Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 3: At - Yarmiik
We do not deny when you say that we are poor, wretched and suffering. That is
because AIHih has made us 'Arabs inhabit a waterless, treeless land wherein there is
but little cultivation. In pre-Islamic times we were all ignorant. A man would own
nothing except his horse, sword, camels and sheep. The strong would eat the weak.
None were safe from each other except during the four sacred months. Instead of
worshipping Allah we worshipped idols who neither hear, nor see, nor benefit. We
would bow down to them and carry them. We were on the edge of a pit of fire.
Whoever died amongst us died as a polytheist and would go to Hell. Those living
denied their Rabb and broke family ties.
Then Allah sent unto us a Prophet as a guide, one who is guided and as a prophet and
messenger. We all knew his worth and noble lineage. He was sent as a pious leader
who proved Islam and refuted the Polytheist. He brought the clear Quran and the
Straight Path and with him Allah brought the process of prophethood to an end. He
ordered us to worship Allah and not to ascribe any partners unto Him. He forbade us
from having any helper besides Allah and from ascribing any wife, son, partner or
equal unto Allah. He taught us that we should not bow down to the sun, the moon,
light, fire, cross or altar. We should bow down to none except Allah alone who has
no partner and should acknowledge the Prophet ~, his ,S.ahabah and family.
Allah revealed to him His speech through which our master guided us. We accepted
and obeyed him. Amongst his orders is that we should wage Jihad against those who
do not accept our religion, who do not say as we say, who deny Allah and who
ascribe partners unto Him whereas He is too grand for such a thing and neither sleep
nor slumber overtakes Him.
Whoever follows us will be our brother and will have the same rights and obligations
as the rest of us. Whoever refuses Islam will have to pay Jizyah, humbly with his own
hand. Then his blood, children and wealth will be safe. Whoever refuses both Islam
and Jizyah will face our swords until Allah decides the outcome, and He is the best
decision-maker.
We call you to these three options besides which there is no other choice. Either say,
"We bear witness that there is no deity except Allah alone Who has no partner and
that Mujjammad is His Slave and Messenger," or pay Jizyah. Adult males have to pay
it annually. However, pre-adolescents, women and monks who seclude themselves in
their monasteries are not liable to pay it.
Bannes : Is there any other obligation after saying, "There is no deity besides Allah"?
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