Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 2: Him~
to us and started trampling us. When the fighting intensified against them they
started throwing us from the towers and walls.
Abu 'Ubaydah ~ was overjoyed and said, "I hope that Allah is granting them as
booty for us." The battle intensified and men were ground up like wheat. Screams
were raised whilst the Romans defended their wall and none of the Muslims could
get near to it due to the intensity of arrows and stones raining down upon them.
Ghiyath bin 'Adi aj-Iai narrates:
During the first day ofthe attack on Ba'labakk, twelve Muslims were martyred while
many Romans, soldiers and civilians, were killed. We returned to the camp having
no appetite whatsoever for food or drink, only wanting to warm ourselves by the fire
due to the intense chill. Thus we spent the night lighting fires and taking turns to
watch the camp.
After we had prayed Salatul Fajr an announcer proclaimed on behalf of AbU
'Ubaydah, "It is my firm resolve that none of you shall battle these people until he
has gone to his luggage and prepared for himself hot food. He should eat to be strong
against the enemy."
We went to make our preparations, resulting in a delay which made the Romans think
that we were not coming out of cowardice and weakness. Herbius therefore called
out, "Go out and get them. May Christ bless you."
Ghiyath bin 'Adi narrates:
The Muslims did not even realise that the gates were open with the Roman cavalry
and infantry advancing against us like a swarm of locusts. Some of us were
stretching our hands towards the food and others were still baking their bread when
the herald proclaimed, "0 cavalry of Allah, mount your horses and prepare for Jihad.
Attack the enemy before they destroy you."
Hamdan bin Usayd al-Hagrami narrates:
I had some bread with me and took some olive oil to use as gravy with the bread
when the herald proclaimed, "To arms! To arms!"
By Allah! I quickly grabbed a piece of bread, dipped it in the oil arid put it in my
mouth. I stood up quickly and jumped on the horse bareback. In my haste to respond
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