Part 41

Basra was a newly inhabited city and it was the cantonment area of the Muslim army. From the point of view of defence it was a very sensitive area which was of crucial strategic importance. There was only one way to secure oneself from the continuous attacks of the Iranians and that was to establish complete control over Ahwaz, the western province of Iran.

One night the Caliph, ‘Umar Farooq - was taking a tour of the city at night and pondering over the problem of whom to appoint Commander-in-Chief of the army which was about to wage war on this very important front. The names of experienced and brave Mujahideen kept coming to his mind, when the name of Salamah bin Qais < came to him, he stopped short in his tracks. He said to himself:

“Great! This is the very man! This is the general I have been looking for. He will be the best man to lead the army in an attack on Ahwaz. The qualities of leadership are to be found in him at their best.”

In the morning he sent for him and told him:

“Salamah! 1 have appointed you Commander-in-Chief of the army, which will be attack Ahwaz, the western province of Iran. I hope that you will fulfil the duties of your office. Set off on this expedition at the head of the army with the name of Allah 3 on

your lips. Remember, as soon as you enter the territory of the enemy, first invite them to accept Islam. If they accept (slam, will and good. If they do not join you to take part in Jildd, just take zakah from them. But if they do take part in Jihad they will have the right to an equal share in the spoils. On the other hand, if they do not accept Islam, but appeal for peace and promise not to make war, then exact the tax of Jizyalt from them and provide them with maximum security. Do not create any intolerable problems for them If they refuse to pay Jizyah then wage war against them. May Allah 3& be your Supporter and Helper. If during the course of the battle the [ranian army retreats into a fort, avoids coming out, and then agrees to surrender, do not accept this offer at face value. It is possible they are up to some deceitful trick and are being devious. They can cause the Muslim army irreparable harm. If they come out from the fort into the open and surrender arms then do not lift up your swords against them. But if they wish to wage war oppose them stubbornly. When you win the battle, do not go to extremes; neither should you be disloyal to anyone. Do not kill any woman, child or aged person; do not cut off noses or ears and maim the enemy. Do not destroy any crops or chop off any trees.”

On hearing this speech advising him, he promised to obey the orders of the Caliph ‘Umar Faroog #; he then set out at the head of his army for Ahwaz with Caliph’s good wishes and supplications for their success ringing in his ears.

The army had to face difficult situations on their journey. At times they had to climb up steep mountain slopes, at others they had to cross-stinking swampy areas on the plains. At other places there were poisonous snakes and scorpions to be seen crawling everywhere. But the Mujahideen were intoxicated with the spirit of Jihad, and oblivious to all these hardships the army of Islam advanced towards their destination. The daring yet wise and sincere leadership of the Commander-in-Chief Salamah bin Qais #%, a true and faithful follower of the Messenger of Allah 38, gave courage to the troops and

kept their morale high. The Verses of the Qur’an were always on the lips of the men as they marched. The air of the areas where they rested at nightfall echoed with the recitation of the Divine Verses of the Noble Qur’én. Their entrancing sound used to perfume the atmosphere. The Mujahideen used to irradiate and illuminate their hearts and souls by reciting the Noble Qur’an for most of the night. The meaning of the Verses used to inspire them and they used to dip into this boundless treasure house and enrich themselves. Thus familiarity and friendship and love of the Noble Qur’én was instrumental in making their arduous journey easy. The Mujahideen had an earnest desire that this scented and sacred atmosphere should be theirs forever and their lives should end thus.

As_ per the instructions of ‘Umar Farooq <4, the general of the Muslim army, Salamah bin Qais -%, invited the people of this western province of Ahwaz to accept Islam. But they bluntly refused this invitation and the Muslim army had no other option but to wage war. The Mujahideen entered the field of battle for Jihad. The battle heated up very fast and there was intense fighting. There were flames and the clang of swords resounded everywhere. The two sides were equally balanced. The Mujahideen were filled with the passion for Jihad and displayed amazing feats of bravery and strength. Finally the Muslim army was victorious and established full control over Ahwaz.

It was a very reasonable idea and everyone unanimously agreed that it should be sent. He placed it in a beautiful case and told one of his relatives:

“Leave for Al-Madinah and once you reach, give the good news of the victory to the Caliph and present it to him. Take your servant along with you so he will be able to help you.”

What occurred once he reached the capital, Al-Madinah, is an exemplary lesson for all men of integrity.

The relative of Commander-in-Chief Salamah bin Qais 4% with his attendant left very happily, thrilled with the positive feelings of joy, that he would be conveying the good news of the triumph to the Caliph; crossing the difficult mountainous terrain, he finally reached Al-Madinah. The rest of the tale should be heard in his own words. This is what he had to say:

in such an excellent style. Then he again called out to his wife and asked her for some water. Again she gave him a bow! of water from behind the curtain. He asked me to have some first. Again obeying his order, | had some. I was very surprised because the barley paste | had made for myself was far more delicious. The food was very simple and even the food was not very tasty. Then he held the bowl and_had the barley paste. After is offered this prayer of thanks to Allah 38:

“Thanks to Allah Who fed us and quenched our thirst and satisfied us.”

Then | told him respectfully: “Caliph I have been asked to give you this letter.”

“I welcome the representative of Salamah bin Qais 2. What happened to the army which was fighting against the Iranians in the western province of Ahwaz?”

“O Caliph, Allah 3% has given success and victory to the army of Islam.”

Then I gave him full details of that had happened during the war. After listening the detail, he said:

”Thanks to Allah 3 for giving us success in this battle. Did you happen to pass through Basra?”

l answered in the affirmative. Then he asked me: “What is the condition of the Muslims there?”

I replied that they were all right by the Grace of Allah. He then asked how were the prices in the market. I said that all essential commodities were very cheap. He asked me what was the price of meat. This was because it was the favourite of the Arabs. They do not feel satisfied unless they partake of meat. | answered that plenty of meat was available and at low prices.

Then he looked towards the beautiful case 1 was carrying in my hand and asked:

“What is that in your hand?”

I replied that it was an expensive necklace which the Commander-inChief Salamah bin Qais % had sent as a gift for you. He had got this as part of the spoils of war. As | said and presented the box to him. He opened _ the box and his eyes fell on the expensive and attractive gems gold and green in colour as they littered richly. Turn purple with rage and flung the box on the ground. The strand of pearls snapped and lay strewn all over the place. Caliph ‘Umar Farooq 3 commanded me to collect all the scattered pearls. And he ordered his special attendant, Yarfa’ to lash me with all his strength as I bent to pick up the pearls. I started collecting the pearls and his attendant started lashing me. Then he told me. “O unfortunate man stand up!”