Recitation of the Quran for the Martyrs of Uhud

In the Battle of Uhud (3 AH/625 CE), Muslims lost seventy martyrs. After the battle, the Prophet Muhammad personally guided the burial of the martyrs. According to narrations, the Prophet Muhammad said: "Dig the graves deep and wide. Place two or three people in one grave. Let the one who knows the Quran best enter first." The Prophet also ordered a special display for the martyrs; those who knew the Quran best were placed first, while others were placed behind them, and a shroud consisting of a cloak and a garment was prepared for each. According to narrations regarding the recitation of the Quran at the grave, the Messenger of Allah recommended the recitation of the Quran during the collective burial. This practice has been addressed by Islamic jurists as an early basis for reciting the Quran at the head of the grave in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad would visit the martyrs of Uhud every year, greet them, and pray for them. One of his last visits before leaving Medina would be to Uhud. [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, "Battle of Uhud" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/uhud-gazvesi; Abu Dawood, Janazah 68; Tirmidhi, Janazah 37]