Hunayn and Al-Taif

The March of Malik ibn Awf for the Battle against the Muslims

The Muslims had settled in Mecca after its conquest, rejoicing in Allah's victory and celebrating that only a little blood had been shed in this great triumph. They hurried to the Kaaba whenever Bilal ibn Rabah called for prayer, gathering around the Messenger of Allah wherever he stayed or went.

The immigrants among them were reconnecting with their families, who had embraced Islam after the conquest. All of them had a sense of security that Islam had established itself firmly, and that the majority of their struggles and efforts in Jihad had culminated in victory.

However, after fifteen days of their stay in the mother of cities, news reached them that awakened their anxiety. It was known that Hawazin, residing southeast of Mecca in the nearby mountains, had learned about the Muslims' conquest of Mecca and the destruction of its idols. They feared that they might be attacked and their homes invaded by the Muslims.

In response to this impending disaster and to counter Muhammad and the Muslims, who were working to eliminate the independence of the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula and unify them under Islam, Malik ibn Awf al-Nasri gathered the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif, while Nasr and Jashm joined their forces. The only ones from Hawazin who did not attend the meeting were Kaab and Kilab. Among the Jashm tribe, there was Dreed ibn al-Samma, an elderly man whose combat prowess was diminished, but his experience in conflicts would prove valuable.

All these tribes, along with their possessions, women, and children, gathered when they descended to the plain of Autas. When Dreed heard the camels braying, the donkeys braying, the children crying, and the sheep bleating, he asked Malik ibn Awf, "Why did the warriors bring their possessions, women, and children with them?"

When Malik replied that it was to motivate the fighters, Dreed retorted, "What can the defeated achieve? If the outcome is in your favor, these possessions are of no use to you, nor are they any benefit to the people of Mecca. But if things turn against you, they will be a disgrace to your family and wealth".

Dreed and Malik disagreed, and the people followed Malik's leadership. Malik, a strong-willed man in his thirties, was resolute in his determination, while Dreed accompanied the group with a different perspective despite his earlier contributions in battles.

Malik instructed the people to position themselves at the mountaintops of Hunayn and near the narrow valley. When the Muslims descended into the valley, the tribes were to launch a coordinated attack to break their ranks and cause chaos among them, leading to their defeat. This victory would erase the Muslims' earlier triumph when they conquered Mecca and assert the dominance of the tribes of Hawazin throughout the Arabian Peninsula. The tribes obeyed Malik's orders and fortified themselves in the narrow valley.

The Muslims' March to Hunayn

As for the Muslims, they set out two weeks after their stay in Mecca, led by the Prophet Muhammad, in a campaign unlike any they had experienced before. They marched with twelve thousand fighters, including ten thousand who had conquered and opened Mecca and two thousand who had embraced Islam from the Quraysh, including Abu Sufyan ibn Harb. Their shields gleamed, and at the forefront were horsemen and camels carrying banners and supplies. The Muslims marched in this army, a spectacle never before seen in the Arabian Peninsula. Each tribe proudly displayed its banner, and hearts were filled with admiration for this vast force. Some even said to each other, "We will not be defeated today because of our great numbers".

They reached Hunayn, and evening approached. They descended upon the gates of its valley and camped there until the break of dawn. It was there that the army mobilized. Muhammad rode his white mule at the rear while Khalid ibn al-Walid led the advance with the Banu Sulaym. They descended from the narrow pass of Hunayn into one of the valleys of Tihama. They were confident, but as they descended into the valley, they were met with a fierce onslaught led by Malik ibn Awf, a man of great strength, and his well-armed tribesmen. They were all still in the darkness of dawn.

At that moment, the Muslims' situation became chaotic, and they panicked. They retreated, fear and alarm taking hold of them, so much so that some of them even released their camels to flee. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb remarked with a smile of satisfaction at the failure of those who had triumphed over the Quraysh the day before, "Their defeat will not end until they reach the sea".

Shayba ibn Uthman ibn Abi Talha said, "Today I will avenge my father's death at the hands of Muhammad's army. My father was killed in the Battle of Uhud".

Kuldah ibn Hambal exclaimed, "Today, the sorcerer's spell has been broken!" To which his brother Safwan replied, "Be quiet, may God destroy your mouth! I swear by God, I would rather be raised by a man from the Quraysh than by a man from Hawazin".

These conversations took place as the Muslim ranks were disordered, and panic and chaos spread. The tribes retreated one after another, defeated, without achieving any success.

