The battle of Hunain ever reminds historians of another interesting incident which took place while it was in progress. Shaiba(ra), a resident of Mecca and in the service of the Ka’ba, took part in the encounter on the side of the enemy. He says that he had only one aim before him in this battle—that when the two armies met, he would find an opportunity to kill the Prophet(sa). He was determined that even if the whole world joined the Prophet(sa) (let alone the whole of Arabia), he would stand out and continue to oppose Islam. When fighting became brisk, Shaiba(ra) drew his sword and started advancing towards the Prophet(sa). As he came very near, he became unnerved. His determination began to shake. "When I got very near the Prophet(sa)," says Shaiba(ra), "I seemed to see a flame threatening to consume me. I then heard the voice of the Prophet(sa) saying, 'Shaiba(ra), come near me.' When I got near, the Prophet(sa) moved his hand over my chest in great affection. As he did so, he said, 'God, relieve Shaiba(ra) of all satanic thought'." With this little touch of affection Shaiba(ra) changed. His hostility and enmity evaporated, and from that moment Shaiba(ra) held the Prophet(sa) dearer than anything else in the world. As Shaiba(ra) changed, the Prophet(sa) invited him to come forward and fight. "At that moment," says Shaiba(ra), "I had but one thought, and that was to die for the sake of the Prophet(sa). Even if my father had come my way, I would have hesitated not a moment to thrust my sword in his chest" (Halbiyya).
The Prophet(sa) then marched towards Ta’if, the town which had stoned him and driven him out. The Prophet(sa) besieged the town, but accepting the suggestion of some friends abandoned the siege. Later, the people of Ta’if joined Islam voluntarily.