Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

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AbU 'Ubaydah ~ stretched his hand out. 'Umar * shook it. They then hugged each
other and made salam. The others then made salam to 'Umar ss, They remounted and
led the way, speaking to each other all the way back to Baytul Muqaddas (Probably
al-Jdbiyah is meant here - translator s note). 'Umar * then led the Muslims in
S-alatul Fajr after which he delivered an excellent sermon. In it he said, "Praise be to
Allah, the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Magnificent, the Strongest, the Most
Powerful, the One who always does as He pleases. Allah Most High has honoured us
with Islam and guided us through Muhammad upon whom be the choicest salutations
and peace. He freed us from misguidance. He united us after we were divided. He
united our hearts after they were filled with mutual hatred. So praise Him upon these
favours and you will be entitled to more because Allah Himself says:
If you are grateful I will definitely grant you more. If you are
ungrateful then know that My punishment is severe. [14:7]
He whom Allah guides is the real guided one while you will
never find any guiding friend for he whom He allows to go
astray. [18:17]
At that point a priest who was present stood up and exclaimed, "God will never let
anyone go astray!"
When he repeated his words 'Umar ~ said, "If he repeats what he said then strike
off his neck."
He then continued the sermon, "I strongly advise you to fear Allah Who alone will
remain while everything besides Him will perish; Whose friends can only benefit
through obeying Him; Whose enemies can only be destroyed through defying him. 0
people, pay your Zakdh with a clean heart desiring no reward or thanks for it from
the creation. Understand what you are encouraged towards for indeed the intelligent
man is most protective of his Din. Fortunate is he who takes lessons from others.
Behold! The most evil action is innovations in Islam. Holdfirmly onto the Sunnah of
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