The Steadfastness of Muhammad and the Strength of His Determination

What do you think he would do? Would he let go of the sacrifices of twenty years at this moment of the dawn's darkness? Would he turn away from his Lord and abandon the victory that Allah had promised him? No, never! Without this, nations will perish, and people will vanish! Without this, Muhammad would not enter the depths of death, for in the death of God's religion, there is victory.

And when their appointed time comes, they will neither be delayed nor advanced. Muhammad stood firm in his place, surrounded by a group of migrants, Ansar, and his family. He began to call out to the people as they passed by, defeated, "Where are you, O people? Where are you?" But the people, in the midst of their overwhelming fear, could hear and see nothing except the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif descending from the mountain peaks to pursue them.

Their vision was not wrong; Hawazin descended from their position led by a man on a red camel, holding a black flag at the tip of a long spear. Every time he caught up with the Muslims, he thrust his spear, and the Hawazin and Thaqif, along with their supporters, followed behind him, attacking.

Muhammad's anger flared, and he wanted to charge his white mule into the midst of this advancing torrent of enemy men and let God's will be done thereafter. However, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib took hold of the reins of his mule and prevented it from moving forward.

The Call of Abbas to the People

Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib was a robust man with a powerful and resonant voice. He called out with a voice that everyone could hear throughout the valley, "O assembly of Ansar who provided shelter and support! O assembly of Muhajirun who pledged allegiance beneath the tree! Muhammad is alive, so come forth!" Abbas repeated his call, and the echoes reverberated from all corners of the valley. Here was the miracle: The people of Aqabah heard the name of Aqabah and remembered Muhammad, their oaths, and their honor. The Muhajirun heard the name of Muhammad and remembered their sacrifices and their honor. Both groups, in their tranquility, heard of Muhammad's steadfastness and the few companions among the Muhajirun and Ansar. His unwavering resolve on the day of Uhud in the face of this encroaching enemy painted a picture in their minds of what could result from their abandonment of him: the triumph of the polytheists over the religion of God.

During that time, Abbas's call continued to reverberate in their ears, and the strings of their hearts quivered with its echoes. There, they whispered from all sides, "Here I am, here I am!" and they returned to the battlefield, ready for battle.

The Return of the Muslims and Their Determination

The reassurance began to return to Muhammad when he saw them coming back. Hawazin had descended from their hiding places and now stood face-to-face with the Muslims in the valley. The day had brightened, and daylight overcame the darkness of dawn. A few hundred people gathered around the Messenger of Allah, who patiently awaited the tribes. Their numbers increased, and their determination grew stronger upon their return. The Ansar began to chant, "Oh, Ansar!" Then they called out, "Oh, Khazraj, with Muhammad witnessing the discord among the people". When Muhammad saw the clash intensify and witnessed his men rising above themselves, overpowering their adversaries, he exclaimed, "Now the clamor of victory is sounding, for Allah does not break His promise to His Messenger".

He then asked Abbas to bring him a handful of pebbles, which he cast towards the faces of the enemy, saying, "Faces have been disgraced".

The Muslims charged into the battle of Hunay, undeterred by the prospect of death in the path of Allah. They believed that victory was inevitable and that those who would martyr themselves for the cause were destined for a greater share of the spoils than those who survived. The struggle was intense, and when Hawazin and Thaqif, along with their allies, realized that their resistance was futile, and that they were facing annihilation with no way out, they fled in defeat, leaving behind their women, children, and wealth as booty for the Muslims.

On that day, the Muslims captured twenty-two thousand camels, forty thousand sheep, and four thousand ounces of silver as spoils. As for the prisoners, who numbered six thousand, they were held captive in Wadi al-Ja'ranah until the Muslims returned from pursuing their enemies and laying siege to Ta'if.

The Muslims Pursue Their Enemies

The Muslims continued to pursue their enemies, and what further incentivized them in this pursuit was the announcement made by the Messenger that whoever killed a polytheist could claim his possessions. Ibn al-Daghannah came across a camel engaged in a fight, thinking it belonged to a woman he intended to seize. He tried to take control of the camel, but to his surprise, it was a large old camel with a rider, who turned out to be Dreed ibn al-Samma, a senior man whom the young man did not recognize.

Rabi'ah asked him, "What do you want?" Dreed replied, "I will kill you". He then swung his sword at him, but it did not avail him. Dreed said, "Your mother did a poor job in equipping you. Take my sword from the back of the camel, then strike with it, aiming for the bones and avoiding the brain, for that's how I used to strike men. After that, when you return to your mother, tell her that you killed Dreed ibn al-Samma, for, by God, there was a day when you were deprived of your women".

