Tā’if — the Most Difficult of Days

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Contents

Our beloved Messenger ﷺ was stoned!He didn’t respond to the attack in anger (ﷺ)What we learn from the events of Tā’if Action points

The Prophet’s journey (ﷺ) to Tā’if is a vivid illustration of personal courage, faith, and the transformative power of patience in the face of rejection.

This pivotal event, unfolding roughly three years before the Hijra, resonates deeply even today, offering lessons for anyone navigating life’s inevitable difficulties.

Our beloved Messenger ﷺ was stoned!

Driven by a desire to spread his message (ﷺ) and seeking refuge from the non-stop persecution he faced in Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ set his sights on Tā’if, a nearby town.

Filled with hope of finding a receptive audience, he instead encountered a harsh reality — scorn, rejection, and physical harm.

Not only did the people of Tā’if refuse to listen, but they also unleashed a mob that pelted him with stones, leaving him badly wounded and deeply saddened.

He didn’t respond to the attack in anger (ﷺ)

Amidst this physical and emotional pain, the Prophet ﷺ sought solace in a nearby garden.

Here, we witness a profoundly human moment. He raised his hands in prayer, not to condemn the people of Tā’if, but to seek mercy and guidance from Allah.

The words of his prayer (ﷺ), filled with humility and strength, were documented as follows:

“O Allah! I complain to You of my weakness, my scarcity of resources and humiliation before the people.

“O Most Merciful! The Lord of the weak and my Lord, too! To whom have You entrusted me? To one who does not care for me? Or have You appointed my enemy as master of my affairs?

“So as long as You are not angry with me, I care not. Your favour is abundant for me.

“I seek refuge in the light of Your Face, by which all darkness is dispelled and every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest Your anger or Your displeasure descend upon me. I desire Your pleasure and satisfaction until You are pleased.

“There is no power (to do good) and no might (to refrain from evil), except with You.” [1]

An incredibly beautiful du’ā, this was an embodiment of his faith (ﷺ) in the wisdom and compassion of Allah. This moment of vulnerability showcases the Prophetic example of how to respond to hardship with graceful supplication.

What we learn from the events of Tā’if

This incident teaches us a powerful truth: the path towards righteousness is rarely smooth.

And success is not measured solely by immediate results, but by the strength of our faith and the effort we continue to put in. The Prophet’s experience and his response (ﷺ) highlights the importance of trusting in al-Alīm (the All-knowing), especially when faced with what feel like impossible situations.

Here, there is also a powerful lesson in forgiveness.

Instead of seeking revenge upon those who wronged him, the Prophet ﷺ chose to respond with compassion, reflecting his perfect moral character and the core message of his teachings.

Action points

Remember, the events of Tā’if are not merely a historical event. They're a timeless guide to handling painful experiences.
By embodying patience, compassion, and faith, we can turn our struggles into strength and wisdom.
If you don't feel pain when learning about what the Prophet ﷺ endured in Tā’if, ask yourself how to elevate your faith.