Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

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Futuhushdm
As you commanded, I left for Syria where Allah granted me
victory over Palmyra, Arakah, Hawrdn, Sakhnah and Busrd. At
the time of writing this report, I intend marching on Damascus,
and hope for Allah s assistance. Convey my saldm to all the
Muslims. Was-saldmu 'alayka wa rahmatulldhi wa barakdtuhu.
14) Romans reinforce Damascus
Khalid ~ sent the two letters and marched on Damascus. When a pass was reached,
he encamped and unfurled the Flag of the Eagle and as a result it is now called
Thaniyatul 'Uqab (Pass of the Eagle). He then marched to Ghawjah where he
encamped near a monastery and to this day that place is called Dayr Khalid (Khalid's
Monastery). There he awaited AbU 'Ubaydah es. Damascus was filled with people
from the surrounding area whose number could not be counted; 12,000 alone were
mounted. The city walls were decorated with flags, crosses and spears.
When Heraclius received intelligence of Khalid's ~ capture of Arakah, Palmyra,
Hawriin, Sakhnah and Busra and his march on Damascus, he gathered his officials
and said, "I warned you from the very beginning, none of you listened. The 'Arabs
have captured Arakah, Palmyra, Hawran, Sakhnah and Bu.s.ra and are now heading
towards Damascus. If it is lost, it will be an absolute disaster because it is the only
city worthy of being called 'Paradise of Syria'. An army, double the size ofthe 'Arab
army, will be sent to Damascus but I have to ask who amongst you will face them
and defeat them? Whatever territory he liberates from' Arab occupation will be under
him and exempt from land-tax." Lord Calius, son of Hanah, a famous and brave
champion from Syria who exhibited his bravery during the Persian invasion of Syria,
said, "I am enough to take them on. I will defeat them and drive them out."
Heraclius gave him a golden cross saying, "Keep this in front of you to gain
victory," and gave him 5,000 men.
Calius took the cross and departed the same day from Antioch. Upon reaching Him.s.,
he found it to be filled with men and arms. The people came out to welcome him.
The priests and monks were in front burning incense of ambergis and aloe wood.
They carried Bibles on their chests and when they approached, the army recited
'Mass' on them, sprinkled holy water on the general and prayed for his success. They
stayed there for a day and night and then advanced towards Jawsiyah whose
inhabitants similarly came out to welcome them. Then they reached Ba'labakk. The
women were striking their faces in mourning. Calius asked about the cause, to which
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