Battle of Uhud

The Battle of Uhud was fought between the early Muslims and the Mushrikites during the Muslim–Mushrikite wars in a valley north of Mount Uhud near Medina on Saturday, 23 March 625 AD (7 Shawwal, 3 AH).

Battle of Uhud
Part of the Muslim–Mushrikite war

Muhammad and the Muslim Army at the Battle of Uhud
Date23 March 625 (7 Shawwal, AH 3 (in the ancient (intercalated) Arabic calendar)
Location
Valley by Mount Uhud, north of Medina, Arabia
24°30′N 39°37′E
Result Mushrikite victory
Belligerents
Early Muslims Mushrikites
Commanders and leaders
Strength
754 total
  • 700 Infantry
  • 50 archers
  • 4 cavalry
 3,200 total
  • 3,000 infantry
  • 3,000 camels
  • 200 cavalry
Casualties and losses
62–75 killed 22–35 killed
Location within Saudi Arabia

After suffering defeat at the Battle of Badr and having their caravans endlessly raided by the Muslims, the Quraysh finally saw the necessity to take strong measures. Their chief, Abu Sufyan, then set out for Medina with 3,000 troops to confront Muhammad.

The early phase of the fighting saw the Muslims gaining the initiative. The Quraysh vanguard began faltering and retreated, leaving their camps vulnerable. However when Muslim victory seemed near, the Muslim rear guard who were tasked to defend a hill to protect against a possible encirclement, abandoned their positions to collect spoils of war left by the fleeing enemy. This turn of events was exploited by the Quraysh general Khalid ibn al-Walid who launched a daring cavalry strike in the undefended rear and encircled the Muslims, thus turning the tide of battle.

The battle was seen as a significant setback for the Muslims and a minor victory for the Quraysh as they would return with an even larger force in the Battle of the Trench.

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