Site of the Battle of Uhud (625) with the graves of about 70 companions including Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib.
Mount Uhud rises as a long reddish-brown granite ridge about five kilometres north of the Prophet's Mosque, on the northern edge of Madinah in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah region. It was the setting for the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE (3 AH), fought between the Muslims of Madinah and a Makkan army. The Muslim archers posted on a small hill beside the mountain left their position when the battle seemed won, a Makkan cavalry counterattack followed, and about seventy Muslims were killed, among them Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle. The battle is remembered in Islamic tradition as a lesson in discipline and perseverance, and the mountain is said in a well-known hadith to be a mountain that 'loves us and we love it'.
The visitor site has two main parts. The Martyrs' Cemetery lies at the foot of the mountain and marks the burial place of Hamza and the other companions killed in the battle; it is enclosed by a wall, and graves are unmarked in line with Saudi practice. Nearby is the small hill traditionally identified as the archers' position, with a marker area, and visitors can see the cleft in the ridge and the surrounding terrain that explain the battle's geography. Interpretation is by roadside signs and guides rather than a formal museum, though a modern visitor and exhibition facility has been developed nearby.
Archaeologically the area is a battlefield landscape rather than a built monument. The mountain and plain are largely as they were, with modern roads, car parks and landscaping around the cemetery. The cemetery wall and paving have been renewed several times, most notably during Saudi-era expansion works, and the site is kept clean and well maintained. Visitors can visit the cemetery from the road outside and offer a brief supplication, following local etiquette that prohibits touching or praying at the graves.
Entry is free and the site is open throughout the day. It is a staple of Madinah ziyarat tours alongside Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatayn and the Seven Mosques. Midday heat is intense, so most groups visit early or late in the day. Taxis, tour buses and private cars all reach the site, with limited parking close to the cemetery at busy times.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open all day |
| Address | Abdullah Ibn Jubair Street, Madinah |
Why it matters
Second major battle of early Islam
Location
Abdullah Ibn Jubair Street, Madinah
24.5037, 39.6118 View on map
Highlights
- Battlefield of the Battle of Uhud, fought in 625 CE
- Martyrs' Cemetery with the graves of Hamza and about seventy companions
- The hill traditionally associated with the archers' position
- Views of the granite ridge, free entry and open all day
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning or late afternoon; the plain offers little shade at midday.
- Observe cemetery etiquette: do not enter beyond the wall or touch the graves.
- Take water and sun protection, as most of the site is open ground.
- Combine with Quba Mosque and the Seven Mosques on a half-day tour.
- Hire a local guide for the sequence of the battle, as on-site signage is limited.
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon in the cooler months (November to February) is best; midday summer heat is severe.
Accessibility
The cemetery viewing area and paved approaches are reachable by wheelchair, but the hill and surrounding ground are uneven and unshaded. Visitors with limited mobility often view the site from a vehicle or the road.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Entry to the battlefield and cemetery viewing area is free and open throughout the day.
How long does a visit take?
Around 45 to 90 minutes is typical, including time at the cemetery and the archers' hill.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes, but there is little shade and the ground is uneven in places. Children should be supervised, and a respectful atmosphere is expected at the cemetery.
Can I climb Mount Uhud?
The slopes are rough and exposed. Many visitors only view the mountain from the road, and climbing in summer heat is not advisable.