Masjid Shaikhain
مسجد الشيخين
Masjid ash-Shaikhain
Overview
Masjid Shaikhain is located on the road to Mount Uhud, north of Madinah's city center. It marks a pivotal moment in the preparations for one of the most significant battles in Islamic history. The mosque sits in an area that has witnessed rapid urban development but retains its historical identity.
Historical significance
This is where the Prophet ﷺ camped and led the Maghrib and Fajr prayers on the night before the Battle of Uhud in 3 AH. It was here that he reviewed his army and noticed that some young boys had joined the ranks hoping to fight. He sent several of them back due to their young age, though some like Rafi ibn Khadij convinced him to let them stay because of their archery skills. The name 'Shaikhain' refers to two elders buried near this location.
Did you know?
Among the boys the Prophet ﷺ sent home was Usamah ibn Zayd, who was only 14 years old at the time but would later be appointed commander of a major military expedition at age 18.
Du'as
When entering a mosque
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Bismillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.
When leaving a mosque
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
Allāhumma innī asʾaluka min faḍlik
O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.
General supplication
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanah, wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanah, wa qinā ʿadhāb an-nār
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.
Nearby sites
جبل أحد
Mount Uhud is a majestic red-hued mountain range stretching across the northern horizon of Madinah, standing as one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. It rises approximately 1,077 meters above sea level and its distinctive reddish-brown rock formations create a striking contrast against the desert landscape. The mountain holds a place of deep affection in the hearts of Muslims worldwide.
مقبرة شهداء أحد
The Uhud Martyrs Cemetery is a sacred burial ground at the foot of Mount Uhud, containing the graves of the seventy companions who were martyred during the Battle of Uhud. The cemetery is enclosed by a low wall and is marked by a simple, dignified entrance. Visiting this site evokes a profound sense of sacrifice, courage, and devotion to the early Muslim cause.
جبل الرماة
Jabal Rumah, the Mount of the Archers, is a small hill located adjacent to the main Uhud battlefield site. Despite its modest height, this unassuming mound played a decisive role in one of Islam's most important battles. A marker and sign at the site help visitors identify the exact location where the archers were stationed.