Muhammad allegedly copies the Roman Testudo formation …

Years: 631 - 631
January

Muhammad allegedly copies the Roman Testudo formation in the siege of Taif, but it is reported that the Taif inhabitants broke the siege by dropping hot irons upon the Muslim armies from the city walls.

Mohammad threatens to burn and cut down the vineyard, as he sees no other way to force the people of Taif to surrender.

He offers amnesty to those who surrenders themselves to Islam, but only twenty people surrender and become followers of Muhammad.

The siege goes on for half a month and some soldiers are becoming impatient.

Muhammad desires to get the chief of the Banu Hawazan (called Malik) on his side, and promises that his family will be released and all his property given back, if he embraces Islam.

He accepts the offer and becomes a Muslim and engages in a constant warfare with the citizens of Taif.

Malik captures their cattle's wherever they graze, putting the defenders in a difficult situation.

Although the siege is unsuccessful, Muhammad vows to return to Ta'if after the sacred months in which fighting is forbidden are over.

During this period, the inhabitants of Ta'if, the Banu Thaqif, send a delegation to Mecca and beg Muhammad to let them continue to worship their Goddess Al-lāt for a period of three years.

Muhammad refused the proposal, he will only accept their surrender if they agree to adopt Islam immediately and let the Muslims destroy their temple.

Eventually the Banu Thaqif consent to Muhammad's demands.

Related Events

Filter results