Ad-Dir’ Mosque

Ad-Dir’ Mosque is one of the historic mosques in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah between the Prophet’s Mosque and Mount Uhud. One of its names, al-Udwah Mosque, derives from its position on the roadside (Udwah). It is also referred to as al-Sheikhayn Mosque, named after a location on the route between the Prophet’s Mosque and Mount Uhud along the eastern path with al-Harr to Mount Uhud. Additionally, it is called al-Badai' Mosque.

The mosque became known as ad-Dir’ Mosque because the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), stopped and stayed at this location during his journey to the Battle of Uhud. At this site, he removed the armor (Dir’) he was wearing as he headed toward al-Madinah al-Munawwarah to confront those who had broken their treaty with him. The mosque derived its historical significance and name from this event.

Ad-Dir’ Mosque is not far from al-Mustarah Mosque or Bani Harithah, the mosque where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stopped on his return from the Battle of Uhud near al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Ad-Dir’ Mosque is one of the landmarks from the era of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It served as the starting point for one of the most significant events in the prophetic biography—the Battle of Uhud, which took place in March 625. After performing the Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers at the mosque, the Prophet spent the night there and then set out the next day toward the Battle of Uhud.

The mosque, characterized by its small size and ancient construction, also features in the story of the Battle of the Trench. It was from this location that the digging of the trench began, extending to an area west of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah known as al-Madhat. The street, now filled with modern buildings and where ad-Dir’ Mosque still stands today, is the same location where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reviewed his army during the Battle of Uhud.

Ad-Dir’ Mosque, which witnessed the preparations for the Battle of Uhud, was initially constructed as an open-roofed structure. Until 1980, it was described as having two sections: a southern part topped with two domes and a spacious northern facade. The mosque was plastered with strong black stone from its original construction and featured a door located in its northwestern corner. As part of its improvements and preservation as a heritage site, central air conditioning was added, and its open roof was covered. The mosque was measured as a square, ten by ten m, with an area of one hundred m. It has always been frequented by worshippers, and the surrounding land was never expanded.

The care for ad-Dir’ Mosque continued throughout Islamic history and into the Saudi era. The mosque and its surroundings underwent comprehensive restoration and renovation efforts, with all work preserving its original structure despite the modern development in the surrounding area.