The Seven Mosques — Attraction in Medina Province

The Seven Mosques ( المساجد السبعة) is a group of small mosques constructed close to each other on the site where the Battle of Trench is believed to have been fought. Originally there were seven mosques marking the locations where the command posts are said to have deployed. Today the actual number of mosques is six, but it is known by the seven mosques. Overview These mosques are located on the western side of the Mount Sela' when part of the trench was dug by Muslims in the time of Prophet Muhammad to defend Medina, when the Quraish marched in with the tribes in the fifth year of Hijra (migration). These mosques are built on the known sites of troops stationed and monitoring sites of the battle in 627 CE.

Each mosque’s name is linked to the conquest except for al-Fatah mosque which was built at the site of the dome (Qubba) of the Prophet. The mosques are in a row from north to south: al-Fathah, Salman Farsi Mosque, abu Bakr Mosque, Umer ibn Khattab Mosque, Ali ibn abi Talib Mosque, Mosque of Fatima. Masjid al-Fatah The al-Fatah Mosque (مسجد الفتح) is the largest of the all mosques at the site of the Battle of Ahzab. It is built on a small peak, where according to the tradition the command post of prophet Muhammad was pitched during the battle. The peak where the mosque is built provides a panoramic view of the entire battle field. It is located near the foot of Mount Sela', near the northern flank of the mount. The mosque was most likely constructed between 705 and 711 CE (during the reign of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz) for the first time, then it was refurbished in 1179 CE. Ottoman Sultan Abdul Majid I rehabilitated it in 1851 CE.

Masjid Salman Farsi The facade of the mosque of Salman Farsi (مسجد سلمان الفارسي). It is located south of al-Fath Mosque, 20 meters from the base of Mount Sela'. It is named after Salman the Persian, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad who recommended digging a trench to fortify the city from an invasion. A striking feature of the mosques is their small size, it has just one hall at 7 meters long and 2 meters wide. It was also built during the governorship of Umar ibn abd al-Aziz in Madinah. In 1179 CE (575 Hj.) it was rebuilt on the orders of minister Said al-Deen Abu al-Haija. It was rebuilt again during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abd al-Majid I.

Masjid Umar The Mosque of Umer (مسجد عمر بن الخطاب) at the site of Ghazwa-i Khandaq. The details of its origins are vague, al­though its name indicates that Omar bin al-Khattab, the second caliph, may have had prayed there. The mosque features the same architectural characteristics as the al-Fath mosque, indicating they were constructed during the same period. The mosques, in fact, are utilitarian and without adornment.

Masjid abu Bakr The abu-Bakr Mosque (مسجد أبي بكر) (lower white structure), mosque no longer exists as it was razed to make space available for the parking lot at the site. A very vague holds that the Prophet prayed the eid prayer there. The Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq Mosque is 15 meters to the southwest of Salman al-Farisi Mosque. It was reported that abu Bakr, when he was caliph, prayed eid prayer there. This is why it was named after him.

Masjid Ali The Mosque of Ali ibn abi Talib (مسجد علي بن أبي طالب), behind the main gate are the stairs that lead to the main building of the Mosque. The Ali bin abu Talib mosque is located high on the hilltop, which is in poor condition and measuring only 8.5 metres long and 6.5 metres wide. It has one small step. It is likely to have been built and renovated with al-Fath Mosque.

Masjid Fatima Mosque of Fatima al-Zahra (مسجد فاطمة الزهراء), also known as Mus'ad ibn Mo'az Mosque. It is the smallest of the group and measures 4 meters by 3 meters. This mosque was built in the Ottoman era during the reign of Sultan Abdul Majid I. Masjid al-Khandaq The modern Masjid al-Khandaq (مسجد الخندق), or the Mosque of the “Trench,” which is also referred to as the “Mosque of the Conquest,” is the modern mosque at the site. It is connected to the Battle of the Trench, which took place during...

The term “7 Mosques of Medina” or “Seven Mosques” refers to a group of small historic mosques in Medina, Saudi Arabia, which are closely connected to significant events in Islamic history, particularly the Battle of the Trench (also known as the Battle of Khandaq) in 627 CE. These mosques are not large or grand like the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), but they hold great religious and historical importance due to their associations with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.

Here is a detailed explanation of each of the seven mosques and their historical relevance:

Masjid Al-Fath (The Mosque of Victory)

Masjid Al-Fath is the largest and most significant of the seven mosques. It is believed to have been built on the site where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for victory during the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). The name “Al-Fath” means victory, as the battle ended in favor of the Muslims despite the overwhelming odds. According to tradition, this is where the Prophet raised his hands and asked for divine help during the siege of Medina.

