Battle of Uhud
The Battle of Uhud holds great significance in Islamic history. It took place in the year 625 CE (3HD) and was fought between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh of Mecca. The name “Uhud” holds a deep meaning as it refers to the Oneness of Allah, which is the central idea of Islam. It is also said that the word “Uhud” means covenant, pledge, and delegation.
Several occasions have mentioned Ghazwa e Uhad. This was the second war. After the Battle of Badr in the year 3 Hijri, the polytheists of Makkah raised an army to revenge their dead in the Battle of Badr. Initially, the plan of the Prophet (PBUH) and the elite of the Muhajirin and Ansar were to defend themselves by staying in Madinah. However, the young and courageous uncle of the Prophet (PBUM), Hamza wanted to go out of Madinah to fight the Quraysh crew of Mecca. As a result, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) agreed to fight them outside the city near Jabal Uhud. Uhud is a valley of mountains near Madinah.
Also, discover the Conquest of Makkah.
Who was leading the battle?
During the battle, the Quraysh army was well-equipped with 3000 infantry soldiers, 3000 camels, and 200 cavalry. The Muslim army had only 700 infantry soldiers, 50 archers, and 4 cavalry soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslim army was led by skilled and experienced leaders like Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hazrat Ali, Hamza, and Abu Dujana. On the other hand, the Quraish of Makkah marched towards Medina with an army of 3000 strong men. This force was led by the renowned Abu Sufyan bin Harb.
Main Persons and Armies Involved
The Battle of Uhud took place on March 23, 625 CE, between the Muslim army of Medina led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Meccan army led by Abu Sufyan. The key figures in the battle were the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Mus’ab ibn Umair, among others.
Muslim Army
The Battle of Uhud was a significant event in the early history of Islam. During this battle, several prominent members of the Muslim army played a crucial role in shaping the outcome, showcasing bravery, strategic thinking, and military prowess. Their qualities helped them hold their ground against a much larger enemy force.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
He was the leader of the Muslim army and played a central role in guiding and strategizing the army during the war.
Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib (R.A)
He was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib participated in the battle of Uhud. He was known for his bravery and fighting skills. In the battle, Uhud Hamza was martyred by Wahshi bin Herb.
Ali Ibn Abi Talib (R.A)
He was the son-in-law and cousin of The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Various units of the Quraysh army attacked him from all sides. Ali, in obedience to Muhammad’s orders, attacked every group that attacked him and dispersed them or killed one of them, and this incident happened several times in Uhud.
Abu Bakar (R.A)
He was a close companion of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He participated in the Battle of Uhud in which the majority of the Muslims were defeated and he was wounded. Before the battle began, his son Abd al-Rahman, who was still a non-Muslim and fighting on the side of the Quraysh, came forward and issued a challenge for battle.
Abu Dujana (R.A)
He played an important role in the battle of Uhud. Abu Dujana was wearing his ‘death scarf’, a red scarf that signified his willingness to fight to the death. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personally gave Abu Dujana a sword and instructed him to fight with it until, to his satisfaction, the sword broke or bent.
These are a few of the most important members of the Muslim army at Uhud. However, a large number of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) companions took part in the war and contributed to the effort as a whole.
Quraish army
On the other side, the Meccan army was composed of various crews from Mecca, including the Quraysh, led by Abu Sufyan.
Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
Abu Sufyan, a leader and merchant from the Quraysh of Mecca, led the crew. He led the army of Quraish in the battle of Uhud.
Ikrama bin Abu Jahl
During the battle, Ikrama bin Abu Jahl took charge of the left and right sides of the army and led them into the fight
Khalid bin Al-Waleed
He was a famous military strategist and one of the most important commanders of the Quraish army. He later converted to Islam and became one of the most prominent Muslim generals.
