Exploring Jebel Uhud: A Journey Through History and Nature

Jebel Uhud, one of the most iconic landmarks in Madinah, holds immense historical and spiritual significance for Muslims. This mountain range witnessed the pivotal Battle of Uhud, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions faced the Quraysh in 3 AH (625 CE). Beyond its role in Islamic history, Jebel Uhud offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities for visitors.

The Colorful Heart of the Mountain: A Geologist’s Canvas 

When you first approach Mount Uhud, you might notice its imposing red-brown silhouette. But venture into its slopes, particularly through the paths leading to sites like the Muhras (water catchments) and towards Aaron’s Dome (Qubbat Harun), and a spectacular display unfolds. The mountain reveals itself to be a kaleidoscope of colors.

As noted by researcher Abdul Quddus Al-Ansari in his work “Athar al-Madinah al-Munawwarah,” the formations are beautiful compositions of dark red rocks, sculpted by erosion. The colors are not uniform. Some slopes lean towards a bluish hue, others are a stark antimony black, with grays, greens, and vibrant veins running through them. Al-Ansari specifically mentions veins with a noticeable “shine” and others with a vivid green color, hinting at the presence of specific minerals just beneath the surface.

This isn’t mere weathering; it’s a signature of complex geological processes. The varied palette suggests a rich mixture of mineral deposits, including iron oxides (for reds and browns), copper compounds (for greens and blues), and possibly more.

Eyewitness to Treasure: Historical Accounts of Discoveries

The colorful rocks are not just pretty; local lore and documented accounts suggest they can be genuinely precious. Al-Ansari records a fascinating firsthand story from Sayyid As’ad ibn Sayyid Muhi al-Din al-Husayni:

*”During his ascent with a group to the western Muhras of the mountain in 1320 AH (approximately 1902 CE), he stumbled upon a piece of antimony stone weighing two mithqals. He sold it at the time for five gold Mashkof (Russian) pounds. Later, during his trips to that site in 1351 AH (1932 CE), he found another antimony stone weighing seven mithqals, which he still possessed. Al-Ansari saw it and described it as very heavy with a apparent brilliance and luster, adorned with a blackness tinged with red.”*

But the stories get even more remarkable. The same source relays that Hajj Jalal al-Bukhari found a large stone near the same Muhras. Upon breaking it, it split to reveal a large emerald (zabarjad), from which he sold a portion for sixty gold foreign pounds. A small remaining piece of that precious stone was still in his possession.

These are not fairy tales; they are recorded testimonies from credible local sources. They provide tangible, “sensual proof”—as Al-Ansari puts it—of the precious jewels and noble minerals within Mount Uhud, aligning perfectly with the visible brilliance of some of its stones.

Antimony, Emeralds, and More: The Mineralogical Clues 

Let’s decode what these findings mean. Antimony is a lustrous gray metalloid, historically used in cosmetics (kohl) and alloys. Finding it in its native, heavy, brilliant form is a significant indicator of specific hydrothermal mineral deposits.

An emerald is a gem-quality variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Its formation requires very specific geological conditions, typically in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. The claim of an emerald discovery, while extraordinary, points to the potential for beryl deposits in the mountain’s complex geology.

These accounts transform Mount Uhud from a monolithic historical site into a potential subject for mineralogical study. The “shine” and “vivid green” veins observed are likely signs of minerals like quartz, feldspar, or micas reflecting light, or possibly traces of copper minerals like malachite (green) or azurite (blue).

The Local Knowledge: Bedouin Guides and Hidden Spots 

The secrets of Mount Uhud are often held by those who know it best. Elders from the people of Madinah and, crucially, the Bedouin guides (Dalalah) who inhabit the mountain’s foothills have long been aware of these curiosities.

These guides, who accompany visitors through the mountain’s Shi’b (ravines) like Shi’b al-Mahariss, often point out special rocks. Al-Ansari describes accompanying them, noting they would indicate certain high, difficult-to-reach rocks that “glow” or have a “blue light.” Upon closer inspection, these appeared to be smooth, polished stones, predominantly blue, that strongly reflected sunlight, especially at noon.

Furthermore, these Bedouins sometimes acquire rare pieces of sparkling stones or those with colored veins, selling them to pilgrims and visitors. This informal practice underscores the persistent presence of unusual mineralogical specimens on the mountain.

A Close-Up Gallery: Decoding the Unique Rock Formations 

Descriptions from explorations detail a stunning variety of rocks, each telling a part of Mount Uhud’s geological story:

• The “Oily” Rocks: Some rocks have a uniquely greasy or oily feel to the touch, a characteristic of certain minerals like talc or some serpentines.
• Multicolored Veins: Rocks containing many prominent, pearl-like colored veins, while others have veins submerged between adjacent rock layers.
• Strange Agglomerates: Pieces of Jiss (gypsum) rock, hard and rough-textured, found at the valley floor, sometimes extending into adjacent rock masses.
• Smooth, Reflective Stones: As mentioned, blue-tinged, polished stones that act like natural mirrors in the harsh sunlight.
• Complex Compositions: White rocks stained with blue and beige, brown stones with green network patterns, and rocks where colors interlace to represent a peak of natural beauty and splendor.

