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3.
Tabari. Vol. 2, p. 608.
4.
Ibid. Vol. 2, pp. 600, 605; Waqidi:
Futuh
, p. 14 (All references to Waqidi in the
remainder of this book are from his
Futuh-ush-Sham
).
5.
Other versions of how Khalid assumed command in Syria suggest that he himself
prevailed upon the other generals to let him command the army, or that the generals
themselves appointed him commander on account of his military stature. These versions
are not correct. Khalid was expressly appointed Commander-in-Chief in Syria by Caliph
Abu Bakr.
6.
Tabari: Vol. 2, p. 605.
Page 2
There were two known routes available to Khalid for his march. The first was the
southern route via Daumat-ul-Jandal whence the army could move along the normal
caravan track into Syria. This was the easiest and simplest approach, with ample water on
the way and no enemy to interfere with his movement. But it was also the longest route
and the movement would take considerable time to complete. The Caliph had emphasised
speed, as the situation of the Muslims was apparently serious. So after due consideration
Khalid rejected this route.
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The other route was the northern one along the Euphrates to North-Eastern Syria. This
too was a well-travelled route, but it would take Khalid away from the Muslim armies,
and Roman garrisons on the Euphrates would bar his way. He could, no doubt, overcome
this opposition, but again there would be delay. He had to find another way of getting to
the Muslim forces in Syria.
Khalid called a council of war and explained the situation to his officers.
"How can we
find a route to Syria"
, he asked,
"by which we avoid the front of the Romans? They will
certainly try to prevent us from going to the aid of the Muslims."
His reference was to
Roman garrisons along the northern route.
"We know of no way"
, the officers replied,
"that could take an army, though a single man
might take such a route. Beware of leading the army astray!"
1
But Khalid was determined to find a new route, and asked his question again. None
responded except one noted warrior by the name of Raafe bin Umaira. Raafe explained
that there was indeed a route through the Land of Samawa. The army could proceed from
Hira to Quraqir via Ain-ut-Tamr and Muzayyah, and this would be an easy march.
Quraqir was a well-watered oasis in the west of Iraq. Thence to Suwa there was a little
known route which led through a barren, waterless desert. At Suwa again there was
ample water, and one day's journey before Suwa there was a spring which he knew would
provide sufficient water for the army. The most dangerous part of the journey was from
Quraqir to this spring, about 120 miles.
But Raafe cautioned:
"You cannot take this route with an army. By Allah, even a lone
traveller would attempt it at the peril of his life. It involves five days of extreme hardship
without a. drop of water and the ever-present danger of losing the way."
2
The officers present nodded agreement. To take the army on such a route, where the
entire force could get lost and die of thirst, was something that no man in his right senses
would consider.
In a quiet voice Khalid said,
"We shall take this route!"
Seeing the look of alarm on the
faces of his officers, he added,
"Let not your resolve be weakened. Know that the help of
Allah comes according to your deserts. Let not the Muslims fear anything so long as they
have the help of Allah."
3
The effect of his words was instantaneous. With one voice his officers replied,
"You are a
man on whom Allah has bestowed His goodwill. Do as you wish."
4
And with cheerful
enthusiasm the army of Khalid set about its preparations for the march to Syria on a route
that no army had travelled before and which was known only to one man, Raafe bin
Umaira. (See Map 15 below.)
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In early June 634 (beginning of Rabi-ul-Akhir, 13 Hijri) Khalid marched from Hira with
an army of 9,000 men.
5
No women and children accompanied the army; they were left
behind under Khalid's orders for despatch to Madinah, where they would remain until it
was convenient to have them moved to Syria. The army moved via Ain-ut-Tamr,
Sandauda
6
and Muzayyah to Quraqir; and Muthanna accompanied Khalid up to here
before returning to Hira to resume watch over the new frontier with Persia. For the night
the army camped at Quraqir and filled its water skins and other containers with supplies
of water that were expected to last the men and animals five days.
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