Hadiths about the Battle of Uhud
Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) called me to present myself in front of him or the eve of the battle of Uhud, while I was fourteen years of age at that time, and he did not allow me to take part in that battle, but he called me in front of him on the eve of the battle of the Trench when I was fifteen years old, and he allowed me (to join the battle).” Nafi
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2664]said, "I went toUmar binAbdulAziz who was Caliph at that time and related the above narration to him, He said, “This age (fifteen) is the limit between childhood and manhood,” and wrote to his governors to give salaries to those who reached the age of fifteen.
Narrated Anas:
On the day (of the battle) of Uhad when (some) people retreated and left the Prophet, I saw `Aisha bint Abu Bakr and Um Sulaim, with their robes tucked up so that the bangles around their ankles were visible hurrying with their water skins (in another narration it is said, “carrying the water skins on their backs”). Then they would pour the water in the mouths of the people, and return to fill the water skins again and came back again to pour water in the mouths of the people.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2880]
In our other blog, we discuss the Life of Hazrat Aisha (RA).
Aftermath and Impact on the Muslim Community
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Muslims returned home that evening and buried the dead on the battlefield. The Makkans retreated in the evening at a place called Hamra al-Asad, a few miles from Madinah. The next morning, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent a small force to find the Meccan army on its way home.
The Battle of Uhud had a profound impact on the Muslim community, resulting in the loss of key companions and emphasizing the importance of obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It strengthened the faith and resolve of the Muslims, highlighting the significance of unity and solidarity within the community. The battle served as a lesson in strategic planning and defensive tactics, shaping the future of Islam and its military campaigns.
According to the historian, the Battle of Uhud claimed the lives of between 60 and 75 Muslims. Among the dead are Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib and Musab bin Umair. According to other traditions, the battle of Uhud resulted in the deaths of 85 Muslims, including 75 from Medina (43 from Banu Khazraj and 32 from Banu Aws), and 10 were emigrants from Makkah.
Lessons Learned from the Ghazwa e Uhad
Several lessons can be learned from the Ghazwa e Uhad, including the importance of unity, discipline, and patience. One of the main lessons is that unity is crucial for success. During the battle, the Muslim army was divided, which led to their defeat. They also lacked discipline, which caused many soldiers to break formation and pursue the spoils of war prematurely. This led to the Meccans taking advantage of the situation and winning the battle.
Discover the meaning of Ghazwa in Islam and its role in history>>
Obedience to leadership
Maintaining this is imperative at all costs. The people guarding the hill shouldn’t have left willingly – but they did, with disastrous results. Even the greatest leader like Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cannot save a nation if there are no followers of him. Victory depends on the leader and the followers.
Love of worldly possessions is the source of all Problems
The Muslims left the battlefield for this reason. It was their fear of losing out on the spoils of war that caused them to abandon their position on the hill.
Being a Muslim itself is not a Guarantee of Victory
Your character, morals, and actions are the criteria for victory. Even the early Muslims who were very pure in their era and succeeded at Badr when they were outnumbered – this background was not a guarantee of victory. Their larger numbers and better equipment didn’t help either, as they were more confident than humble before their Lord.
Vengeance knows no Bounds
In the Battle of Uhud, the barbarian Ibn Harb was the man who brutally killed Sayyiduna Hamza and mutilated his body to chew off his limbs. This incident reflects the fact that some people have absolutely no limits when it comes to revenge. No one’s death was enough for them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Battle of Uhud was won by the Meccans under the leadership of Abu Sufyan, who defeated Muhammad and his Muslim army, even wounding the Prophet. However, it was not a complete victory, as the Meccans did not capture Medina, and the Muslims survived to fight another day and eventually won the battle.
The biggest battle in Islam is the battle of Badr.
The battle of Uhud starts on Saturday, 23 March 625 AD (7 Shawwal, 3 AH).
The battle of Uhud ended on the same day. It ended in 625 AD.
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
The Prophet (SAW) once climbed the mountain of Uhud with Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman. The mountain shook with them. The Prophet (SAW) said (to the mountain), “Be firm, O Uhud! For on you, there are no more than a Prophet, a Siddiq, and two martyrs. [Sahih al-Bukhari 3675]
Discover our other on the concept of life after death.
