Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futuhushdm
During that festival a great annual market would also be held. Goods, gold and silver
would be brought to it, so that for three days buying and selling took place."
The Muslims were not aware of all this until a Christian, from those who pay Jizyah,
told them of this. He had received protection for himself and his family. When AbU
'Ubaydah ~ took charge of the affairs of the Muslims, the Christian intended to go
to him so that the monastery and market could be captured at his hands. He reached
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ while he had long been pondering over which Roman place to
target next. Sometimes he would say, "I will take the army to Baytul Muqaddas for
she is the noblest of all their cities and the seat of the Roman Empire upon which
their religion is based." At other times, he would say, "I will go to Antioch to target
Heraclius and be rid of him." He had already gathered the Muslims and was still in
this state of confusion when the Syrian Christian came to him.
Christian : a Commander, you have been most kind to me, have granted me safety
and spared my wife, family and wealth. I will now tell you of such booty which, if
God grants it to the Muslims, they will be wealthy and never suffer from poverty
thereafter.
Abu 'Ubaydah ~ : Tell us of this booty and its location, for I know you to be a wellwisher.
Christian: Facing you is a fort on the coast known as AbU al-Quds Fort. Opposite it
is a monastery where a monk lives. The Christians seek blessings through his prayers
and learn from him. He celebrates an annual festival in which people gather from
every direction, town, city, village and monastery. There a great market is held in
which they display their lavish clothing of brocade and their gold and silver for three or
seven days. The time for that market is soon approaching, so seize all that is therein, kill
the men and enslave the women and children. This is such a booty which will gladden the
Muslims and it will humiliate your enemy through its loss.
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ (happy at this prospect) : How far away is this monastery?
Christian: Ten Farsakh (54.9 km) on a strenuous route.
Abu 'Ubaydah ~ : When will the market be held?
Christian : In a few days time.
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ : What kind of security do they have to keep them in control?
164