Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futu!J.ushdm
'Ubddah ~ : There can never be peace between us until you either pay Jizyah or
accept Islam. Failing that the sword will decide between us. By Allah! Were it not for
the fact that we consider treachery to be an ugly deed, I would have struck you down
with my sword right now.
10) Khillid", sends a delegation to Jabalah
Jabalah felt that the discussion was over and instead of replying, turned his horse and
returned to Bannes terrified at 'Ubadah's words. As he stood in front of Bannes
terror was clearly written on his face.
Bannes : What happened?
Jabalah : I warned and threatened and tempted them but it was all in vain. All I got
in reply was, "There is only war and fighting between us."
Bannes : Then what is this terror which I see on your face? They are' Arabs like you
and you are 'Arabs like them. I have been informed that they are a mere 30,000
horsemen, whereas you have 60,000 horsemen. Two of you will fight one of them.
Fight them with your Christian 'Arab cousins and I will be behind you. If you are
victorious then we will share the realm and you will be the closest to us and will be
given all the Syrian lands conquered by the 'Arabs.
Bannes continued to encourage Jabalah with great rewards until he agreed to fight
the Muslims. He informed his people and clansmen of Ghassan, Lakhm, Jutham and
the other 'Arab Christians and ordered them to arm themselves. They obeyed and
dressed in chain-mail and layered armour. All 60,000 were' Arabs. Jabalah led them
wearing his golden armour and Tubba' manufactured sword. Near him was the flag
which Heraclius had given him. When he arrived at the Muslim camp, 'Ubadah ~
was briefing AbU 'Ubaydah ~ about what had transpired between him and Jabalah.
When the Muslims saw the Christians they shouted, "0 Muslims, the Christian
'Arabs have come to fight you, so what do you say?"
"We will fight them and hope for victory and Allah's help against them and against
the enemy besides them," they replied and prepared to launch a counter-attack.
But Khalid ~ called out, "Be patient! May Allah have mercy on you! I will tell you
a strategy through which they will be destroyed." Then he said to AbU 'Ubaydah es,
"0 commander, the Romans have sought help from the Christian 'Arabs against us.
They are double our number. Even if we fight them with our total force we will be
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