Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futiihushdm
Sa "id ~ then called Sa'id bin Zayd bin Abi Waqqa~ bin 'Awf al-' Adawi and said to
him, "0 Ibn Abi Waqqas, convey the glad-tidings of what you have heard to AbU
'Ubaydah and hurry with your reply."
Sa'id al-'Adawi mounted his great war-horse and raced away to AbU 'Ubaydah es,
He halted in front of him, made salam and said, "May Allah keep the commander in
a good state. I convey the good news that the governor, Herbius, has. sought amnesty
from Sa'id bin Zayd who wants to bring him to you to obtain your guarantees of
peace and safety for him and the city". AbU 'Ubaydah ~ fell down into prostration
out of gratitude to Allah. After raising his head he called out, "0 people, advance to
fight the city right now. Display all your weapons and shout, 'Allahu Akbar,' so as to
terrify them." The Muslims thus went and shook the city with their cries of, "Allahu
Akbar!" and terrified the Ba'Iabakkis, The two sides challenged each other to
combat. The Muslims surrounded the city from all sides.
Mirqal bin 'Utbah went to inform them of the governor's surrender and said, "Save
your lives, children and wealth by surrendering. If you refuse, then Allah Most
Blessed and High has promised us through the tongue of His Prophet Muhammad $
that He will conquer your lands, cities and all else. Indeed Allah is fulfilling that
now." The Ba'labakkis were scared witless, their hearts shaking with fear. Throwing
dust on their faces, they exclaimed, "The governor has destroyed us and himself. Had
we surrendered before this siege it would have been better for us."
The Muslims intensified the fighting.
40) Abu 'Ubaydah .•. and the governor
When AbU 'Ubaydah ~ found out that the fires of war were blazing at the city, he
sent this message to Sa 'id~, "Bring the governor quickly to us. He is guaranteed the
safety which you granted him, for we do not renege on our promises."
When the messenger arrived at the building Sa'id ~ appointed a deputy and took the
governor to AbU 'Ubaydah ss, He stood in front of AbU 'Ubaydah ss, saw his attire
and the attire of those with him and the intensity of the battle against the city and
began shaking his head and chewing his fingers in frustration.
Abu 'Ubaydah ~ said to the translator, "Why is he shaking his head and biting his
fingers as if he is regretting something lost?" When the translator asked him, he
answered, "By Christ and by what He annointed! By the Church! By the Altar! I
thought that you were greater in number than pebbles and better equipped. During
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