Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 3: Al - Yarmiik
four squadrons. He appointed Qays bin Hubayrah al-Muradi over the first squadron
and said to him, "You are an 'Arab horseman. You are in charge of this cavalry, follow
whatever I do."
He then appointed and instructed Maysarah bin Masniq and 'Amir bin a!-Iufayl ~
in a like manner, taking personal command of the elite advance force.
By sunrise all the military formations had been completed.
On the other side, Bannes ordered the Romans to get all their decorations and gear.
They did so, except that the Muslims were faster in getting ready. A party of Romans
advanced towards the Muslims and saw the Muslims as if they were a single solid
structure with birds shading them. Their ranks were all linked together with their
spears forming a thicket of fixed points. At this sight Allah flung terror into their
hearts.
Bannes continued his preparations and placed the Christian 'Arabs of Ghassan,
Lakhrn and Jutham as the vanguard. Jabalah was again in command of them. A
silver cross weighing five Ritl was placed before him. It was plated with gold and
had at each of the four branches a jewel glittering like stars.
Sinan bin Aws ar-Raba'i narrates from' Adi bin al-Harith al-Hamdani who was
from those who participated in the conquest of Syria from beginning to end:
Bannes formed thirty rows each of which equalled the entire Muslim army. He sent
priests and monks amongst his men to recite the Bible and sing hymns and erected
numerous flags, banners and crosses.
35) Romanus and the patrician
Once the Roman ranks were arranged a patrician emerged on a grey horse. He was
heavily-built and wore golden armour and decorated upper-body armour. Around his
neck was a jewel-encrusted gold cross. He was of high rank and a courtier of
Heraclius. He started shouting in Greek in a voice like thunder. The Muslims
realised that he must be challenging them to a duel but hesitated to go. Khalid ~
called out, "0 Sahabah of Rasulullah lIiJ, this uncircumcised Christian challenges you
to duel him but you hesitate. If you do not go then Khalid ~ himself will."
He was about to leave when a Muslim horseman mounted on a giant grey Turkish
horse resembling the Christian's, rode to the patrician. He was wearing good upper-
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