Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futiihushdm
It is sharp and glittering, I will set you all aright,
And drive you away through Allah s Words might.
(fJirar literally means great harmer - translator s note).
Khalid ~ remained at the Eastern Gate. When his men launched an attack, the
Romans vowed, "We will fight to the last man and will not let our women and
children fall into their hands," and started firing arrows. Both sides fired arrows and
stones from catapults to such an extent that most of the men on both sides were
wounded.
'Abdurahman bin Humayd arrived with AbU Bakr's ~ letter when Khalid ~ and
Rafi' bin 'Umayrah were engaged in combat at the Eastern Gate. He headed towards
the Eastern Gate where he handed the letter to Khalid ~ who was very pleased to
read it and announced to the Muslims the coming of AbU Sufyan ~, 'Amr bin
Ma'dikarab az-Zubaydi ~ and their army. The news spread throughout the army.
The Muslims fought the whole day. Then at night-fall the two parties separated, with
every Muslim general maintaining his position at his appointed gate. Khalid ~ had
AbU Bakr's ~ letter read out at each gate causing the Muslims great joy to hear of
the coming reinforcements. The night was spent in anticipation of the morning's
battle while each division appointed men to guard their own camp . .Qiriir ~ spent the
whole night patrolling the whole army, in case the enemy should attack.
The Muslims passed the night raising their voices with the cry of, "Alliihu Akbar!
Allahu Akbar!" While the Romans too were calling out their special words and
shouting. They hung flags from the city walls, rang bells and burnt such fires that
turned the night into day.
45) The Damascenes go to Thomas
The Damascenes gathered by the city-chiefs and elders and said, "What should we
do?" Some said, "It is better that we offer the Muslims whatever amount they want
for peace." Others supported this and said, "Yes, at Ajnadayn they were able to face
armies that included patricians and the imperial family. Despite the Roman army
being bigger, they ground them like grain. We do not have greater numbers here nor
fighting skills, so how can we face them?" Still others opined that Heraclius's sonin-law,
Thomas, should be asked for his opinion. Whether he decided on surrender or
fighting, .they would agree. They went and found armed soldiers at Thomas's gate,
who asked them, "Why have you come?"
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