Views from the archer's hill at Uhud

On to my 2nd day in Medina...

Thursday morning 4th April 2012. It was time to make site visits to some places outside the city of Medina. After visiting a mosque called Masjid Quba we went to Uhud, about 3.5 km north of city centre. The place is famous for the battle of Uhud, the second battle involving the early Muslims of Medina against the unbelievers of Mecca more than 1,400 years ago.

There lies a small hill where Prophet Muhammad SAW placed a number of archers on top to check against the army of unbelievers.

Me and wife took the time to climb to the top witnessing the surroundings where the battle took place. Seen in the background is the much bigger hill or rather, the mountain called Jabal (hill of) Uhud.

I started taking pictures by moving bit by bit anti-clockwise.

I think this should be facing south and the city.

The wife was awed by the views while adjusting to the dry weather.

That should be the south-west tip of Jabal Uhud.

The hill or rather mountain looks quite imposing and formidable. 

Down there were the plains where major part of the battle of Uhud happened.

The battle of Uhud is well remembered because the Muslims made an error which costs lives. The archers stationed on top this small hill were given specific instruction never to come down unless the Prophet said so. Never, regardless of whether the Muslim army were seen victorious or defeated. But they ignored it after the first wave of unbeliever's army retreated leaving plenty of loots on the plains. As they rushed down to partake of the goods that was when another wave came. This forced the Muslims into a tight spot and many went down as martyrs. Seen down there within the square are graves of the martyrs including the most  respected and feared, Saidina Hamzah, the lion of the desert who was also the Prophet's uncle.