to as Jabal Ainain and Jabal al-Rumah. Archers’ Hill is deeply connected to Islamic history because of the well-known Battle of Uhud which took place here in the 7th century. It is believed that the Muslims lost the fight because fifty of the archers on Archers' Hill disobeyed the Prophet Muhammad's orders. The Mount Uhud story is visually narrated on this hill.
Location: GJ26+VVM, Nusaybah Ibn Kab, Sayyid al-Shuhada, Madinah 42321, Saudi Arabia
Places to Visit Near Mount Uhud Madinah
1. Shopping Malls
There are many places to visit in Medina, which also include the malls in Madinah that boast a modern shopping experience. Themalls offer a diverse range of shops, from global fashion brands to local boutiques. Shoppers can find everything from electronics and apparel to delectable dining options and exciting entertainment venues. Popular malls in Madinah include Al Noor Mall, Al Rashid Mega Mall, and Alqarrat Mall, each providing a unique blend of shops and attractions, making them a favored destination for both residents and visitors.
- Al Rashid Mega Mall
It is a huge mall that is located near the Uhud Mountains and offers several retail options to satisfy every shopping need for you or your family and friends.
Location: 6943 2781 King Abdullah Branch Rd, Shadhah, Madinah 42361, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 9 A.M - 1 A.M (Daily)
- Hassan Mall
Hassan Mall is a one stop store for all basic and secondary needs. One can easily find recreational, medicine and everyday items in this mall. It also has a fun game zone for the kids to enjoy.
Location: FJX9+3GG, King Abdullah Branch Rd, Bani Harithah, Madinah 42313, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 9 A.M - 12:30 P.M, 4 P.M - 11 P.M (Daily)
- Al Noor Mall
Al Noor Mall is a contemporary mall with international brands, a food court & a games arcade for kids. It is an excellent option if you want to shop in luxury and bring back home the best products from Madinah.
Location: King Abdullah Branch Rd, Al'uyun, Madinah 42331, Saudi Arabia
Timings:10 A.M to 11:30 P.M
Fridays: 2 P.M - 11:30 P.M
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2. Restaurants
The restaurants in Madinah offer many flavors. Visitors can taste authentic Saudi Arabian dishes, including flavorful kabsa and mandi, alongside international dishes like Indian, Chinese, and Italian. Whether you are seeking a casual meal or a fine dining experience, Madinah's restaurants cater to various tastes and budgets. Some of the most famous restaurants in Madinah are:
- Swiss Butter
It is a dine-in restaurant within a casual setting. It is perfect for family crowds. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and delicious food. They also have free parking, ensuring customer ease.
Location: Aloroba Mall, King Abdullah Rd, Al Rayah, Madinah 42312, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 12 P.M - 1 A.M (daily)
- Cacao and More
This restaurant provides dine-in, takeout and no contact delivery. It is a budget friendly place with a cozy ambience to have a quiet evening alone or with your friends and family.
Location: 3rd Floor, Garden Plaza, Azizia Street،،, Madinah Saudi Arabia
Timings: 6 A.M - 2 A.M (daily)
- Zaitoon Restaurant
This restaurant is highly rated due to its wheelchair accessibility and kid-friendly environment. They offer many Arabic and Indian cuisines out of which the butter chicken is the most famous. It is a must visit restaurant for its delectable food and sweet ambience.
Location: TAIBA Commercial CENTER, 1st Floor, Madinah 42311, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 12:30 P.M - 12 A.M (daily)
Today, tourists travel from all over the world to Madinah to discoverthe Mount Uhud Madinah. In addition to hiking the mountain, visitors can observe historic objects and an elaborate mosque. This location is well preserved and protected as it one of the most popular places to visit in Saudi Arabia. If you have already visited Madinah and want to explore more of Saudi Arabia, you can also check out things to do in Saudi Arabia.
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Geography of Mount Uhud Madinah
Mount Uhud is primarily composed of volcanic rocks, red pink Rhlyolite and light- gray Dacite. A distinctive feature of the mountain is the presence of "Maharis," natural cavities that collect rainwater. There are many caves and cracks, some of which are more than one and a half meters high. Apart from this, there are plenty of mountains in Saudi Arabia to explore and enjoy adventure activities and breathtaking views.
Battle of Uhud at the Foot of Mount Uhud Madinah
Here’s a breakdown of the complete timeline of the Battle of Uhud in Mount Uhud history:
The First Battle:
The seeds of the battle of Uhud were sown in the battle of Badr which took place in the year 624 AD, where the Muslim Army had bitterly defeated the Meccan Army. There were many trade and caravan routes. After the battle, the Meccan Army desired to avenge their loss and were hard on work devising another battle.
The Main Battle:
The Battle of Uhud was one full of bloodshed. The main players and pivots of this battle lied in the one mistake the Muslim Army made. The Muslims initially gained the upper hand, but a group of archers disobeyed the Prophet's orders and left their positions to loot the Quraysh camp. This allowed the Quraysh cavalry to flank the Muslim army. That one mistake changed the course of a battle that the Muslim army had almost won and as a result, the Meccan Army emerged victorious.
Result of the War:
This bloody battle resulted in many casualties and deaths, including the death of Hamza ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle amongst 85 other martyrs. His soul is remembered and mourned to this day. Mount Uhud’s history is one of sacrifice, pride and learning and is celebrated as such.
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The city of Madinah is highly by Muslims all over the world and Mount Uhud of Madinah is one of the major reasons for it If you want to explore Medina for yourself, we have a carefully curated Medina travel guide. Skimming through the guide, you will find out that Medina, in Saudi Arabia is more than just a site for pilgrimages. If you want to explore Medina first hand, here are some Medina tour packages to get your planning started.
Mount Uhud Madinah - FAQs
Yes, you can hike to the summit and enjoy panoramic views while learning about the mountain's historical importance in Islamic history. It is in fact a popular destination amongst hikers and climbers. Make sure you have your climbing and safety equipment beforehand.
Mount Uhud has a few seasonal waterfalls due to the rains in Medinah and they usually follow similar paths as it has been carved out due to natural erosion and other geographical factors.
Fash Masjid Al- Fash or Masjid Uhud is a small mosque beneath the Mount Uhud, under the cave, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is a mosque frequented by many people who visit to witness the beauty of Mount Uhud Medina.
Mount Uhud consists of a granite rock composition but there is no direct proof that it was a volcanic site in history. The topic is still heavily debated and ambiguous.
The battle of Uhud was won by the Meccah/ Qureshi army who were previously defeated in the battle of Badr against the Muslims. The victory of the Qureshis in the battle of Uhud was an unexpected one.
Yes, non-Muslims can visit the Mount Uhud Madinah, but entry to the prophet’s mosque and the cemetery is prohibited to protect the sanctity of the areas.
It is advised to visit Uhud in the cooler months of November to March for a good experience as the weather will be pleasant as compared to the humid summer month at Mount Uhud.
No, you cannot use any transportation to scale this mountain. You must travel on foot to reach the summit. You get to see a panoramic view of the battlefield and surrounding places from the peak of the mountain.
No, entry is free at Mount Uhud Madinah due to its religious importance in the Islamic religion.
Nusaybah bint Ka'ab was one of the first woman warriors of the Islamic religion and she fought in several battles playing a pivotal role in each of them and is often termed as the woman of the battle of Uhud.
