قبیلہ ثقیف اور طائف : عرب تاریخ کے درخشاں پہلو

The Tribe of Thaqīf and Ṭāʾif: Brilliant Aspects of Arab History

Abstract

The Thaqīf tribe and the city of Ṭāʾif hold significant importance in the political history of pre-Islamic and early Islamic Arabia. The Thaqīf tribe, known for its warrior culture, resided in Ṭāʾif, a prosperous city located near Makkah. Ṭāʾif was a key economic and strategic center due to its fertile lands and its control over important trade routes. Politically, the Thaqīf tribe was strong and maintained independence in pre-Islamic times. During the rise of Islam, the tribe resisted the Prophet Muḥammad’s (PBUH) message and took part in conflicts against the Muslims, including the Battle of Ḥunayn. Despite initial resistance, Ṭāʾif was eventually besieged by Muslim forces, though it remained defiant until 9 AH (630 CE) when the Thaqīf tribe finally embraced Islam. After accepting Islam, the Thaqīf tribe became integrated into the Islamic state and played a role in the expanding Islamic empire. The city of Ṭāʾif continued to grow in importance during the Caliphate era, both as a trading hub and as a strategic military post. The political history of the Thaqīf tribe and Ṭāʾif reflects the broader transitions in Arabia during the emergence of Islam, from independent tribal politics to integration within a unified Islamic polity.