When Rabi'ah returned to his mother and informed her of what happened, she said, "May God burn your hand! He said that to remind us of His blessings upon you. By God, He has freed for you three mothers in one morning: me, your mother, and your father's mother". The Muslims pursued Hawazin until they reached a place called Autas, where they laid an ambush, defeated them with a severe defeat, and took women and wealth from those they captured. They returned with them to Muhammad.

As for Malik ibn Auf al-Nasri, he stood his ground for a while, then fled with his people alongside Hawazin until they parted ways at a palm tree. Then he turned his direction towards Ta'if and sought refuge there.

Complete Defeat of the Polytheists

The victory of the believers was indeed a significant one, and the defeat of the polytheists was total. This came after the initial panic the Muslims experienced in the morning of the battle, when the polytheists exerted immense pressure on them, shaking their ranks and causing confusion among their troops.

The Muslims' victory was bolstered by the steadfastness of Muhammad and the small group of companions surrounding him. This victory was foretold in the Quran with the verse: "Allah has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the day of Hunayn, when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth was confining for you with its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing" (Quran 9:25).

However, the Muslims did not achieve this significant victory easily; they paid a steep price for it. Perhaps they would not have paid this price had they not initially retreated and faced defeat. Abu Sufyan himself commented that nothing but the sea could stop the Muslims. They paid this high price with the lives of their brave men who were martyred in the battle. While the exact number of casualties is not recorded in the historical accounts, it is mentioned that two Muslim tribes were almost annihilated during the battle. The Prophet Muhammad prayed for their souls, hoping that God would grant them entry into paradise.

Nonetheless, the victory was complete. The Muslims triumphed over their adversaries, gaining spoils of war and capturing more than they had expected. Victory in any struggle, regardless of the cost, is the ultimate goal, and that's why the Muslims rejoiced in what God had bestowed upon them. They eagerly awaited the division of the spoils and the return with the booty.

Muhammad, however, desired a victory that was more magnificent and illustrious. Malik ibn Auf al-Nasri, the one who had led the confederates, sought refuge in Ta'if after their defeat. The Prophet saw an opportunity for a siege, a tactic he had employed at the battle of Khaybar after the Battle of Uhud and during the siege of Banu Qurayza in Medina. It was this relentless determination and unwavering faith that had brought the Muslims to this point, a far cry from the days when Muhammad had gone to Ta'if alone, vulnerable, and rejected by its people.

The Siege of Ta'if

Muhammad ordered his companions to march towards Ta'if to lay siege to it, with the aim of pressuring the leader of the confederates, Malik ibn Auf. Ta'if was a fortified city with gates that could be closed, similar to many Arab cities during that era. Its residents were knowledgeable about siege warfare and possessed significant wealth, which made their fortifications even more impenetrable. As the Muslims approached Ta'if, they passed by a place called "Balya," where there was a private fortress belonging to Malik ibn Auf. The Muslims demolished it during their march, and they also damaged a wall belonging to a man from Ta'if.

Upon reaching Ta'if, the Prophet instructed his army to camp nearby and convened a meeting with his companions to discuss their next steps. However, the people of Ta'if, observing the Muslims from the heights of their fortifications, took action against them and killed several of the Muslim forces. It was not easy for the Muslims to breach these formidable fortifications unless they resorted to unconventional methods, similar to what they had done during the sieges of the Banu Quraiza fortress in Medina and the Battle of Khaybar.

The question arose: Should the Muslims continue with the siege, hoping that the people of Ta'if would surrender due to hunger, or should they attempt to assault the city using new tactics? These were matters that required careful consideration and time. The army withdrew from the range of the projectiles to avoid casualties among the Muslims and to allow the Prophet Muhammad time to deliberate.

The Prophet Muhammad made the decision to relocate the army away from the range of Ta'if's projectiles. The Muslims, however, were faced with a dilemma: should they continue with the siege in hopes of starving Ta'if into submission, or should they employ new tactics in their assault on the city? These were complex matters that required thoughtful consideration. Thus, the Muslim army withdrew from the immediate vicinity of Ta'if to protect themselves from the projectiles. It was during this time that the people of Ta'if surrendered and embraced Islam.

The siege of Ta'if did not end in an assault but through a strategic withdrawal of the Muslims and the eventual surrender of the city's inhabitants. This marked a peaceful conclusion to the campaign against Ta'if, which was a significant event in early Islamic history.

