A Muslim defeat near Medina that reversed early Islamic military momentum and prompted the Quraysh to mount a larger subsequent campaign.
Key Facts
- Date
- 23 March 625 AD (7 Shawwal, 3 AH)
- Quraysh force size
- approximately 3,000 men
- Quraysh commander
- Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
- Cavalry counterattack leader
- Khalid ibn al-Walid
- Notable Muslim casualty
- Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib
- Location
- Valley north of Medina near Mount Uhud
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After the Quraysh suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Badr in 624, during which several of their leaders were killed, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb organized a retaliatory force of approximately 3,000 men to march on Medina. Longstanding tensions stemming from Muslim raids on Meccan trade caravans had already intensified hostilities between the two sides.
The two forces met near Mount Uhud north of Medina on 23 March 625. The Muslims initially gained the upper hand and forced the Meccan lines to retreat. However, Muslim archers stationed to protect the rear abandoned their positions to collect spoils, allowing Khalid ibn al-Walid to launch a devastating cavalry counterattack from the rear that threw the Muslim lines into chaos and produced heavy casualties.
The battle was regarded as a significant setback for the Muslims and a minor victory for the Quraysh. Emboldened by the outcome, the Quraysh subsequently organized an even larger force and returned the following year in the Battle of the Trench, escalating the broader conflict between Mecca and the Muslim community in Medina.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Muhammad.
Side B
1 belligerent
Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, Khalid ibn al-Walid.