Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Say: Nothing will afflict us except that which Allah has
decreedfor us. He is our Protector. [9:51]
Part 1: Damascus
I advise you and the Muslims to closely observe me. If I attack the Romans because
they betray me, then fight them too.
He then mounted his horse and, bidding the Muslims salam, made for the enemy
camp. When he came near the enemy tents, Qadh said, "Honour the Imperial army
by dismounting."
Rabi'ah • replied, "I am not someone who leaves honour and chooses disgrace. It
can never happen that I hand over my horse to anyone else. I will not dismount at any
place except the tent entrance. If this is not acceptable to you then I will fight you
because you are the ones who called us - we sent no message to you whatsoever."
QadI! informed the Romans of this. They consulted each other and said, "The 'Arabs
are firm and true in their word. Let him come as he pleases." Thus he came
mounted right up to the tents where he dismounted and, with the horse's bridle in his
hand, sat down cross-legged.
Sergius : My dear brother' Arab, we have always considered you to be weak. It never
occurred to us that we would be fighting each other and that you would in fact attack
us. What is it that you want?
Rabi'ah • : We desire that you accept our Din and be reciters of the same
Declaration which we recite. If not, then you will have to pay Jizyah. If you have a
problem with that also, then the sword is the best decider.
Sergius : What harm is there if instead you go and attack the Persians? We should
make peace and befriend each other.
Rabi'ah. :Compared to you Persia is further off and Allah has commanded us:
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