Martyrs' Cemetery
At the foot of Mount Uhud
The walled cemetery where Hamza and the other martyrs of Uhud lie. Visitors stand at the fence to send salam and pray for them.
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Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Mount Uhud & Martyrs' Cemetery
The red granite mountain north of Madinah where the Battle of Uhud was fought in 625 CE, with the graves of its martyrs — among them Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle — and the Archers' Hill.
Favourite places
Jabal al-Rumah (Archers' Hill)
Opposite the cemetery
The small hill where the archers were posted. From its top you can see the battlefield, the cemetery and the mountain.
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Beside the cemetery
A large modern mosque named after Hamza, "the master of the martyrs", where visitors can pray.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Mount Uhud
North of Madinah
The long red-brown granite massif, about 7 km long, that dominates the northern edge of the city.
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Local food
Ajwa dates
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Madinah's most famous dates: small, dark and soft, with a gentle sweetness. Ajwa is grown in and around Madinah and is linked with the Prophet ﷺ in well-known hadith, so pilgrims buy it as a blessed gift to take home. Madinah's date shops also sell Sukkari, Safawi, Mabroom, Anbara and many other varieties.Read more
Mutabbaq
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
A thin, crisp folded pastry stuffed with minced meat, egg and leek (or sweet banana and cheese), cooked on a hot griddle. A favourite street snack in the Hejaz, especially in the evenings.
Where to eat
Central Area restaurants (Markaziya)
Streets around the Prophet's Mosque
Hotel buffets, food courts and simple restaurants serving Saudi, Turkish, South Asian, Indonesian and Middle Eastern food for pilgrims from every country. Busiest straight after each prayer.
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Where to stay
Central Area — north side
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Large hotels a few minutes' walk from the Prophet's Mosque and its northern gates. The most convenient for Muslim pilgrims who want to pray all five prayers at the mosque.
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Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Newer hotels and apartments further out, quieter and roomier, with a car or taxi ride to the centre. A practical choice for families with a car, and for non-Muslim visitors.
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Culture
This is a burial place and a battlefield of deep meaning for Muslims. Speak quietly, do not touch or wipe the fences for blessing, and follow the guidance of the staff. Dress modestly: men in long trousers and sleeved tops; women in loose clothing covering arms and legs, with a headscarf (an abaya is customary). Take your shoes off before the prayer halls, keep your voice low, and do not walk directly in front of someone who is praying. Photography of people at prayer is discouraged.
History
In 3 AH (625 CE) an army from Makkah marched on Madinah and the Muslims met it at the foot of Mount Uhud. The Prophet ﷺ placed fifty archers on a small hill — now called Jabal al-Rumah, the Archers' Hill — and ordered them not to leave it. Early in the battle the Muslims were winning, but most of the archers left their post, and the Makkan cavalry attacked from behind. The Prophet ﷺ was wounded and about seventy Muslims were killed, including his uncle Hamza, "the Lion of Allah".
The martyrs were buried where they fell, and the Prophet ﷺ visited their graves and prayed for them. He also said of the mountain, "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it." Visiting the martyrs, sending salam and reflecting on the lessons of obedience and patience is a traditional part of every ziyarah of Madinah.
Tour plans
Uhud ziyarah
2–3 hoursStep 1: Set out after Fajr
Ride to Uhud while it is cool.
Step 2: Martyrs' Cemetery
Send salam to Hamza and the martyrs and make du'a.
Step 3: Archers' Hill
Climb for the view of the battlefield and reflect on its lessons.
Step 4: Sayyid al-Shuhada Mosque
Pray, then return to the centre.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
Early morning, when it is cool and the light on the red mountain is soft. Avoid the summer midday heat.
How to get there
Uhud is about 5 km north of the Prophet's Mosque. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and ziyarah tours go there; the drive takes 10–15 minutes.
Getting around
The cemetery, the Archers' Hill and the Sayyid al-Shuhada Mosque are next to each other and are visited on foot. Large car and bus parks are beside them.
Travel tips
- The cemetery is viewed from behind a fence; visitors stand and send salam and du'a without entering.
- Climbing the Archers' Hill is short but steep and rocky — wear good shoes and take water.
- Shade is limited; bring a hat or umbrella in warm months.
- Non-Muslim visitors: check current access with your hotel or guide before going.
