Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 3: Al - Yarmiik
'Amir bin a!-Iufayl ~ then wished to go and said, "0 Commander, you have
exaggerated the greatness of this low Christian and placed fear in the hearts of the
Muslims."
Khdlid ~ : Horsemen recognise their peers in battle whose bravery and strength
cannot be hidden from them. You cannot overcome him for the bravery that he has
displayed shows him to be a great horseman from amongst them. Go back to your
post."
'Amir ~ returned without arguing.
36) Qays and the patrician
The patrician continued issuing his challenge, so al-Harith bin 'Abdillah al-Azdi
went to Khalid ~ and said, "0 commander I am going out to him."
"I swear," replied Khalid ~, "that you are quite intrepid, strong and fierce. I know
you to be quite brave. If you want to go, go in the name of Allah and be resolute."
Al-Harith took his gear and was about to depart when Khalid ~ called out, "Be
careful, 0 slave of Allah, I want to ask you something."
Al-Harith :Ask.
Khdlid e» : Have you engaged in a duel before this?
Ai-Hiirith : No.
Khdlid • : Then go back for you are inexperienced while he is experienced. He has
tasted war and war has tasted him. I want a man who is equal in insight to him to go
against him.
Khalid • looked at Qays bin Hubayrah who said, "AbU Sulayman, if you are
hinting at me then I will gladly duel him."
Khdlid ~ : Go forth in the name of Allah for He is adequate. Allah Most High will
help you against him.
Qays rode his horse until it calmed down and then allowed it to trot towards the
patrician. He shouted, "In the name of Allah and through the blessings of Rasulullah
Il." When the patrician saw his action he realised that it was a strong horseman from
the Muslims and headed towards him. They attacked each other. Qays struck at the
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