The Siege of Ta'if - The Use of Trebuchets

The Muslims set up their camp, waiting to see what Allah would ordain for them and their adversaries. One of the Arab Bedouins said to the Prophet, "Ta'if is like a fox in its den; there is no way to force it out except through prolonged siege. If you leave it be, it won't harm you". Muhammad found it difficult to leave Ta'if without achieving any gains or inflicting any harm upon its inhabitants.

Among the Muslims was a member of the Banu Daws tribe who possessed knowledge of using trebuchets and attacking fortifications while protecting siege engines. He had accompanied Muhammad since the conquest of Khaybar. The Prophet Muhammad sent him to his tribe to seek their assistance. They sent a group of their men, along with their siege equipment, to aid the Muslims in the siege of Ta'if.

After four days of siege, the Muslims employed trebuchets to launch projectiles towards Ta'if and sent out siege engines to approach its walls, hoping to breach them. However, the people of Ta'if were skilled in defense and forced the Muslims to retreat by using red-hot iron pieces heated in fire to burn the siege engines. Fearing for their safety, the Muslim soldiers fled from under the burning machines. The people of Ta'if then hurled stones at them, killing a group of them.

Despite their efforts, the Muslims were unable to overcome the formidable defenses of Ta'if. The city's residents proved to be resourceful in defending their fortifications, making it difficult for the Muslim forces to breach the walls.

Cutting Down and Burning the Vineyards

What could they do next? Muhammad contemplated this question at length. Hadn't he already triumphed over the Banu Nadir and their lush orchards by setting them ablaze? The vineyards of Ta'if held even greater value than the date palms of the Banu Nadir. These vineyards were renowned throughout the Arab lands for their richness, and they made Ta'if an oasis amidst the surrounding deserts, often likened to a paradise.

Muhammad gave the order, and the Muslims began to carry out his command – they cut down and set fire to the vineyards. The fame and prosperity of these vineyards lived on even to this day, a testament to the thoroughness with which they were destroyed.

The people of Ta'if witnessed this and were convinced that Muhammad was resolute in his actions. They sent a message to him, suggesting that he could take the vineyards for himself if he wished or leave them for the sake of kinship. Muhammad granted his men more time. Then, he made a proclamation in Ta'if, offering freedom to anyone from Ta'if who had come to him seeking refuge. Approximately twenty people from Ta'if responded to this call.

Among them, he recognized individuals who possessed a stockpile of ammunition stored within the fortifications. Seeing this, Muhammad realized that the siege could be protracted, and his forces might soon grow impatient, eager to share the spoils they had acquired. Moreover, it was the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah, during which fighting was prohibited. Thus, after a month of the siege, Muhammad chose to lift it. Dhul-Qa'dah had arrived, and he returned with his army, having performed 'Umrah. He had plans to march on Ta'if once the sacred months had concluded.

The Hawazin Delegation Reclaims Their Captives

After the siege of Ta'if, Muhammad and the Muslims departed from the city and headed to Mecca, stopping at a place called Al-Ja'ranah; there, they left behind the spoils of war and the captives they had taken. At this point, they began dividing their shares.

Muhammad took one-fifth of the spoils for himself and distributed the rest among his companions. While they were at Al-Ja'ranah, a delegation from the Hawazin tribe, who had embraced Islam, came to Muhammad. They hoped to have their wealth and women and children returned to them after their prolonged separation and the hardships they had endured.

One of the delegates addressed Muhammad, saying, "O Messenger of Allah, among your kinsfolk, are women who used to care for you. If we had ransomed Al-Harith ibn Abi Shimr or An-Nu'man ibn Al-Mundhir, and then one of us came with an equivalent sum, we would hope for his clemency and support. You are the best of those we could turn to for help".

These men were not mistaken in reminding Muhammad of their familial ties and closeness to him. Such acts of kindness and generosity were typical of Muhammad when dealing with anyone who extended their hand to him at any time.

Upon hearing their plea, Muhammad asked them, "Are your sons and wives dearer to you or your wealth?" They replied, "O Messenger of Allah, you are given the choice between our wealth and our families. We value our families more". Muhammad then said, "What belongs to the sons of 'Abdul-Muttalib and me is yours."

Muhammad ordered that the captives and possessions be returned to them. However, some individuals from the Hawazin tribe, such as Al-Aqra' ibn Habis from the Tameem tribe and 'Uyaynah ibn Hisn from the Banu Saleem tribe, refused to accept Muhammad's terms. Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib also refused to comply on behalf of the Banu Saleem.

