The Battle of Hunain

Once Mekah was taken over and Islam spread far and wide, most Arab tribes had embraced Islam. The only ones left were Hawazin and Thaqif tribes.

The Hawazin clan lived south of Mekah. They had vast experience in war, and plotted a plan to destroy Muslims.

They conspired with the Thaqif clan who lived in Taif, a village east of Mekah.

However Prophet Muhammad got wind of the conspiration and prepared an army of 10,000 soldiers. Some Muslims were in awe and felt confident their large army will win.

The Hawazin and Thaqif soldiers were led by a young warrior named Malik bin Auf. He ordered all the women, children and belongings be brought out during the war. This was to give the army motivation and spur them to defend their wives, children and possessions.

This plan was objected by an older leader, but was accepted by the others. They hid in a few places in the Hunain valley just outside Mekah. This was where the Muslims would pass through.

So when the Muslims passed through, the enemy started hurling rocks at them from the hills above. The Muslims started running away, but Prophet Muhammad and his companions did not budge. Eventually Saidina Al-Abas called for his army to attack and the battle took place.

The enemies were defeated and all their wives, children and belongings were captured. A group of them met Prophet Muhammad and begged for release of their family and belongings. The Prophet asked them to choose between their family or possessions. They chose family.

Prophet Muhammad ordered the release of women and children. Soon after, the Hawazin and Thaqif tribe converted to Islam.