Part 40

When the Roman army heard of the advance of the Muslim army, they sent a message to their King Herqal to inform him of the latest situation. On receiving this news he himself came down to Hamas. Realising that the situation was very grave he ordered his army to prepare for war. He decided that he would also challenge the Muslim armies with four armies of his own. He ordered his brother Teudooreek to take command of an army of ninety thousand men and encounter ‘Amr bin ‘Aas 4. The famous Roman General Gurjah was to confront Yazid bin Abu Sufyan &. Another Roman General, Derqas was asked to prepare to take on Sharjeel bin Hasanah #. The experienced Roman General, Qeegar bin Nestoos was made commander of sixty thousand men and asked to advance and fight against Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah.

And to face these huge numbers, the Muslim army had only twenty thousand Mujahideen. Besides these there were six thousand Mujahideen under the command of ‘Ikrimah 4 waiting for orders from the Caliph to join the rest.

When _ the Muslim Generals saw the enormous numbers in the Roman army, they held a consultation and decided that their best strategy would be to fight this battle under one Commander-in-Chief. Even earlier, in similar critical situations the Muslim army had been able to

Sharjeel bin Hasanah %% was in charge of the cavalry troops behind the right wing Commander, ‘Amr bin ‘Aas . At the centre of the troops was Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah #. On the right and left ‘Ikrimah 4 and Qa’qa’ bin ‘Amr At-Tameemi were appointed commanders. The Commander-in-Chief Khalid bin Waleed ordered these two great warriors to attack the enemy first. As soon as they got the orders they launched an offensive against the Romans. In the intense fighting which followed, the battlefield echoed with the clang of swords, neighing of horses and the screams and shouts of soldiers. In the middle of the army Sharjeel bin Hasanah .s, using varied tactics was attacking the enemy with his sword. The Muslim army was victorious by the Grace of Allah 48. In this battle, Sharjeel bin Hasanah #, with his experience and skill fought so bravely and courageously that he stunned the onlookers. His military exploits added yet another chapter to the golden pages of the history of Islam.

' Anearly version of the modem commando units, ready to die for the cause.

Caliph was to dismiss the Commander-in-Chief, Khalid bin Waleed and appoint Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah # in his place.

The Muslims had won a great victory at Yarmook, and _ this strengthened their morale. The new Commander-in-Chief, Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah marched leading the armed forces. He learnt that the defeated Roman army was gathering at Fahal in order to avenge its defeat. This was an important cantonment of Syria, on the borders of Jordan. The great General Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah asked Caliph ‘Umar Farooq # for his advice on the policy to be adopted. The Caliph sent him instructions. He wrote to him:

“Leading the army yourself go towards Damascus, as this city has a strategic importance and it is the capital of the Romans. If Fahal is taken first it will be to the advantage of the Muslims. But if Damascus is conquered first that will also be a good opportunity. After receiving these orders from the Caliph, Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah @ sent an army of trustworthy and experienced Mujahideen to conquer Fahal.”

After they had reached there and besieged the city, Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah also arrived with fresh troops. The command of the advance guard was given to Khalid bin Waleed 4. When the people of Fahal learnt of the danger, they fled to Beesan, a northern city of Jordan, to save their lives. In order to save Fahal, they let water flood the city, so that it took on the appearance of a swamp. This, they thought, would make it difficult for the Muslim army to advance. But the Mujahideen were able to take control of the city in just one night and a day. To advance towards Fahal and take control Sharjeel bin Hasanah exhibited great daring and clever planning. His wise action made the difficult task easy for the Mujahideen. After total control had been established over Fahal, Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah left for Damascus with the army. He organised the army in such a manner that Khalid bin Waleed 4 was positioned in the centre, he himself took charge of the right wing and ‘Amr bin ‘Aas 4 was given charge of the left wing. The cavalry was under the Command of Ayadh bin Ghanem, and Sharjeel bin Hasanah Wx 51 2, was in charge of the infantry.

After conquering Beesan, Sharjeel bin Hasanah 2 left for Tibriyah. This city was also taken quite easily and here too control was gained and a peace treaty was signed.

“We have also brought an Arab Artaboon to face the Roman Artaboon. Now let us see what you mean by Artaboon! ‘Amr

bin ‘Aas > has the ability to face the greatest of Generals, and similarly Sharjeel bin Hasanah & is no less in comparison with anyone else.”

The two armies came face to face at Ajnadain; the bugles were sounded and swords clashed. The Mujiihideen gradually moved forward axing down the enemy with their swords. At last the Roman general retreated and fled, and the Mujahideen army entered Damascus. But the army of Islam pursued him even there; he then ran away to Egypt, terrified for his life. Thus Damascus came under the absolute control of the Muslims.

In the year 18 Hijrah, a plague spread through Syria; there was a Jong and dreadful famine in Hejaz. Because of drought it became the victim of an economic crisis. Looking at the situation of Ajnadain city ‘Amr bin ‘Aas .& said, it was punishment due to the wrath of Allah. Sharjeel bin Hasanah_ 4 said he should not say so as many servants of Allah 3% had fallen prey to this disease and had gone onto the Hereafter. When the only son of Ma’‘ath bin Jabl was stricken by plague he got very scared. When the son saw how troubled and anxious his father had become he recited the following Ayah from Sarah Al-Baqarah:

“The Truth is from your Lord, so be not one of those who

Replying spontaneously, Ma’ath bin Jabl recited the Ayah from Sdrah Al-Saffat.

“You shall find me if As-Sabirtin (the patient).” (37:102)

In 18 Hijrah Sharjeel bin Hasanah -& became another victim of the dread disease of plague, which proved fatal. It is to be noted that among the foremost Companions, Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah , Ma’ath bin Jabl -, Yazid bin Abu Sufyan # and Abu Malik Ash‘ari - all fell victim to this disease. May Allah 3% Bless these pure souls, and may the Heavens rain dew on their resting places.

‘Umar Farooq 4 said:

Salamah! I have appointed you Commanderin-Chief of the army, which will be attack

Ahwaz, the western province of Iran.

Salamah bin Qais 4

Ahwaz, a province of Iran, is located in very mountainous terrain, on the border between Basra and Iran. During the Rashideen caliphates a very brave and warlike people lived there.