Battle of Uhud: Reasons, Events, and Results

By Eman Abdallah Kamel

Eman is a writer and engineer. She also studied Islamic studies (Sharia) at Zad Academy, an online course.

In Islam, the Battle of Uhud was the second major battle; in this article, you will learn about the causes, events, and consequences of the Battle of Uhud.

Uhud Mountain in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Image source: istockphotos.com

Uhud

The Battle of Uhud was a battle fought between the Muslims and the Quraysh tribe in the month of Shawwal in the third year of the Hijra (migration of Muslims from Makkah to Al-Madinah). It was fought between the Muslim army, led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him), and the Quraysh tribe, led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb. The Battle of Uhud was the second major battle fought by the Muslims, occurring one year after the Battle of Badr. It was named after Mount Uhud, near Medina, where the battle took place.

Did You Know?

Mount Uhud is a mountain range with several peaks located approximately three miles north of Medina. It stretches for more than four and a half miles, and its highest point reaches 1,077 meters. It is the highest mountain in Medina.

Sixty verses of the Quran were revealed concerning the Battle of Uhud in Surah Al-Imran. Allah Almighty says, (In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.)

If a wound should touch you (at Uḥud), there has already touched the (opposing) people a wound similar to it (at Badr). We alternate these days (of victory and defeat) among people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and (may) take to Himself from among you martyrs—and Allah does not like the wrongdoers—

Surah Ali Imran (Family of Imran) 3:140

Reasons

Following their defeat at the Battle of Badr, the Quraysh wanted to exact revenge on the Muslims.
Following the Battle of Badr, the Quraysh sought to restore their reputation among the Arab tribes.
The Quraish sought to eliminate Muslim influence.

A map that shows where the Battle of Uhud took place. Image source: islamicportal.co.uk

Events

Safwan ibn Umayya, Abdullah ibn Rabi’a, and Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl went to Abu Sufyan to ask him for the money from his caravan so that they could equip the army to attack the Muslims, as the caravan’s profit was about fifty thousand dinars. Abu Sufyan agreed, and Quraysh sent delegates to the tribes to incite them to fight the Muslims, so Quraysh gathered three thousand fighters.
The army of Quraysh went out until it reached Dhu al-Hulayfah, near Mount Uhud.
The Prophet Muhammad knew of the approaching polytheists of Quraysh, so he consulted his companions. Some of them said, “We will fight them here,” while others said, “We will go out to meet them.” The second view was adhered to by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him).
A thousand fighters left Al-Madinah, and the hypocrite Abdullah bin Abi bin Salul withdrew with a third of the army.
The Muslims camped close to Mount Uhud, and the Messenger Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered fifty archers to be stationed on a small mound just to the south of Uhud and not leave it, whether in victory or defeat. The rationale was to prevent rear attacks on the Muslim army.
The battle was fierce, and Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib fought like a hero. Jubayr ibn Mut’im had promised his servant, Wahshi, freedom if he killed Hamza, and he did.

Did You Know?

Hamza was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the polytheists of Quraysh wanted to kill him because of his bravery and strength, which threatened them. He also played a significant role in upholding Islam and protecting Muslims, as well as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). And he killed several polytheist leaders at the Battle of Badr.

The archers did not adhere to the instructions of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) but rather descended from the top of the mountain to collect the spoils after they had seen the defeat of the polytheists.
Khalid ibn al-Walid was the commander of the right wing of the army of the polytheists of Quraysh. When Khalid ibn al-Walid noticed the archers descending from the mountain, he and some polytheists set out, surrounded the mountain, and ambushed the Muslims from behind. The Muslims then hurried ahead and ran away.

Did You Know?

Khalid ibn al-Walid was a shrewd military figure. Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam in the eighth year of the Hijra and participated in many decisive battles, including five major battles.

After that, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gathered and organized the Muslim army, intending to pursue the polytheist army and turn their victory into defeat. But when they had moved further and further away, he left them and returned to Medina.

Results

The Muslims’ victory turned into a defeat because the archers disobeyed the orders of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
70 of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings upon him) companions were martyred.
23 of the Quraysh army were killed.
At the end of the battle, the Quraysh tribe emerged victorious.

Sources

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