Overview
Khandaq (“trench”) is the area in north-west Madinah where the Muslims dug a defensive trench before the Battle of the Trench (also called the Battle of the Confederates, al-Ahzab) in 5 AH (627 CE).
History
A large coalition of Quraysh and allied tribes besieged Madinah. According to the sirah sources, Salman al-Farisi suggested digging a trench across the open northern approach, and the Prophet ๏ทบ worked alongside the Companions in digging it. After a siege of several weeks, a fierce wind and divisions among the besiegers caused them to withdraw. Surah al-Ahzab describes these events (Qur’an 33:9โ27).
The Seven Mosques
Several small mosques in this area, known as the “Seven Mosques”, are traditionally associated with positions held during the battle; the largest is Masjid al-Fath. The link between each small mosque and a specific Companion is based on later local tradition and is not established by authentic narrations. A new large mosque was built nearby in the modern period.
Map
Visiting information
Visited on Madinah Ziyarat tours. No trace of the trench remains; the site is marked by the mosques.
Related Ziyarat locations
Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, founded by the Prophet ๏ทบ after the Hijrah and containing his blessed resting place.
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Al-Baqi
The historic cemetery of Madinah beside the Prophet's Mosque, resting place of many Companions and members of the Prophet's ๏ทบ family.
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Masjid Quba
The first mosque built in Islam, founded by the Prophet ๏ทบ on his arrival at Quba during the Hijrah.
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Quba Walking Trail
The 3 km pedestrian avenue linking Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba, following a route the Prophet ๏ทบ used when visiting Quba.
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Masjid al-Ghamamah
The historic mosque on the site of the Prophet's ๏ทบ Eid prayer ground (musalla) in Madinah.
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Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali Miqat)
The miqat of the people of Madinah, where pilgrims travelling from Madinah enter ihram for Umrah or Hajj.
Read history & details โRelated Ziyarat tours & packages
Group Umrah
Organised Umrah for mosques, communities and families travelling together.
View details โPremium Umrah Package
Premium hotels near the Haram, private vehicles and personalised Ziyarat.
View details โStandard Umrah Package
Comfortable hotels closer to the Haram, private transfers and guided Ziyarat.
View details โVisit Khandaq with ZiyaraWay
Private and group Ziyarat tours with transport and guidance.
Book a Ziyarat tour Ask on WhatsAppSources & references
- Qur'an 33:9โ27 โ https://quran.com/33/9-27
- Britannica: Battle of the Trench โ https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Trench
Historical reports sometimes differ; where they do, this page notes it. Please consult qualified scholars for religious rulings. Visiting rules and opening times are set by the Saudi authorities and may change.
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