Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Futuhushdm
Harith turned to him and said, "0 AbU Haf~ (i.e. Umar ~), you were a sword against
us before we embraced Islam. Now that Allah has guided us, you still have no regard
for our relationship whereas Allah has commanded the fulfilling of relatives' rights."
'Umar ~ : I consider those who are first in Islam more appropriate.
Suhayl ~ : If that is your criterion then we will not disobey you in any manner.
However much time we spent in pre-Islam fighting against Rasfilullah ., we will
now spend twice that amount and whatever effort we made fighting him, we will now
double our efforts against the enemies of Allah.
'Ikramah ~ : 0 people, I make you my witnesses before Allah that I dedicate myself
to the Path of Allah and hand my life over to Him. Myself, my companions, my
children and wealth are all for Allah. We will never leave Jihad.
AbU Bdkr ~ : 0 Allah, grant them greater than what they expect.
Thereafter, he handed the flag to 'Amr bin al-'A~ bin Wail as-Sahmi and said, "1
appoint you as commander of the army of the people of Makkah, Thaqif, Iaif,
Hawazin, Banu Kilab and HaW-amawt. When you reach Palestine, write to Abu
'Ubaydah, 'If you require any assistance then I am here.' Do not do anything
without his consultation. If you separate then may Allah bless whatever the two of
you intend."
'Amr ~ went to 'Umar ~ and said, "You know my harshness against the enemy and
my patience in Jihad. It would be well if you ask the Khalifah to make me
commander over AbU 'Ubaydah. You know my rank with Rasulullah. and I hope
that Allah will grant victory through me and destroy the enemy."
'Umar ~ : What you say is correct and I do believe you but I cannot assent to you
commanding AbU 'Ubaydah. I consider him higher ranking than you. He preceded
you in Islam and Rasulullah • said, "AbU 'Ubaydah is the trustworthy one of this
Ummah."
'Amr ~ : If I command him then he will not be humiliated nor will there be any
decrease in his status.
'Umar ~ : How sad, 0 'Amr, that you desire worldly honour and prestige. Fear
Allah. Choose the honour of the world to come.
'Amr ~ : The matter is as you have stated it.
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