At this point, Muhammad clarified that anyone who held onto their rightful share of the spoils would be responsible for six additional obligations for each person who had been injured during the initial capture. This decision was made to discourage any unfair practices in distributing the spoils. He sternly warned against taking anything unfairly, even if it was as small as a needle, as such actions would bring disgrace, punishment, and the eternal burning fire on the Day of Judgment.

With these words, Muhammad expressed his anger at those who had hesitated to return his belongings and challenged them, "Return my garments, O people! By Allah, if you possessed as many camels as the Thaqif, I would have distributed them among you. You should not have alleged me of stinginess or cowardice or lying".

Subsequently, Muhammad generously divided the spoils of war, giving each of the six influential leaders, including Abu Sufyan and his son Muawiyah, a hundred camels. Other chiefs and leaders from various tribes were also granted livestock. The total number of recipients who received camels was in the tens. Muhammad displayed remarkable compassion and generosity on that day, causing even his former adversaries to praise him.

Muhammad asked the Hawazin delegation about the whereabouts of Malik ibn 'Awf An-Nasri. When he learned that Malik was still in Ta'if with the Thaqif tribe, Muhammad instructed them to convey his message to Malik. He promised that if Malik embraced Islam, he would return his family and wealth, along with a hundred camels, to him as a gesture of goodwill.

Upon hearing Muhammad's message, Malik hurriedly set off from Ta'if and managed to join the Prophet. He declared his faith in Islam, and Muhammad fulfilled his promise by returning his family, wealth, and camels to him. This act further solidified the trust and loyalty between Muhammad and the Hawazin tribe.

The Ansar and Their Generosity with Hearts Full of Love

The actions of the Prophet Muhammad had a profound impact on the hearts of those who were once his enemies, and this made the Ansar (the Muslim residents of Medina) speak highly of him. They would say to each other, "The Messenger of Allah has truly met his people".

One day, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas felt the need to convey the sentiments of the Ansar to the Prophet Muhammad. He proposed that the Prophet gather the Ansar in a specific location so that he could address them and express his support for them. Sa'd gathered the Ansar, and the following dialogue took place:

Prophet Muhammad: "O Ansar, what can you say about the kindness you have found within yourselves and that which you have seen in me? Hasn't Allah guided you through my mission and removed your hardships? Hasn't Allah reconciled your hearts, even though you were once in error, needy, and adversaries?"

The Ansar: "Indeed, Allah and His Messenger have brought us security and excellence".

Prophet Muhammad: "Won't you respond to me, O Ansar?"

The Ansar: "With what shall we respond to you, O Messenger of Allah, when Allah and His Messenger have granted us goodness and virtue?"

Prophet Muhammad: "By Allah, if you wished, you could have said that you agreed and supported me. You came to me as deniers, and I confirmed you; as refugees, I gave you refuge; as those in need, I provided for you; as allies, I strengthened you. O Ansar, do you not agree that people return with sheep and camels while you return with the Messenger of Allah to your homes? By the One in Whose hand Muhammad's soul rests, if not for emigration, I would have been one of the Ansar. If the people followed one route and the Ansar took another, I would follow the path of the Ansar. O Allah, have mercy on the Ansar, their children, and the children of their children".

The Prophet spoke these words with great emotion, and his affection for those who had pledged allegiance to him, supported him, honored him, and held him dear was evident. The Ansar were deeply moved, and some of them wept. They responded, "We are content with the Messenger of Allah's share and portion".

The Prophet also displayed a desire for this wealth, which had come unexpectedly and surpassed any previous gains. He used it as a means to win the hearts of those who had recently converted to Islam, showcasing the happiness of this world and the Hereafter under the new faith. Although Muhammad had allocated his share of this wealth, some Muslims began to accuse him of being miserly. However, his decision to allocate these riches to newcomers softened the hearts of the Ansar.

Muhammad's sense of justice and fairness, along with his wise political acumen, enabled him to bring these thousands of Arabs together, all content with their shares and satisfied with their own selves. He was prepared to dedicate his life to the path of Allah.

After completing his pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad appointed 'Attab ibn Asid as the ruler of Mecca and entrusted Ma'adh ibn Jabal with the responsibility of teaching the people their religion and the Quran. Then, he, along with the Ansar and the Muhajirun (the Muslim emigrants), set out for Medina. His purpose was to spend time there, hoping for the birth of his son Ibrahim, and to enjoy a period of tranquility before preparing for the Tabuk expedition to Sham (Greater Syria).