Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

To : Merciful Caesar
From: Your son-in-law, Thomas
Part 1:Damascus
The 'Arabs have come upon us like the white of an eye
surrounding the pupil. They massacred the Ajnddayn army and
then returned to us and killed many of us. I went out against
them but lost my eye, so now I have resolved to surrender and
render Jizyah to the 'Arabs. You should either come here
yourself or send reinforcements or order us to make peace with
them, for indeed our difficulties have intensified.
He then folded it, sealed it and sent it off.
In the morning the Muslims began preparing for battle. Khalid ~ sent a message to
each general ordering him to attack from his position. So AbU 'Ubaydah ~ mounted
his horse and launched an attack. Matters became so bad for Damascus that the
people begged Khalid ~ for respite. He refused and insisted on battle. The situation
continued like this until the siege began severely pressing the Damascenes who were
waiting for Caesar's order. They gathered and said to each other, "We cannot bear
this any longer. If we go out to fight the' Arabs they will overcome us and if we leave
them the siege will just worsen. Therefore, let us agree to peace on their terms."
An old man who had read the ancient scriptures said, "0 my people, I swear by God
that even if Caesar comes with his whole army, he will not be able to defend you
from them. I have read in the Book that Muhammad is the seal of the Prophets and
that his religion will conquer every other religion. So it will be better if you submit
and give them whatever they want." They inclined towards him because of his great
learning and knowledge of predictions of the future wars and said, "What is your
opinion, for that man at the Eastern Gate is a great bloodshedder."
Old man: If you wish this, then go to the man at al-Jabiyah Gate where someone who
knows' Arabic should call out loudly, "0 'Arabs, safety!" until we go down to them
and speak to their general.
AbO Hurayrah .• narrates:
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ had stationed men near the gates fearing a raid like that of the
previous night. That night was the tum of Banu Daws under' Amir bin at-Iufayl ad-
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