Seven mosques stand as silent witnesses to a pivotal moment in Islamic history. Today we explore one of them: Masjid As Zaidi.
Masjid As Zaidi is one of several historic mosques. These mosques are often visited in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Though the group is called the Seven Mosques it only contains six. Some believe it originally consisted of seven mosques. Another reason for the name stems from visitors including Masjid Al-Qiblatayn in their tour. Some consider Masjid al-Khandaq to be among the seven mosques.
These mosques are linked to the Battle of the Trench. This battle is also known as the Battle of the Confederates. Muslims defended Medina from these locations. Each mosque is named after the person stationed there during the battle. The mosques are south of Mount Sela. This mountain was the scene of the Battle of the Trench.
Al-Fath Mosque is the largest. It is located beneath Mount Sala on the western side. It is said that the Prophet prayed here during the Battle of the Trench. The battle concluded with a Muslim victory. “Fath” means “conquest” in an Islamic context. Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz ordered the mosque’s construction. Saifuddin Abu al-Hija renovated it in 1154. He was a minister during the Sharifate of Mecca.
Salman Al-Farsi Mosque is located twenty metres south of Al-Fath Mosque. It is named after Salman Al-Farsi. He led the construction of trenches during the Battle of the Trench. Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz ordered the mosque’s construction. Saifuddin Abu al-Hija renovated it in 1154. He was a minister during the Sharifate of Mecca.
Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque is fifteen metres southeast of Salman Al-Farsi Mosque. These three mosques were demolished. They were renovated into one larger mosque.
Umar bin Khattab Mosque is ten metres south of Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque. This mosque is at a higher altitude. It corresponds to Al-Fath Mosque. Both are considered built and renovated at the same time.
Ali bin Abu Talib Mosque is south of Fathimah Az-Zahra Mosque on a small hill. This mosque measures 8.5 metres long and 6.5 metres wide. It is said that Ali joined the Battle of the Trench here. The local government of Medina is renovating this mosque. They are maintaining its original shape. A large park surrounds it as a decoration.
Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque is a small mosque attached to the others. It measures four by three metres. This mosque was built during the Ottoman period. It was built during the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid I.
Masjid As Zaidi and the other Seven Mosques stand as a reminder. They remind us of the sacrifices made. They made to defend Medina and preserve the burgeoning faith of Islam. Their history is a testament. It shows the strength and resilience of the early Muslim community. Visiting this site connects you to a vital part of Islamic heritage.