Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 1: Damascus
Makkah joined them until they became an army of 500 going to al-Madinah. AbU
Biikr. wrote to the Hawazin and Thafiq tribes who sent 400 men to al-Madinah.
,AbdulUih bin Said narrates from Abu 'Amir:
We were in Iaifwhen 400 men of Hawazin and Thafiq immediately responded upon
reading AbU Bakr's. letter. On the way we met the men from Makkah so that we
became a total of 900. Each of us said, "I am enough to confront 900 Roman
horsemen all on my own."
When we arrived at al-Madinah, we encamped at Baqi'. AbU Bakr • was informed
and he ordered, "Leave your camp and go straight to where your brothers, Shurahbil
bin Hasanah, Yazid bin Abi Sufyan and Rabi'ah bin 'Amir, are."
At that time, they were all waiting at the border. Upon reaching them, we waited
there for twenty days during which time other delegations came and joined us.
Shaddiid bin Aws .•• narrates:
AbU Bakr • came one day with a few Muhajirin and Ansar and gave a befitting
speech while standing. After praising Allah and sending salutation on Rasulullah ~
he said, "0 people, amongst the obligations which Allah has decreed upon the
Muslims is Jihad, the reward for which is very great in the Eyes of Allah. Purify your
intentions and have only good desires so that your rewards may increase. 0 slaves of
Allah, hasten to fulfil the obligation of your Rabb and the Sunnah of your True
Guide. There can only be one of two outcomes to the endeavour upon which you
embark - victory 9r martyrdom. Whoever is martyred will meet those who have died
before him and his reward is upon Allah!"
'Abdullah bin Said narrates:
Isaid to AbU 'Amir, "Describe AbU Bakr,"
He said, "He had a wheatish-coloured complexion, thin tall body and his beard was
not very thick."
Abu 'Amir narrates:
400 men came from Ha!lramawt also.
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