Journey to Taif

In the 10th year of prophethood, after the passing of his protective uncle Abu Talib and beloved wife Khadijah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا , the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced increasing persecution in Makkah. With his previous support gone, he sought refuge in the nearby city of Taif, hoping to find a safe place to spread the message of Islam. To avoid attracting attention, the Prophet ﷺ and his adopted son, Zayd ibn Harithah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, made the journey on foot rather than using horses or camels.

Upon reaching Taif, the Prophet ﷺ approached the leaders of the Thaqif tribe—three brothers: Abd Yalil, Mas'ud, and Habib. These brothers had united to govern Taif after their father's death, with the Thaqif tribe being a significant rival to the Quraysh. However, instead of receiving support, the leaders mocked the Prophet ﷺ and incited the townspeople to drive him out. As he left, he was pelted with stones, enduring both physical and emotional pain. Despite this harsh treatment, the Prophet ﷺ remained steadfast, turning to Allah for strength and guidance.

After the painful rejection in Taif, the Prophet ﷺ found refuge in an orchard owned by his distant uncles, Utbah and Shaybah banu Rabi'ah. There, he poured out his heart in prayer, seeking Allah’s mercy and guidance, not revenge. Allah responded by sending the angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ, along with Malak al-Jibal, offering the Prophet ﷺ the chance to destroy the people of Taif. Yet, he declined, hoping for a future where their descendants might embrace Islam. In the orchard, a Christian servant named Addas conversed with the Prophet ﷺ and embraced Islam. On his way back to Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ camped in the Valley of Nakhla, where a group of jinn listened to his recitation during tahajjud, converting to Islam and becoming "Warners" to others.

Though the journey to Taif ended without immediate success, it was a defining moment for the Prophet ﷺ, showcasing his patience, resilience, and mercy. Before returning to Makkah, he received protection from the nobleman Mut’im ibn Adi, enabling him to re-enter the city safely. While the rejection at Taif was a setback, it fortified the Prophet’s ﷺ resolve and set the stage for future victories, including the eventual migration to Madinah.