Author: Zaid
The Biography of the sword of Allah “Khalid bin Walid”, MAPH, (Part 20)
Making the first catapult in Islam
It was at that time that Hazrat Salman Farsi (MAPH) suggested to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that catapults be made and thrown at that castle from a distance. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) welcomed this proposal and assigned several of his companions, one of whom was Urwa bin Masoud, to learn how to make catapults, and catapults were made and installed around the castle to be used when the attack was announced.
The departure of the Islamic army to Jaranah
After besieging the people of Taif in that fort for several days, the Prophet, PBUH, did not intend to continue fighting with them; Because he knew that they do not have the endurance to defend and will definitely surrender; Therefore, they ordered his dear companions to move towards Jaaranah region and divide the spoils obtained from Hawazen’s campaign among themselves.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, says: In that siege, the Muslims did not gain anything; Therefore, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered to leave the battle and be ready that we will return tomorrow. Muslims asked: Will we return without conquest? The Prophet, PBUH, said: «اغدوا على القتال غداً» Tomorrow we will return to fight again. The Companions of the Prophet, PBUH, were pleased with this statement, and the Prophet, PBUH, smiled and made this supplication for the people of Taif and returned: «اللهم اهدهم واكفنا مؤنتهم» Lord! Guide them and relieve us of their burdens and hardships.
Conclusion
When the Holy Prophet, PBUH, lived in the city of Makkah and had just been sent to the high position of prophethood, thinking that the people of Taif are intelligent and thoughtful people, he traveled to their city and invited them to the Almighty Allah. But not only did they not accept his invitation; Rather, they allowed all kinds of harassment on the head of the Holy Prophet, PBUH, and expelled him from the city of Taif by throwing stones at his face. But the Holy Prophet (PBUH) blamed himself for their evil behavior and prayed to the Almighty Allah to guide them.
The Prophet, PBUH, did not forget that heartbreaking scene, and during the siege of the castle, they could have brought a great calamity to the people of Taif. But in spite of their power, they did not attack them and with expediency and calmness, they convinced them to convert to Islam and surrender.