Battle of Ta'if

The Prophet's Decision to Conquer Ta'if and When It Occurred

The conquest of Ta'if took place in the eighth year of the Hijra, in the month of Shawwal. This decision followed the retreat of remnants of the Thaqif to Ta'if after their defeat in the Battle of Hunayn.

The Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - decided to march toward Ta'if to deal with the Thaqif and those who had gathered with them from the Hawazin. Leading this army sent to conquer Ta'if was the companion Khalid bin Walid.

The Fortification of the Polytheists in Ta'if - Characteristics of Ta'if's Fortress

After the defeat of the remnants of the Hawazin at Awtas and Nakhla, they sought refuge in Ta'if under the leadership of Malik bin 'Awf al-Nasri and fortified themselves there. Ta'if's fortifications were characterized by sturdy walls, ramparts, and difficult access points.

It was a mountainous city with only castle gates as entry points. The people of Thaqif had prepared all necessary war tools to defend themselves and had stockpiled enough food and drink to sustain them for a whole year without needing to leave the fortress.

The Preparation of Muslims During the Siege

After the Hawazin and Thaqif took refuge in Ta'if, the Prophet - peace be upon him - refused to withdraw. He commanded the Muslim army to besiege Ta'if. They positioned themselves near the Ta'if fortress. However, as the Muslims approached the fortress, the Thaqif started launching arrows and spears at them. The losses among the Muslims increased, with twelve martyred, including Abdullah bin Abi Bakr al-Siddiq, who was wounded by Thaqif's arrows and later succumbed to his injuries during his father's caliphate.

Upon seeing this, the Prophet moved away from their fortifications and camped in a place where the Ta'if Mosque was later built. He stayed there with his companions for approximately eighteen days. During this period, Ali bin Abi Talib challenged the Thaqif's horsemen for a duel outside the fortress, but they refused, claiming they were secure within their fortifications for a full year.

Planning to Penetrate Ta'if's Fortress - The Construction of Siege Engines (Mangonels)

The Prophet Muhammad employed various strategies to breach Ta'if's fortress. Among these plans, he ordered Salman al-Farsi to construct siege engines (mangonels) to hurl stones at the Thaqif. Salman fulfilled the Prophet's request in addition to making wooden shields to protect the Muslims from Thaqif's arrows. Using these, the Muslims managed to breach part of the Ta'if fortress.

However, the Thaqif responded by setting fire to iron spikes and hurling them at the Muslim mangonels and shields, causing severe injuries. Unable to enter the fortress, the Muslims retreated to their camp.

Burning Palm Groves and Gardens

After the failure to breach the fortress, the Prophet decided to burn the gardens surrounding Ta'if's fortress. These gardens were abundant with fruits and grapes. This decision wasn't intended for destruction but to force the Thaqif out of their fortifications and engage in combat outside.

When the Thaqif saw the Prophet's action, they pleaded for him to spare these crops. Had the Prophet prevailed, these crops would have been spoils for him and the Muslims. However, in case he didn't prevail, he left them intact out of compassion and to maintain good relations.

Lifting the Siege of Ta'if - Seeking Counsel from Companions

As the siege prolonged without the Thaqif engaging the Prophet - peace be upon him - in combat, he realized it was wasting time, especially since the Thaqif had provisions to last for a year. He wanted to consult his companions before making any decisions about continuing the siege. Nofil bin Muawiyah advised that Thaqif's fortification resembled a fox in its hole. If they waited patiently at the hole's entrance, they would achieve what they wanted. If they left, the fox wouldn't be able to harm them. Hearing this advice, the Prophet decided to lift the siege and depart.

When the Prophet announced the lifting of the siege and the departure to Medina, Umar ibn al-Khattab asked the people to prepare to leave for their homes the following day to prepare for the journey. However, some of the companions found it difficult and questioned the Prophet about returning without conquering Ta'if. The Prophet assured them they could return to combat if they wished, saying, "Prepare for battle." They returned to fight, but upon returning to the Prophet with numerous injuries, the Prophet ordered them to depart the next day. They obeyed, and the Prophet smiled and laughed at them.