THE HOLY PROPHET’S (PBUH) JOURNEY TO TAIF
After the death of Hazrat Abu Talib, the Quresh were creating serious difficulties for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Therefore, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) decided to go to Taif to preach Islam. Taif was about 30 KMs from Makkah. He left for Taif with Hazrat Zaid Bin Harith (R.A). it was in the month of Shawwal and the tenth year of the Prophethood.
He was hopeful about the positive response from the people of Taif. Contrary to his expectations, the people of Taif did not welcome him. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) approached the three brothers, all chieftains of Thaqif Tribe. He invited them to embrace Islam and worship Allah, but they refused his invitation.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) left the chiefs and looked for the common people who would open their heart to Allah’s message but no one was interested. Each person he met proved arrogant, unfriendly and behaved rudely. Instead of accepting his call to Islam, they asked him to leave Taif. They even provoked children and slaves against him. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) made his way out of the town, the crowd ran after him and threw stones at him. He was so badly injured that his feet got wet with blood. Hazrat Zaid (R.A) tried to protect the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and was wounded in the head.
Heart-broken and depressed, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) set out on the way back to Makkah. When He reached Qarn Al-Manazil, Allah Almighty sent to him Hazrat Jibrail (A.S) along with the angel of mountains. Hazrat Jibrail (A.S) said, O’ Prophet (PBUH) of Allah, Allah knows what these people have done to you. If you wish I will ask the Angel of these mountains to crush the people of Taif between the two hills.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH), however, was not looking for revenge. Even at this time of extreme pain, the merciful Prophet (PBUH) prayed to Alla h Almighty, O, Allah, forgive them as they know not what they are doing. Even if they do not hear the call, there will be people from their children who will embrace Islam. Thus the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself has set a very high standard of forgiveness.
Written By:
Sharafat Sheikh
Blogger: Film Annex
(shaafi74786@gmail.com)
