Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futul1usham
Bannes : Did you propose a treaty?
George: By Christ! I hardly had a chance to propose such a thing. It would be better
if you send the Christian 'Arabs for they understand each other better.
9) Negotiations
Bannes summoned Jabalah bin al-Ayham and said, "0 labalah, go and threaten them
with our massive numbers. Put terror in their hearts and use whatever strategy you
can."
labalah left and upon nearing the Muslim camp called out, "0 'Arabs, let a
descendant of 'Amr bin 'Amir come out so that I can convey a message to him."
When AbU 'Ubaydah ~ heard this he said, "They have sent one of our nation unto
us to deceive us with family ties. Send one of the An~cir from the descendants of
'Arnr bin 'Amir to him."
'Ubadah bin al-Samit ~ quickly said, "0 commander, I will go to him. I will see
what he says."
'Ubadah ~ rode out on his horse and halted in front of labalah. labalah saw this tall
man, deep-brown in complexion as if he was of the Yamani tribe of Shanuah.
'Ubadah ~ was extremely tall and his enormous physique frightened labalah.
Jabalah : Boy, from which nation are you?
'Ubddah ~: I am of the descendants of 'Amr bin 'Amir.
Jabalah : That is good. What is your name?
'Ubddah ~ : 'Ubadah bin al-S-cimit,S-ancibiof Rasulullah @.. What do you want?
Jabalah : 0 my cousin, I came because I know most of you to be my relations. I have
come as a well-wisher to give advice. Know that this army which has come against
you has no end. Behind them they have more troops, forts, castles and wealth. You
should not say, "We have broken and defeated the armies of Rome before." Know
that war's fortunes rotate. If these people defeat you, you will find no protection
besides death. If on the other hand they are defeated they can always return to their
cities, treasuries, armies and forts. Take what you have so far earned and return
safely to your lands.
268