Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 3: Al - Yarmuk
enemy. AbU 'Ubaydah • arranged the flag-bearers and stayed with Khalid • and
other famous horsemen.
At sunrise, George, one of the enemy generals challenged the Muslims, "None but
the commander of the 'Arabs may duel me."
AbU 'Ubaydah • heard and gave Khalid • the flag, saying, "You are most entitled
to the flag. If I return then I will take it back, otherwise keep it until 'Umar reaches
a decision."
Khdlid e» : I will fight him, not you.
AbU 'Ubaydah ss : No, he seeks me so I should go. You will be my partner in reward.
He went out despite the protests of the Muslims. They went and begged him not to
go but he insisted and so they let him go.
When George saw him he asked, "Are you the commander of the army?"
AbU 'Ubaydah • : I am he. I have accepted your challenge so beware of the
battlefield. I will defeat you and kill Bannes after killing you.
George : The nation of the cross will overcome you.
George then attacked. The duel was a protracted one. Khalid • and all the Muslims
stood watching and making du'a for AbU 'Ubaydah's • safety and victory.
Eventually George fled to his right-wing while Abu 'Ubaydah es came chasing him.
George spun around and struck like lightning at AbU 'Ubaydah • who struck back.
AbU 'Ubaydah.ss was faster and cut him from one shoulder to the other.
He was followed by the Muslims who proclaimed, "Allahu Akbar!" He was amazed
at George's huge bulk and did not take anything of the spoils. Khalid • called out,
"Allah be praised for the commander. You have fulfilled your duty, so return to your
flag now." AbU 'Ubaydah • refused to return. When the Muslims implored him
under oath he returned and took the flag from Khalid's es hand.
65) Sergius seeks revenge
Bannes looked at George's corpse and was extremely upset since George was one of
the pillars of the Roman effort. He thought of leaving but then said to himself, "What
excuse can I offer to Heraclius? I will have to fight. If! am killed I will be saved from
361