Masjid al-Fath
On the slope of Mount Sila
The small mosque where, by tradition, the Prophet ﷺ prayed for victory during the siege.
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Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Battle of the Trench / Seven Mosques
The site of the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq) in 627 CE on the slopes of Mount Sila, where a group of small mosques — traditionally called the Seven Mosques — marks the places of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions during the siege.
Favourite places
Masjid Salman al-Farsi
Below Masjid al-Fath
Named after the companion who suggested digging the trench.
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Beside the historic mosques
A large modern mosque built for the area's worshippers and visitors, open for daily prayers.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Mount Sila
North-west Madinah
The rocky hill over the battlefield, with views across the city.
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Local food
Mandi
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Lamb or chicken cooked slowly over long-grain spiced rice, traditionally in a pit oven so the meat turns tender and smoky. Served on a big shared platter with a tomato and chilli salsa (daqoos).
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.
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
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.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Quba Road eateries
Along Quba Road, between the centre and Quba Mosque
Local restaurants, bakeries and juice shops along the road to Quba — good for mandi, kabsa, mutabbaq and fresh juice.
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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
A place to remember the courage and patience of the early community. 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 5 AH (627 CE) a large confederate army of Quraysh and allied tribes marched on Madinah. On the advice of Salman al-Farsi, the Muslims dug a trench (khandaq) across the open northern side of the city, while lava fields and palm groves protected the rest. The siege lasted around a month in bitter cold, until a fierce wind scattered the camp of the confederates and they withdrew — a turning point remembered in Surah al-Ahzab.
The Prophet ﷺ is said to have prayed for victory on Mount Sila, at the place now marked by Masjid al-Fath ("the Mosque of Victory"). Small mosques nearby are named after companions including Salman al-Farsi, Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali and Fatimah. Some of the old mosques have been restored and others replaced; the large modern Masjid al-Khandaq now stands in the area for daily prayers.
Tour plans
The Trench and the Seven Mosques
2 hoursStep 1: Masjid al-Khandaq
Pray two rak'ahs and get your bearings.
Step 2: Small mosques
Walk past the mosques of Salman, Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali and Fatimah.
Step 3: Masjid al-Fath
Climb to the Mosque of Victory on Mount Sila.
Step 4: On to Qiblatayn
A short drive west to the Mosque of the Two Qiblas.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon; November–February is the most comfortable.
How to get there
The site is in the north-west of Madinah, about 4 km from the Prophet's Mosque and close to Masjid al-Qiblatayn. Go by taxi, ride-hailing app or a ziyarah tour.
Getting around
The mosques are close together on the slope of Mount Sila; walk between them, with some steps up to Masjid al-Fath.
Travel tips
- Not every small mosque is open for prayer; visit as a historic site and pray in Masjid al-Khandaq.
- Combine with Masjid al-Qiblatayn in one half-day trip.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the steps and rocky ground.
