Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futuhushdm
I have appointed you over the affairs of the Muslims, so do not
be shy, for Allah is not shy when it comes to the Truth. I advise
you tofear Allah Who will remain and besides Whom everything
will perish. It is He who took you out of Disbelief into Faith and
from Misguidance to Guidance. I have appointed you over the
army which is with Khdlid. So take charge of his army and
dismiss him from his post.
Do not send the Muslims into destruction desiring booty. Do not
send a small expedition against a huge force. Do not say, "I
hope victory for you, " for victory is only with firm conviction
and sticking to Allah (not mere hope).
Beware of being deceived into throwing the Muslims towards
destruction. Lower your gaze from the world and keep your
heart occupied from it. Beware of being destroyed like those
before you. You have seen their destruction and way of thought.
Between you and the Hereafter is a covering through which your
predecessors have passed. You are now like someone waiting for
his journey from such an abode whose vigour has passed, whose
beauty has faded and so its people have prepared their transports
to go to another abode. Its provision is Fear of Allah and to
consider the Muslims asfar as you are able to.
As for the wheat and barley which you found in Damascus and
greatly argued about, it isfor the Muslims. One-fifth of the gold and
silver will be takenfor the state and the rest isfor the Mujdhidin. As
for your dispute with Khdlid about whether the conquest was by
peaceful surrender or by conquest of the sword, well you are now
the governor in charge. Your treaty is to be implemented with the
Romans. Gifting Heraclius s daughter was wrong for a great
ransom could have been obtained and spent on the weak Muslims.
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