These aren’t just random observations; they are field notes pointing to a diverse and complex geological history involving volcanic activity, hydrothermal fluid circulation, and millions of years of erosion. For a deeper understanding of how such landscapes form, resources like the United States Geological Survey (USGS) provide excellent foundational material on geology and mineralogy.

The Scientific Mystery: Why is Mount Uhud So Unique?

So, what gives Mount Uhud this remarkable diversity? While a full scientific survey is needed, we can hypothesize. The mountain is part of the Hejaz volcanic field, but its distinct coloration and reported minerals suggest it may be an intrusion of different igneous or metamorphic rock through the surrounding basalt. The presence of veins is a classic sign of hydrothermal activity, where hot, mineral-rich water flowed through cracks in the rock, depositing new minerals as it cooled.

The convergence of black, red, blue, and green hints at a “mineral soup” including:

• Iron Oxides: Hematite (red) or Magnetite (black).
• Copper Minerals: Malachite (green) or Azurite (blue).
• Silica Minerals: Quartz (often clear/white, but can carry impurities for color).
• Other Elements: Manganese (for black/purple), chromium (for green emerald).

This makes Mount Uhud a potentially invaluable site not just for pilgrims, but for geologists and mineral enthusiasts. Its secrets challenge us to look beyond the surface—literally.

Visiting with New Eyes: How to Appreciate the Geological Wonders 

On your next visit to Mount Uhud, shift your gaze for a moment. After paying respects at the historical sites, take time to observe the mountain itself.

1. Look at the Slopes: Scan the rock faces, especially in the Shi’b al-Mahariss area, for variations in color and shiny specks.
2. Examine Loose Stones: Safely and respectfully, look at smaller stones on the path. You might spot those with visible veins or unusual textures.
3. Talk to Local Guides: If you have the chance, engage with knowledgeable local guides. Their pointed fingers can show you things you’d easily miss.
4. Photograph the Palette: Capture the incredible natural artistry—the interlocking colors, the textures, the way light plays on different surfaces.
5. Respect the Site: This is a sacred and protected area. Do not attempt to aggressively chip at or remove rocks. The goal is observation and appreciation, not extraction.

The Battle of Uhud and Shiab Al-Jirar (شعب الجرار)

During the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet (peace be upon him) strategically positioned Muslim archers on a hill to protect the army’s flank. However, when some archers abandoned their posts, the tide of the battle turned, leading to a temporary retreat. The Prophet and his companions withdrew to Shiab Al-Jirar, a valley within Jebel Uhud, where they regrouped.

Nearby, the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed in Masjid Asfh, a small mosque that still stands today as a reminder of this critical moment in Islamic history.

The Prophet’s Only Direct Killing in Battle

One of the most notable incidents at Uhud was when the Prophet (peace be upon him) killed Ubay ibn Khalaf al-Jumahi, the only man he ever killed in combat. Ubay had boasted that he would kill the Prophet, but during the battle, the Prophet struck him with a spear, leading to his eventual death.

Qubbat Harun and the Ottoman Legacy

At the peak of Jebel Uhud (1,077 meters above sea level) lies Qubbat Harun, a small dome named after Harun, an Ottoman soldier tasked with surveillance during the Ottoman rule over Madinah. The Ottomans used this vantage point to monitor the surrounding areas, ensuring the city’s security.

The Story of Maharis Uhud and the Prophet’s Wounds

During the battle, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was injured, and Mharis Uhud, a well near the mountain, became significant. It is said that Ali (رضي الله عنه) brought water from this well for the Prophet, but he did not drink from it due to its bitterness. Instead, he used it to wash his face and wounds, demonstrating his resilience and faith.

Hiking Jebel Uhud: A Spiritual and Adventurous Experience

Jebel Uhud is not a single mountain but a 7-kilometer-long and 3-kilometer-wide mountain range, offering various trails for explorers.

How to Reach the Peak

• By Car: A road leads close to the base, but the final ascent requires hiking.
• The Hike: After the road ends, you’ll find a cave marking the starting point of the trail. From there, the whole hike to the summit from the foot of the mountain takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Preparation: Wear proper hiking shoes, carry water, and cover your head to protect against the sun.

The Mountains of Madinah: Guardians of the City

The mountains surrounding Madinah, including Jebel Uhud, Jebel Ayr, and Jebel Thawr, have historically acted as natural barriers, protecting the city from invasions. Their strategic importance is deeply tied to the region’s defense and Islamic history.