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History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

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32 The <strong>History</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Islam</strong><br />

The Attack <strong>of</strong> a Christian General and Hfs Defeat<br />

Tadmir, the military Commander <strong>of</strong> Roderick was very experienced<br />

and had led his force to victory in a number <strong>of</strong> encounters. He was<br />

encamped in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> Tariq's forces with a strong army. He<br />

launched a powerful attack before the Muslim forces had a chance to<br />

get settled. However, Tariq gave him a smashing defeat and he fled<br />

from the battlefield. He then vyrote to Roderick the following day from<br />

a safe place:<br />

"O Emperor! Some strange people have invaded our territory.<br />

We fought with courage and bravery but tasted defeat and our<br />

troops could not withstand their onslaught. What is needed is<br />

your personal engagement. I am quite unaware <strong>of</strong> their identity<br />

and whereabouts". .<br />

Preparations <strong>of</strong> Roderick<br />

Soon after receiving the horrible news Roderick set about budding his<br />

army. He came from Toledo to Cordova where troops from all parts <strong>of</strong><br />

the country began to concentrate: He then marched against thfc<br />

invaders at the head <strong>of</strong> one hundred thousand troops. Tadmir also<br />

joined him with his force, while all the seasoned commanders <strong>of</strong> Spain<br />

came forward to play important roles. But Tariq did not sit idle during<br />

5“ E? 0*- H* C ,0ntmued his rch occupying cities and towns and<br />

reached up to the Lorca valley.<br />

The First Battle<br />

dashed °n the bank <strong>of</strong> 9 small river near Janda Lagoon<br />

S<br />

on 28 Ramadan 92 A.H. 0uly<br />

after th? Jd°ma 711-C.E.). Shortly<br />

ef>a tUre °* the<br />

Nusavr A- 5<br />

MusHni. forces under Tariq, Musa bin<br />

Cd flVC thoi,sand soldiers as<br />

joined<br />

reinforcements, which<br />

r<br />

<strong>of</strong> Tar;<br />

thousand 'jhe<br />

countrv<br />

tbe confrontation. Now the twelve thousand men<br />

faC* * Str°ng Christian force <strong>of</strong> one hundred<br />

Ym ^‘m fprCe kneW litt3tje °f the state <strong>of</strong> affairs <strong>of</strong> the<br />

the countr^and hm<br />

J<br />

aded - The Christian troops were the natives <strong>of</strong><br />

country and hacfcome to the battlefield to save their motherland.

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