Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futuhushdm
Rumiyah and the Gulf We are sending an envoy to you to make
a one-year truce with you so that we can see in whose hands the
land falls. We also desire that border markings be established
between you and us, marking off the border of Qinsarin and al-
'Awa~im so that when the 'Arabs go on their raids, our lands
will be clearly marked off. We offer this truce in secret, for if
Heraclius were to find out he would kill us. (Greetings).
Then he gave the priest a resplendant robe, a mule from amongst his steeds and ten
boys.
19) The truce
The priest went to Him~. There he saw AbU 'Ubaydah ~ leading the Muslims in
Salatul 'Asr, He stood and stared, amazed at the sight. After the completion of the
Salah, the Muslims saw him and so they rushed to him and asked, "Who are you?
Where do you come from?"
He replied, "I am a messenger with a letter."
They took him to AbU 'Ubaydah ~, whom he wanted to bow down to, but AbU
'Ubaydah ~ forbade him and said, "We are the slaves of Allah, Most Honourable and
Majestic. Some will be fortunate and some wretched."
As for those who are wretched, they will be in the Fire, sighing
in a high and low tone. They will dwell therein for as long as
the Heavens and Earth endure. [11:106-7]
The priest was astounded and could give no reply, astonished at what AbU 'Ubaydah
~ had said. Khalid ~ called out to him, "What do you want and whose messenger
are you?"
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