Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

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with their spears readied. The two now attacked the Romans who had been certain of
victory up until then.
When the flags of the Muslims appeared the Romans turned to see. what was
happening and discovered that the Muslims had come from behind and cut them off
from the city. They wailed, "0 ruin! 0 destruction!" thinking that reinforcements had
arrived for the Muslims and that the governor had deceived them.
When the governor saw their apathy, he called out, "Woe unto you! Do not return to
the city. You have been cut off from it due to a trick of the 'Arabs." They obeyed and
formed a circle around him, defending each other.
35) Romans trapped in the ruins
The governor led them to the mountain on his left-hand side, with Sa'id ~ and
I2iriir~ coming from the right-hand side of the fort, attacking and pursuing them.
The Romans arrived at the mountain and took refuge in an empty fortified building.
Sa 'id ~ continued coming after them with his 500 cavalry, having not heard AbU
'Ubaydah ~ announcing, "0 people, none should break away from us to pursue them
for their retreat may actually be a trick against you so that when you become
separated they will attack you." Had Sa'id ~ heard him he would not have gone out.
Seeing the Romans in the mountain, Sa'id ~ said, "These are people whom Allah
intends to destroy. Surround them from all directions and do not spare a single one
of them who shows his head until the Muslims join us and we receive further orders
from the commander."
Turning to one of the senior Muslims he said, "Act in my place so that I can go and
find out what AbU 'Ubaydah ~ and those with him think."
He then took about twenty of his men and went until they met up with the Muslims.
When Abu 'Ubaydah ~ saw him he said, "0 Sa'id, where are your men? What have
you done with them?"
Sa 'id ~ : Glad tidings! The Muslims are in a good state and safe. They are besieging
the enemies of Allah in the mountain.
He then narrated the whole incident to him.
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ :.Praise be to Allah who defeated them in their own lands and
scattered them. However what is this disobedience from the two of you (Sa'id and
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