Nisma Rafiq

Saudi Gazette

 

Everyone loves adventure and discovering something new, and Taif—a popular summer resort for many people in the Kingdom renowned for its mild temperature and beautiful sweet smelling flowers—is the place where adventure can be found.



Taif is cold during this time of the year and those who love winter often travel to Taif to enjoy the cold weather. The city—resting on the slopes of the Sarawat mountain range hundreds of meters above Makkah—is rich in history, culture and natural beauty.



For people who live in Jeddah with its bustling roads, busy city life and monotonous work routine, Taif is the place to go to unwind, relax and breathe fresh mountain air.



It is the city where time stops and history has been preserved. Unlike Saudi Arabia’s other cities that are adorned with skyscrapers and international companies, Taif is humble and home to small local businesses and parks.



Situated in the western Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia, Taif is to the south of Jeddah and a short distance away from Makkah. Most visitors who come to Taif tend to spend a few days in the hillside resorts in the Al-Shifa and Al-Hada areas of the city. The holy city of Makkah can also be seen from the hills along Al-Hada.



However, most visitors hardly know about a historical place that is situated in Taif from the time of the Prophet (pbuh) called Wadi al-Mithannah—this is an ancient valley between two hills to the south of the present city. This area was in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) in the centre of Taif, but is now on the outskirts of the modern city.



Wadi al-Mithannah—which can be accessed via Taif’s main thoroughfare Wadi Waj Street—is a place of historical importance, but not many people know what actually took place here?



There are two old and unused mosques along Wadi Al-Mithannah. Both mosques are small and under the care of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. Tourists often visit this area but many do not know its significance.



“It is the place where an old woman used to throw garbage on Prophet (pbuh) from her home,” said a woman who was standing close to a hill along the valley. Her husband agreed.



“I am not sure exactly what the history of this place is, but I know it has some religious and historical importance,” said a young boy who then enthusiastically hiked up the mountain.



“It is the place where the Prophet (pbuh) took refuge when he came to Taif,” said an old man. Another woman disagreed and said this was the place where a woman, who used to throw garbage on the doorstep of the Prophet (pbuh), lived.



Another person said, “Wadi Al-Mithannah is the place where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was stoned by the people of Taif.”



In spite of its significance, not many people visiting the area really knew its history or significance. The actual history, as mentioned by historians and scholars, is that in the 10th year of his prophethood following the death of his uncle, Abu Talib, the Prophet (pbuh)—oppressed by the Quraysh—travelled to Taif to gain the support of the tribes of Hawazeen and Thafiq.



He visited three chieftains, all of whom treated him harshly and refused to listen to him. As he left, they set the street urchins on him who pelted him with stones so much that his sandals were clogged to his feet with blood.



A short distance away, having left the city walls, he took refuge in an orchard where the owners, feeling pity for him, allowed him to rest in a hut.



It was here that Jibraeel visited the Prophet and said that if you wish he could command the angel overseeing the two hills to collide and destroy the entire town.



The Prophet (pbuh) feeling pity for the people in spite of their harshness refused and said that if they do not accept Islam then someone from their progeny would.



Unfortunately, there is no one along Wadi Al-Mithannah to inform visitors of the history of this location.



A small mosque now stands where the small hut once was and where the Prophet (pbuh) rested and took refuge.



It is a small yet beautiful mosque with a low ceiling and no air conditioning. Likewise, another small mosque is situated further down the road (around 200 meters) where the Prophet (pbuh) preached to the three chiefs of Taif.



This is the history of Taif, the significance of which people are unaware, yet curious to know.