Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 1:Damascus
AbU Bakr. was making du'a for the victory of the armies he had sent to Iraq and
Syria and was most anxious about them. 'Uthman es, perceived signs of this anxiety
on his face and asked, "What troubles you?"
Abu Bakr. :By Allah! I know well that Rasulullah's es words are true. There can
be no doubt whatsoever that we will conquer Rome and Persia but we do not know
if that will be during this war or at some other opportunity, nor do we know which
army will accomplish this.
'Uthmdn • : That is true, but we should have hope in Allah.
7) Heraclius sends 100,000 men against' Amr .•
That night AbU Bakr. dreamt that 'Amr bin al-' As.. and his men were passing
through a dark, narrow mountain-pass and were greatly worried. They wanted to
leave the pass. 'Amr.s, spurred his horse and the others followed him. Suddenly he
found himself in a lush green, wide place. He encamped and found great comfort.
This dream greatly pleased AbU Bdkr •. 'Uthman es interpreted it as victory for
'Amr • and his army except it appeared that they would first have to undergo great
difficulty.
In Pre-Islamic times and then continuing in Islam, traders would bring wheat, barley,
olive-oil, raisins, apples and figs to sell in al-Madinah. These traders were present
when AbU Bakr • was organising and despatching the army and thus heard the
orders he gave to 'Amr bin al-' As. • with regard to Aylah and Palestine. They went
to inform Caesar Heraclius of this as well as of the defeat of the Romans at Tabuk.
Heraclius assembled all his officials, war-experts and priests. He informed them of
this saying, "0 Romans, this is the matter of which I warned you some time ago. That
Prophet's followers will soon seize my crown and throne and rule over this land.
They cut to pieces your army at Tabuk, Muhammad's Khalifah has despatched an
army which will soon arrive. You should maintain your respect and fight heart and
soul to defend your religion, family, dependants, lives and wealth. If you slacken now
then the 'Arabs will capture your empire and wealth."
This news made them cry over their dead slain at Tabuk, Heraclius rebuked them,
"You are men and you cry like this? Stop, for that is women's work. What you should
now do is to gather your forces at Ajnadayn." The Prime Minister said, "We request
that those people who gave you this information be brought so that they may be
questioned." Heraclius commanded this and so a soldier brought a Christian from the
tribe of Lakhm.
31