The Battle of Uhud was a major engagement between early Muslims and the Quraysh during the Muslim-Quraysh War. The battle was fought in a valley north of Mount Uhud near Medina on Saturday, 23 March 625 AD (7 Shawwal, 3 AH),

The Quraysh, who had suffered a prior defeat at the Battle of Badr, was eager to launch a counter-strike to avenge their losses. Led by chieftain Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, the Quraysh marched against the Muslims in Medina.

The early phase of the fighting saw the Muslims gaining the initiative. The Quraysh vanguard began faltering and retreated, leaving their camps vulnerable. However when Muslim victory seemed near, the Muslim rear guard who were tasked to defend a hill to protect against a possible encirclement, abandoned their positions to collect spoils of war left by the fleeing enemy. This turn of events was exploited by the Quraysh general Khalid ibn al-Walid who launched a daring cavalry strike in the undefended rear and encircled the Muslims, thus turning the tide of battle.

The battle was seen as a significant setback for the Muslims and a minor victory for the Quraysh as they would return with an even larger force in the Battle of the Trench.