Detailed Account of the Siege of Ta'if

After the Battle of Hunayn, the defeated Thaqif retreated behind the formidable walls of Ta'if, a mountain city known for its strong fortifications, abundant agriculture, and cool climate. The Prophet besieged the city for approximately eighteen to forty days (reports vary). The Muslims employed a testudo formation (dabbabah) to approach the walls and attempted to breach them, but the defenders poured molten metal and shot arrows, killing several Muslims. The Prophet also tried cutting down their grape vines and palm trees to pressure them, then stopped and offered freedom to any slave who came out of the city. About fifteen slaves escaped and joined the Muslims. When it became clear the siege could not succeed without unacceptable casualties, the Prophet lifted the siege and withdrew. Companions asked him to curse Thaqif, but instead he prayed: 'O Allah, guide Thaqif and bring them to Islam.' Within a year, the Thaqif sent a delegation to Medina and accepted Islam voluntarily.