Masjid Salman Al-Farsi

Named after Salman the Persian (Salman al-Farsi), this mosque is built on the spot where he played a pivotal role in the defense of Medina. Salman is credited with suggesting the idea of digging a trench (khandaq) around the city to protect it from the advancing Quraysh army. This tactic was unfamiliar in Arabia but proved highly effective, thwarting the enemy’s advance. The mosque is a tribute to his wisdom and contribution to the Muslim community.

Masjid Abu Bakr

Masjid Abu Bakr is dedicated to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the first caliph of Islam and a close companion of the Prophet. This mosque is located at the site where Abu Bakr is believed to have stayed during the Battle of the Trench. Abu Bakr was one of the Prophet’s most trusted advisers and played a crucial role in the early Islamic community.

Masjid Umar ibn al-Khattab

Masjid Umar is named after Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam and another close companion of the Prophet. It is built near the spot where Umar positioned himself during the Battle of the Trench. Umar was known for his bravery and leadership, and his contributions to the battle and early Islamic state are commemorated through this mosque.

Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib

This mosque is dedicated to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, and the fourth caliph of Islam. Ali was a key figure in the Battle of the Trench, known for his courage and skill in combat. The mosque is said to be located near where Ali stood during the battle, defending the Muslim position.

Masjid Fatimah (Masjid Sa’ad ibn Muadh)

This mosque is named after Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. However, it is also sometimes referred to as Masjid Sa’ad ibn Muadh, after the companion who played a crucial role in defending Medina during the battle. Sa’ad was the chief of the Aws tribe and was a key leader in the defense of the city. He was mortally wounded during the battle, and the mosque stands as a tribute to his sacrifice.

Masjid Al-Rayah (Mosque of the Banner)

Masjid Al-Rayah, also known as the Mosque of the Banner, is believed to be located at the site where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) raised his banner during the preparations for the Battle of the Trench. This mosque symbolizes the unifying force of the Muslim community and their resilience in the face of adversity.

Historical Significance of the Seven Mosques

The Battle of the Trench was a turning point in the early history of Islam. The Quraysh, along with several allied tribes, laid siege to Medina, hoping to crush the growing Muslim community. Following Salman al-Farsi’s advice, the Muslims dug a deep trench around the city, which proved to be an effective defense against the enemy’s cavalry. The battle was not won through direct combat but rather through strategic defense and the will to...

Of the many historical and archaeological sites in Madinah, visitors are most likely to visit a group of small mosques, commonly known as “The Seven Mosques.” People visit six small mosques in the region, but add a seventh one, known as the “Mosque of the Two Qiblas” which is about a kilometer away from the others. The largest of the seven mosques is Al-Fath on a hilltop near the western side of Sal’ mountain. It was built when Umar ibn Abd Al-Aziz was governor of Madinah in the years 87 to 93 after Hijrah (705 CE to 711 CE). It was rebuilt in 575 H (1179 CE). It was then rebuilt again during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abd Al-Majid I in 1851. The Salman Al-Farisi Mosque is located south of Al-Fath Mosque, 20 meters from the base of Sal' mountain. It is named after Salman, the companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who recommended digging a trench to fortify the city from an invasion. It has one hall at 7 meters long and 2 meters wide. It was also built while Umar ibn Abd Al-Aziz was governor of Madinah. In 575 H (1179 CE) it was rebuilt on the orders of minister Said Al-Deen Abu Al-Haija. It was rebuilt again during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abd Al-Majid I. The Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq Mosque is 15 meters to the southwest of Salman Al-Farisi Mosque. It was reported that Abu Bakr, when he was caliph, prayed Eid prayer there. This is why it was named after him. It was also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed the Eid prayer there. The Umar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque is 10 meters to the south of Abu Bakr Mosque, opposite Al-Ghamamah mosque and close to the Prophet's Mosque. There is not much historical detail about the mosque, but there is speculation that it could be the ancient mosque at Al-Durrah place where Umar may have prayed during his reign as caliph. This would explain why it was named after him. It has an open yard and is eight steps above the ground. Its structure is similar to Al-Fath Mosque, which indicates that the two structures may have been built and renovated together. The Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is east of Fatimah Mosque on a high rectangular hilltop. It is 8.5 meters long and 6.5 meters wide. It has one small step. It is likely to have been built and renovated with Al-Fath Mosque. The Fatimah Al-Zahra Mosque is known as Mus'ad ibn Mo'az Mosque. It is the smallest of the group and measures 4 meters by 3 meters. It has one small step. It has a similar structure to other mosques in the area and may have been built during the Ottoman era, most likely during the reign of Sultan Abd...