Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futuhushdm
When Khalid ~, who was the flag-bearer at the Battle of Hims. saw this, he charged
ahead with the flag and called out to his men, "Intensify your attacks against them.
May Allah bless you. Herein lies benefit for your world and your hereafter." While
Khalid ~ was encouraging his men, a high-ranking general with formidable upperbody
armour attacked him, roaring like a lion. Khalid ~ aimed his sword at the
general's head but hit his helmet instead. His blade snapped off and went flying in
the air leaving Khalid ~ holding a mere handle. The Roman saw this and entertained
hopes against him. They tackled each other, shoulder-to-shoulder and arm-to-arm
until Khalid ~ began hugging his chest and then squeezed with all his might until he
snapped the Roman's ribs and twisted them into each other. He then flung him down
dead. Taking the Roman's sword, he cut off his head and waved the sword until
sparks flew and put the head on his saddle bow. Then shouting at Banu Makhzum,
he led them in another heavy attack at the Roman centre, scattering them left and
right and loudly saying, "I am the valiant horseman Khalid bin al-Walid, the Saniibi
of Rasulullah Ji;."
The battle continued with unequalled intensity until midday. Khalid's ~ armour
grew too hot for him so he withdrew from the battle. Banu Makhzum followed him.
Blood filled their armour and flowed over their arms until it appeared purple. Khalid
~, at the front, recited this poem:
'. , -Ii ~I ~r-Jl~tJ ~l
~I Jb- ~ rJ)1 ..::..S~r-SJ
~ r..H 0-'" rJ)I ~ j-J.J
, . a' 1\ c:J1r- L:.....IriJ r-S J
Woe to the hordes of Rome on the day of fighting
Indeed I see war in it blazing.
How many times have they met from us occasions of exhaution
How many times have I left the Romans in destruction.
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ called out, "Praise be to Allah, 0 AbU Sulayman, praise be to
Allah! You have waged Jihad for the sake of Allah as it should be waged."
56) Martyrdom of 'Ikramah .•.
Al-Mirqal bin Hisham noticed some negligence on the part of the Romans. He called
out to Banu Zuhrah and attacked the Roman right flank while Maysarah bin Masruq
al-'Absi took Banu 'Abs to fight their left flank. 'Ikramah bin Abi Jahl ~ together
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