The meaning of the word “Uhud” is one or unique. According to Sohaili, it was named Uhud because it is distinct and unique from other mountains. It has many peaks. Due to its high peaks, viewers might mistake it for having multiple large and small mountains. However, all of these are an inseparable part of Mount Uhud and are interconnected. Various types of valuable stones have been found on this mountain. This indicates that the mountain is rich in precious stones.
The Location of Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud is located 5.5 kilometers north of Medina and is 350 meters higher than the level of the oasis. The mountain is made of solid rock. Its length from east to west is 9 kilometers, and its width ranges from 100 to 300 meters. Around it flow the valleys of Noman, Kanah, and Hamd. The eastern boundary of the mountain extends to Airport Road, while its western boundary reaches the village of Al-Uyun.
Historian Matari wrote that after the Battle of Uhud, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prayed the Zuhr and Asr prayers at Mount Uhud. There is a cave on the northern side of the mountain. It is said that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, at one point, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) took shelter in it.
In a Sahih Hadith, it is narrated that once the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), along with Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA), climbed Mount Uhud. At that time, the mountain trembled. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) addressed the mountain and said, “O mountain, stay still, for upon you are a Prophet, a Siddiq, and two martyrs.”
The Virtues of Mount Uhud
In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Mount Uhud loves us, and we love Mount Uhud.” Ibn Majah narrated another tradition where the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Mount Uhud is a staircase to Paradise, and Mount Air is a staircase to Hell.” Tabarani mentioned a Hadith where the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said about Mount Uhud, “This mountain loves us, and we love it, and it is a door to Paradise. And that is Mount Air, which is displeased with us, and we are displeased with it, and it is a door to Hell.”
Regarding the martyrs of Uhud, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The souls of your brothers who died in Uhud have been placed inside green birds. They descend into the rivers of Paradise, eat from its fruits, and rest in golden lanterns under the shade of the Throne. When they are satisfied with the best food, drink, and company, they express their longing and say, ‘If only our brothers knew what Allah has done for us.’ Then Allah revealed this verse:
لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ
Meaning: ‘Do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive and provided for by their Lord.’
Some have said this verse was revealed about the martyrs of Badr, while others believe it was about the martyrs of Bir Maunah.
Those Buried at Mount Uhud
In the Uhud battlefield, the Quraysh mercilessly martyred the blessed tooth of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and injured him. In this battlefield, the noble uncle of the Prophet (PBUH), the valiant Hazrat Hamza (RA), and Hazrat Aqil bin Umaiyyah (RA), along with seventy Companions, were martyred.
Hazrat Amir Hamza (RA) and Hazrat Aqil (RA) were buried in the same grave. Later, a beautiful mosque was constructed in the Uhud battlefield. There is also a primary school named after Hazrat Hamza (RA). In front of the mosque lies the cemetery of the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud.
