“Seven” is the number but six are the mosques. We are standing before a historical puzzle known as the Seven Mosques in Medina. Despite its name, the complex consists of six small mosques. It is also known as the Saba Masjid. Saba means seven. Some believe it originally consisted of seven mosques. Another theory suggests that visitors often include Masjid Al-Qiblatayn in their tour. This makes the total number of visited mosques seven. Some consider Masjid al-Khandaq to be the seventh mosque.
These mosques hold significant historical value. They are linked to the Battle of the Trench, also called the Battle of the Confederates. During this battle, Muslims defended Medina from these locations. Each mosque is named after a person stationed there during the conflict. The mosques are south of Mount Sela. This mountain was the scene of the Battle of the Trench.
Let’s explore the individual mosques within this complex. Al-Fath Mosque stands as the largest. It is located beneath Mount Sala on the western side. The name “Al-Fath” signifies victory. It refers to the Muslim victory during the Battle of the Trench. The mosque’s construction dates back to the time of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Minister Saifuddin Abu al-Hija renovated it in 1154.
Salman Al-Farsi Mosque is next. It is located 20 meters south of Al-Fath Mosque. This mosque is named after Salman Al-Farsi. He played a crucial role in constructing the trenches during the battle. Like Al-Fath Mosque, it was built during Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz’s rule. It was also renovated by Saifuddin Abu al-Hija in 1154.
Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque is 15 meters southeast of Salman Al-Farsi Mosque. The next one is Umar bin Khattab Mosque. It is situated 10 meters south of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque. It sits at a higher altitude. Its design mirrors Al-Fath Mosque. This suggests they were built and renovated around the same time.
The last two mosques are also very special. Ali bin Abu Talib Mosque rests south of Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque. It is built on a small hill. Legend says that Ali joined the Battle of the Trench from this location. Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque is a small structure. It measures only 4 by 3 meters. It was constructed during the Ottoman period under Sultan Abdulmejid I.
Interestingly, Al-Fath Mosque, Salman Al-Farsi Mosque, and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque were once separate. They were demolished and rebuilt into a single, larger mosque. This change provided more space for worshippers. Masjid al-Khandaq is a large mosque built by the Saudi government. It also accommodates more people. It is named after the Battle of the Trench.
Though the number in its name is not correct anymore, the Seven Mosques complex remains a powerful reminder. It reminds us of the faith and resilience displayed during the Battle of the Trench.