Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

.
Futtihushdm
Bannes : We never thought that about you people. We heard that you are a greedy,
ignorant nation bereft of all intelligence. You attack each other and loot each other's
wealth.
Khdlid ~ : Yes, that was the state of most of us until Allah sent our Prophet j(jJ, to us.
He guided us, showed us the correct way and made us understand the difference
between good and evil, guidance and misguidance.
Bannes : Khalid, your wisdom and insight really amazes me. I would love to have
you as my brother and intimate friend.
Khdlid ~ : It would be an occasion of great joy were your words to be fulfilled. You
will be most fortunate and we will never separate from each other.
Bannes : How is it to be achieved?
Khdlid ~ : Say, "I bear witness that there is no deity besides Allah and that
Muhammad is his Slave and Messenger about whom 'Isa bin Maryam had
prophesied." Once you have done that you will be my brother and I yours. We will
never separate except through some calamity.
Bannes : You have called me to leave my religion and enter yours, but that is
impossible.
Khdlid ~ : Then it also impossible for us to be brothers for as long as.you remain on
your astray religion.
30) Khilid. respondsto Bannes
Bannes : I will address you modestly as a brother. Answer my proposals and I will
listen.
Khdlid ~ : We already know of all that you have mentioned with regard to your
people being wealthy, honoured, powerful, strong against enemies and established in
the lands. We also know about the generosity you have mentioned which you show
to your' Arab neighbours. However, you have done all that simply to maintain your
opulence with a view to protecting yourselves and children and ultimately to increase
your wealth and prestige. So your empire increases and you impose your imperialist
policies on whomever you please.
As for your saying that we are poor and herd camels and sheep, what of it? Most of
us do this and he who herds is of higher status amongst us than he who does not herd.
302