Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futuhushdm
They complained, "0 Sa'Id, we were looking forward to the booty so do not deprive
us."
While they were arguing a party of monks and priests appeared. They were wearing
fur and carrying crosses. Their heads were shaven in the middle. The Muslims rushed
at them and brought them back as prisoners.
Sa 'id : Who are you?
Chief Priest: We are the monks of these monasteries. We are going to Constantine
to pray for his victory.
Sa'id ;
Go and pray as you like, but the prayer of the Disbelievers is
in vain! [40:50]
What news do you have of what is behind you?
Priest: Behind us the governor of 'Amman is coming with 5,000 Christian cavalry.
Sa 'id : 0 Allah, make that booty for us. Listen old man, our Prophet ~ has
prohibited us from harming the monks who remain in their monasteries. We would
release you but we fear that you will warn the enemy about us.
I then ordered the Muslims to tie them up which they did with their waist-bands.
Suddenly the 'Amman cavalry could be seen coming. Ahead of them were men on
foot who were removing the stones from the track. As soon as they came we attacked
them without even waiting to get our gear. We raised cries of, "La ilaha illallah
wallahu Akbar!" and slew the footmen to the last man.
When the patrician saw what the Muslims had done he ordered the cavalry to charge
and a heavy battle ensued. I saw the Muslims spreading death amongst the Christians
and calling out, "La ilaha illallah wallahu Akbar!" until the patrician fled in the
direction of 'Amman. His men followed him. Some of the Muslims went in pursuit
of them while others went to collect the booty. Nikita was far ahead of his men and
then stopped in order for them to catch up to him.
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