Small mosques beside the line of the trench dug in 627 to defend Madinah.
The Seven Mosques and the Trench site lies in the Al-Khandaq district of Madinah, in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah region, at the foot of Mount Sala on the city's northwest side. The area marks the line of the great trench (khandaq) dug in 627 CE (5 AH) to defend Madinah against a confederate army of Makkan and allied tribes. According to Islamic tradition, the idea of digging the ditch is credited to Salman al-Farisi, a companion of Persian origin, and the work was completed in about six days. The Battle of the Trench, also called the Battle of the Confederates, ended after a siege of several weeks when the besieging forces dispersed. The episode is regarded as a turning point that left Madinah secure and the Muslim community strengthened.
The complex is named for a group of small mosques clustered on the slopes of Mount Sala. Traditionally these are the mosques of Salman al-Farisi, Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali, Fatimah and Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, along with the central Masjid al-Fath (the Mosque of Victory); the exact number and names vary in sources, and some are later commemorative structures. The buildings are modest in scale, in pale stone with small domes and arcades, and most were rebuilt in the Ottoman period and again in Saudi-era restoration. Masjid al-Fath was renovated in the late twentieth century and, following further work, is the main place of prayer at the site.
There is no museum within the complex; interpretation consists of signage and the accounts of local guides. The trench itself is no longer visible as a ditch, as the city has expanded across the area, but the Mount Sala setting and the small mosques give visitors a sense of the defensive geography. The site is a popular stop on ziyarat tours and is open around the clock, with free entry.
Masjid al-Fath has been renovated and expanded in recent years, with paved plazas, ablution facilities and lighting. Visitors can pray, climb to viewpoints on the lower slopes of Mount Sala for views over Al-Khandaq, and explore the cluster on foot in around an hour. Crowds are heaviest after prayer times and during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Al Khandaq, Madinah |
Why it matters
Battle of the Trench
Location
Al Khandaq, Madinah
24.4772, 39.5950 View on map
Highlights
- Location of the Battle of the Trench, 627 CE, credited to Salman al-Farisi's plan
- Cluster of small commemorative mosques at the foot of Mount Sala
- Masjid al-Fath, the main mosque of the complex
- Free, open 24 hours and easily combined with other Madinah ziyarat stops
Tips for visiting
- Visit early or after sunset to avoid the midday heat and tour-group crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the mosques are on a gentle slope with stairs.
- A local guide helps identify the individual mosques, as signage is limited.
- Combine with Masjid al-Qiblatayn, which is a short drive away.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering any of the prayer halls.
When to visit
Early morning or after sunset in the cooler months; midday heat and weekend crowds make the visit less comfortable.
Accessibility
Paved plazas allow wheelchair access to the lower mosques, but the cluster is on a slope with steps, so reaching all mosques is difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Are there really seven mosques?
The name is traditional, and the exact count and identity of the mosques vary. Several are small commemorative structures, with Masjid al-Fath the largest.
Can I see the trench?
Not as a ditch. The city has grown over the line, but the site and Mount Sala show where the defences stood.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 to 60 minutes is typical to see the main mosques and enjoy the viewpoints.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entry is free and the site is open 24 hours.