Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA): Life, the Battle of Uhud, and His Sacred Grave in Madinah

Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA) stands as one of the most celebrated and beloved companions in Islamic history. Known by the titles Asad-ullah (the Lion of Allah) and Sayyid-ush-Shuhada (the Chief of Martyrs), he was the paternal uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and one of the earliest and most courageous defenders of Islam. His life is a profound story of strength, loyalty, sacrifice, and eternal honour.

This guide covers his life, his role in the early Muslim community, how he was martyred at the Battle of Uhud, where his grave is located in Madinah, and how pilgrims can visit this sacred site today.

Who was Hazrat Ameer Hamza (RA)?

Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA) was born in Makkah approximately two years before the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), around 568 CE. He was the son of Abdul Muttalib and Hala bint Wuhayb, making him a full paternal uncle of the Prophet (PBUH) as well as his milk brother — both having been nursed by the same woman, Thuwayba.

Before embracing Islam, Hazrat Hamza (RA) was already one of the most respected and feared warriors in Arabia. He was known for his physical strength, bravery in battle, and his skills as a hunter. The Quraysh tribe held him in the highest regard, not just as a fighter but as a man of honour and principle.

When did Hazrat Hamza (RA) accept Islam?

Hazrat Hamza (RA) accepted Islam in the 6th year of Prophethood, approximately 615 CE. The account of his conversion is a striking one. When he returned from a hunting trip to Makkah, he learned that Abu Jahl had verbally abused and physically harmed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) near Mount Safa.

Upon hearing this, Hazrat Hamza (RA) went directly to the Masjid al-Haram, found Abu Jahl seated among his companions, and struck him with his bow. He then publicly declared: ‘I am on the religion of Muhammad (PBUH).’ This was a pivotal moment — his acceptance of Islam gave the early Muslim community in Makkah significant protection and prestige.

His titles and status in Islam

Hazrat Hamza (RA) earned several honoured titles during his lifetime:

⦁    Asad-ullah — The Lion of Allah, given for his extraordinary courage in battle

⦁    Asad ar-Rasool — The Lion of the Prophet (PBUH), reflecting his unwavering defence of Islam

⦁    Sayyid-ush-Shuhada — The Chief of Martyrs, bestowed personally by the Prophet (PBUH) after his martyrdom

⦁    Ameer-e-Hamza — A title of leadership and reverence used widely across South Asia

Hazrat Hamza’s role in the early years of Islam

From the moment Hazrat Hamza (RA) accepted Islam, his presence transformed the situation of the early Muslim community. Prior to his conversion, the Muslims in Makkah faced constant persecution, harassment, and abuse from the Quraysh leadership. His embrace of the faith created a powerful deterrent against open physical attacks.

Migration to Madinah (Hijra)

Hazrat Hamza (RA) participated in the Hijra to Madinah in 622 CE alongside the Prophet (PBUH) and the other early companions. In Madinah, he continued to be among the closest and most trusted members of the Prophet’s inner circle. The Prophet (PBUH) established bonds of brotherhood (Muakhaat) between the Muhajireen (migrants from Makkah) and the Ansar (helpers of Madinah), and Hazrat Hamza (RA) was paired with Zayd ibn Harithah (RA), the freed slave and adopted son of the Prophet (PBUH).

Military leadership in early Islam

Hazrat Hamza (RA) was appointed by the Prophet (PBUH) as the commander of one of the very first military expeditions in Islamic history — the Sariyya of Hamza in 623 CE. He led a company of 30 emigrants towards the coast of the Red Sea, where they encountered a large Quraysh caravan led by Abu Jahl. Although no battle took place due to the intervention of a tribal ally, this expedition marked a significant early show of Muslim strength.

He participated in the Battle of Badr in 624 CE — Islam’s first major military victory — where he fought with exceptional bravery and personally defeated several prominent Quraysh warriors in single combat. His performance at Badr cemented his reputation as the fiercest fighter in the Muslim army.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: ‘The best of my uncles is Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib.’ — A testament to the unique regard in which Hazrat Hamza (RA) was held.

How did Hazrat Hamza die? The Battle of Uhud

Hazrat Hamza (RA) was martyred on 7 Shawwal, 3 AH (625 CE) at the Battle of Uhud — one of the most significant and emotionally charged battles in Islamic history, fought at the foot of Mount Uhud near Madinah. His death remains one of the most devastating losses in the early Muslim community.

Background to the Battle of Uhud

After the humiliating defeat at the Battle of Badr, the Quraysh of Makkah organised a large retaliatory force of approximately 3,000 fighters under the command of Abu Sufyan. Their army marched towards Madinah with the explicit intention of avenging their losses and, in particular, targeting those who had fought most bravely at Badr — including Hazrat Hamza (RA).

Abu Sufyan’s wife, Hind bint Utba, had a personal vendetta against Hazrat Hamza (RA) — he had killed her father Utba ibn Rabi’a and her uncle Shaiba at the Battle of Badr. She reportedly offered the Abyssinian slave Wahshi ibn Harb, renowned as a skilled spear thrower, his freedom in exchange for killing Hazrat Hamza (RA).

