MCQ Detailed View

In the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE), the Quraysh army of Makkah was led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb. This battle was the second major confrontation between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh, following the Battle of Badr. The Quraysh sought revenge for their defeat at Badr and assembled a force of around 3,000 men, while the Muslim army numbered about 700.

Abu Sufyan, a skilled leader and influential figure among the Quraysh, commanded the Makkan forces. Under his leadership, the Quraysh planned a strategic attack on the Muslims near Mount Uhud, just outside Madinah. While the Muslims initially gained the upper hand, a critical mistake by the archers—leaving their assigned positions to collect war spoils—allowed the Quraysh cavalry, led by Khalid bin Walid (who at that time was not yet Muslim), to outflank and attack from behind.

Although the Quraysh won the battle militarily, they did not pursue their advantage to attack Madinah directly. Abu Sufyan’s leadership in Uhud is often cited in Islamic history as an example of the Quraysh’s determination to resist Islam before his eventual conversion to Islam years later.

Key Facts:

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  Battle: Uhud – took place in 3 AH (625 CE) near Madinah.

  
  


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  Commander of Quraysh: Abu Sufyan ibn Harb.

  
  


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  Quraysh strength: Approx. 3,000 fighters.

  
  


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  Muslim strength: Approx. 700 fighters.

  
  


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  Quraysh aimed to avenge their defeat at Battle of Badr.

  
  


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  Khalid bin Walid led the cavalry for the Quraysh (before embracing Islam).

  
  


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  The battle ended in a setback for Muslims due to a strategic error by the archers.