The Battle of Uhud
غزوة أحد
Summary
The Quraysh returned with 3,000 men to avenge Badr. The Muslims initially prevailed, but when archers left their posts on Mount Aynayn, Khalid ibn al-Walid's cavalry attacked from the rear. Seventy Muslims were martyred, including Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle.
Details
The Prophet had favoured staying in Madinah for defence, but the majority — especially those who missed Badr — wished to go out. He positioned fifty archers on the hill with strict orders not to leave. The initial Muslim charge routed the Quraysh, but most archers descended to collect spoils. Khalid exploited this gap. The Prophet was wounded — his helmet rings pierced his cheek, his lip was cut, and a tooth was broken. The cry went up that he had been killed, causing confusion. Anas ibn an-Nadr fought until he was killed, having sustained over eighty wounds. The Quraysh mutilated the Muslim dead; Hind bint Utbah chewed Hamzah's liver. Despite the setback, the Prophet led the Muslims out the next day to Hamra' al-Asad, demonstrating resilience.