His performance at Uhud

At the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Hamza (RA) fought with extraordinary ferocity. Historical accounts describe him as an unstoppable force on the battlefield, wearing a distinctive mark of an ostrich feather and cutting through the enemy lines. He reportedly killed more than 30 Quraysh fighters during the battle, making him one of the most feared warriors on the field.

The martyrdom of Hazrat Hamza (RA)

Wahshi ibn Harb, positioned at a distance and using the chaos of battle as cover, waited for the right moment. He threw his javelin with precision, striking Hazrat Hamza (RA) in the abdomen. The wound was fatal. Hazrat Hamza (RA) fell and was martyred on the battlefield of Uhud.

Following his death, Hind bint Utba committed a deeply grievous act — she mutilated his body, removing his liver in an act of revenge. This news caused immense grief to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he arrived at the battlefield after the fighting.

The Prophet (PBUH) wept upon seeing the state of Hazrat Hamza’s (RA) body and said: ‘Were it not that Safiyya would be grieved, I would have left him so that he could be resurrected from the bellies of birds and beasts.’ He was buried at the site of his martyrdom on the slopes of Mount Uhud.

The grief of the Prophet (PBUH)

The Prophet (PBUH) was deeply affected by the loss of Hazrat Hamza (RA). He personally performed the funeral prayer over him and designated him Sayyid-ush-Shuhada — the Chief of all Martyrs. He also made du’a 70 times at his graveside, an honour not recorded for any other companion.

Where is the grave of Hazrat Hamza located?

The grave of Hazrat Hamza (RA) is located in the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery (Maqbarah Shuhada Uhud), situated at the foot of Mount Uhud, approximately 5 kilometres north of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Location details

⦁    City: Madinah al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

⦁    Neighbourhood: Uhud area, north of Madinah city centre

⦁    Distance from Masjid an-Nabawi: approximately 5 km

⦁    The grave is enclosed in a large mosque compound known as Masjid Hamza or the Uhud Cemetery Mosque

⦁    GPS coordinates: approximately 24.5065° N, 39.6150° E (Uhud Martyrs area)

The graves of the 70 companions who were martyred at Uhud are located in the same cemetery. Among them, the grave of Hazrat Hamza (RA) holds the most prominent position. Many pilgrims specifically visit this site during Umrah or Hajj as part of the Madinah ziyarat (sacred site visits).

Other prominent graves nearby

The Uhud cemetery also contains the graves of:

⦁    Hazrat Mus’ab ibn Umayr (RA) — the first ambassador of Islam

⦁    Hazrat Abdullah ibn Jahsh (RA) — a cousin of the Prophet (PBUH)

⦁    Approximately 67 other companions martyred at Uhud

How to visit the grave of Hazrat Hamza from Madinah

The grave of Hazrat Hamza (RA) at Mount Uhud is one of the most commonly visited ziyarat sites in Madinah for pilgrims performing Umrah or Hajj. It is generally included in standard Madinah ziyarat tours.

Getting to Mount Uhud from central Madinah

The distance from Masjid an-Nabawi to Mount Uhud is approximately 4.5 to 5 kilometres. Here are the main options for reaching the site:

1.    Private  taxi or Al Fateh transport — the most convenient option for pilgrims. A private cab from the Haram area costs approximately SAR 20–40 for the one-way journey and takes 10–15 minutes. Al Fateh Transport provides dedicated Madinah ziyarat vehicle hire that includes the Uhud stop.

2.    Organised ziyarat tour — most Umrah and Hajj tour operators offer a half-day Madinah ziyarat package that includes Mount Uhud, Masjid Quba, Jannatul Baqi, and other sites. This is the most popular option for group travellers.

3.    Public bus — limited services run towards the Uhud area but are not recommended for pilgrims unfamiliar with the city. Timings are irregular.

4.    Walking — not recommended due to the distance and Madinah’s heat. Pilgrims with limited mobility should always opt for a vehicle.

What to do at the Uhud site

When visiting the grave of Hazrat Hamza (RA) and the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery, follow these steps:

⦁    Enter the cemetery respectfully and make du’a for the martyrs

⦁    Offer Salaam (Islamic greeting of peace) to Hazrat Hamza (RA) and all those buried there

⦁    Recite Surah Al-Fatiha for the martyrs

⦁    Visit the viewing area of the battlefield to understand the historical context

⦁    Climb part of Mount Uhud if physically able — the archers’ position is historically significant

⦁    Maintain silence and composure — this is a sacred site of great historical importance

Opening hours and best time to visit

The Uhud site is generally accessible throughout the day. The best time to visit is:

⦁    Early morning (after Fajr prayer) — coolest temperatures and fewer crowds

⦁    Late afternoon (before Maghrib) — pleasant weather with softer light

⦁    Avoid visiting during peak midday heat, especially in summer months (June–September) when temperatures can exceed 45°C