Expedition of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb

Expedition of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb or the Demolition of al-Lat, occurred in the same year as the Battle of Tabuk[1] (which occurred in October 630 AD[2] ). Muhammad sent Abu Sufyan[3] with a group armed men to destroy the Idol Allāt (also referred to as al-Tagiyyah) that was worshipped by the citizens of Taif.[citation needed] The destruction of the idol was a demand by Muhammad before any reconciliation could take place with the citizens of Taif.

Quotes

• the Messenger of God dispatched Abu Sufyan b. Harb and al Mughirah b. Shu’bah to demolish al-Taghiyyah. The two traveled with the deputation until they approached al-Ta’if, at which point al-Mughirah asked Abü Sufyån to precede him. Abu Sufyan refused, saying, “Go to your kinsfolk yourself,” and stayed at his estate in Dhû al-Harm. When al-Mughirah b. Shu’bah entered [al-Ta’if], he mounted the idol and struck it with a pick axe while his folk, the Banu Mu’attib, stood by him, fearing that he might be shot at or struck as Urwah had been. The women of Thaqif came out with their heads uncovered and said, lamenting the loss of the] idol…
  • The History of al-Ṭabarī, Vol-9, p.46

• While al-Mughirah was striking the idol with the axe, Abū Sufyan was saying, “Alas for you, alas!” When al-Mughirah had demolished it, he took its treasure and ornamentations and sent [it] to Abū Sufyän. Its ornamentation was made up of various items, while its treasure consisted of gold and onyx.
  • The History of al-Ṭabarī, Vol-9, p.46

• Come not to Allat, for God hath doomed her to destruction; How can you stand by one which doth not triumph? Verily that which, when set on fire, resisted not the flames, Nor saved her stones, is inglorious and worthless. Hence when the Apostle in your place shall arrive. And then leave, not one of her votaries shall be left.
  • Kitāb al-ʾAṣnām, translated by Nabih Amin Faris, p.16

External links

• Encyclopedic article on Expedition of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb on Wikipedia