Islamic History
Rabbe (Lât) and Her Keeper
The polytheistic Quraysh had designated Uzza as their deity, similarly the Thaqif had designated Rabbe (Lât) as theirs. The polytheistic Quraysh venerated Uzza the most from among the deities, then Lâf, and then Manat. [136] Lât was a four-cornered, white, and smooth rock in Ta’if; it was located where the left minaret of the Ta’if mosque stands. Initially, a Jew would sell oil and milk to pilgrims on top of the Lât rock, making a firm decision. [137] According to tradition, Lât was a man from the Thaqif who, when he died, Amr b. Luhayy said, “He has not died, but rather entered into the rock!” and ordered the Thaqif to worship him and build a structure on top of him. “Your Lord has entered this rock!” he said. He erected an idol for the Thaqif to worship on top of it. [138] The caretaker of Lâf was Attâb b. Malik from among the Thaqif. [139]