Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 4: Baytul Muqaddas
o my people enter the sacred land (Baytul Muqadda and
surrounds) which Allah has decreed/or you and do not turn
back. [5:23]
It is said that Allah inspired each general to recite that verse as if they had all agreed
to it. After Salah it was called out, "To armsl To arms! 0 cavalry of Allah, mount
your horses."
The first to advance was the Himyar and the other Yamanis. The Muslims advanced
like a striking black snake.
The enemy watched, all spread out in battle-array. They began opening fire,
showering the Muslims with arrows like a swarm of locusts. The Muslims protected
themselves with their shields. The battle was fierce and lasted from morning until
sunset. The enemy showed no fear and gave the Muslims no hope of conquering their
city.
At sunset the Muslims returned to their camp and performed the ~alah which Allah
had decreed upon them. They saw to themselves and ate supper. Thereafter they lit
numerous fires because they had plenty of firewood with them. Some engaged in
Salah, others recited the Quran, others wept before Allah while the fatigued ones
slept.
The next morning the Muslims again advanced, taking the name of Allah profusely,
praising Him and sending salutations upon Rasulullah ~. The archers went ahead
"and began firing, taking the name of Allah with each arrow shot and loudly making
du'a.
The Muslims fought the people ofBaytul Muqaddas for ten days, but the enemy only
displayed happiness and showed not the least trace of fear. On the eleventh day, AbU
'Ubaydah's ~ slave, Salim, was seen coming, carrying his master's flag. AbU
'Ubaydah ~ then arrived, surrounded by horsemen. On his right was Khalid ~ and
on his left 'Abdurahrnan bin Abi Bakr ~. The Muslims gave a huge shout of "La
ilaha illallah wallahu Akbar!"which spread amongst the tribes.
3) The Patriarch of Baytul Muqaddas
The Christians finally felt fear. Their leaders, elders and patricians went to the great
Cathedral of al-Qumamah or al-' Imarnah, They humbly submitted themselves before
the patriarch whom they greatly revered and said, "0 father, their chief commander
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