Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Rifi'ah bin Qays narrates:
Part 1:Damascus
I asked my father, Qays, who was present at the conquest of Damascus, "Did the
Muslims attack on foot or on horseback on the day you conquered Damascus?"
He replied, "Besides .Qirar's 2,000 horsemen who were patrolling the city borders to
avoid sudden enemy attacks, all the Muslims went on foot. Whenever he reached a
gate he would stop and say, "Be patient, be patient against Allah's enemies.
Tomorrow on the Day of Judgement, you will be resurrected in the shade of Allah's
mercy. If they come out of the city walls then Allah is quite capable of punishing
them from above or below. If Allah wills, you will conquer."
Rifi'ah continues: The two sides engaged each other, the archers fired and the
Romans fired a shower of arrows and catapulted rocks from the fort but the Muslims
remained firm. Thomas then came out of the gate bearing his name. He was
renowned in Damascus as a great worshipper, ascetic, warrior and sage. No greater
worshipper or ascetic could be found in the cities of the Christians, nor did they
consider anyone more pious than him. Now he came in a great state, carrying a huge
cross which he implanted at the tower. All the patricians and important Christians
surrounded him. Someone else was carrying a Bible, which was also placed by the
cross. The Christians started shouting, of which some words could be perceived.
Thomas put his hand on a verse of the Bible and said, "0 God, help him who is on
the truth. Grant us victory and deliver us not unto the enemy. Destroy the wrongdoers,
You know them well. 0 God, we seek your help in the name of the Cross and
through the intercession of Him who was crucified, displayed divine signs and
miracles, sought Your closeness, is always with You, came to this world and then
returned and brought us the Gospel from You. Grant victory to the guided ones."
All the Christians said, "Amen."
Rifi'ah says: Shurahbil bin Hasanah narrated that to me. At that time he and
Romanus, the governor of Bugra, were at the Thomas Gate. Romanus listened and
translated into 'Arabic. These words of Disbelief and accusation against 'Isa bin
Maryam ~\ enraged Shurahbil ~ and the Muslims so they asked Allah's protection
(from such evil words) and advanced to attack. Shurahbil ~ shouted, "0 accursed
one, you have lied! 'Isa ~\ is just like Adam ~\ according to Allah. He created him
from earth, kept him alive and then took him."
He then attacked.
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