Peter gathered the Muslim women at the river. He regarded Khawlah bint al-Azwar as the most beautiful and so said to his men, “She is mine and I am her, none of you should object.” They accepted and so each one started choosing a woman and saying, “she is mine.” They gathered the sheep and loot and awaited Paulus. The women were detained in a tent. Most of them were aged women from the tribes of Himyar, ‘Amâliqah and Tubba’, who were used to riding at night and fighting ‘Arab tribesmen. Khawlah addressed them, “O daughters of Himyar! O valuable ones of Tubba’! Does it please you to be overcome by Roman disbelievers and be their slave-girls? What has happened to that bravery which was the talk of the slave-girls of ‘Arabs and the gatherings of the ‘Arabs? How sad that I now see you bereft of all bravery and honour. I consider death better than the humiliation of serving Romans.”

‘Afirah bint ‘Affâr al-Himyarîyah: Whatever you have mentioned, O daughter of Azwar, about our bravery, intelligence and rank is quite true. It is also true that we are accustomed to horse-riding and putting the enemy to difficulty. However, what can we do when we have neither horse, nor spear, nor sword; nor any other weapon? You know very well that they came suddenly and caught us like lost sheep when we had no weapons.

Khawlah: O daughters of Tubba’, your negligence is no excuse. We can uproot the pegs and pillars of the tent and attack the wretches therein. Perhaps Allâh will grant us victory, or else at least we will attain martyrdom. In this way we will wipe the mark of disgrace from our foreheads.

‘Afirah: By Allâh! What a wonderful and appropriate suggestion

So each woman uprooted a peg. Khawlah bound her waist and putting a peg on her shoulder, went ahead followed by ‘Afirah, Umm Abân bint ‘Utbah, Salamah bint Nu’man bin Muqirr and the others all shouting “Is there any challenger?”

Khawlah began instructing this female army on battle formation. “Be like the links of a chain, never separate for then spears will pierce your breasts, swords will cut your necks, your skulls will be cut off and heaped here. She went and hit her peg so hard on a Roman’s head that h e dropped down dead. The romans were thrown into confusion and started asking each other, “What is happening?”, when suddenly they saw peg carrying women advancing upon them. Peter shrieked at the, “What are you doing you wretches?”

‘Afirah replied, “We have decided that today we will rectify your brains with these tent-pegs and shorten your life-spans, thus removing a spot of disgraces from our ancestors’ faces.”

Peter laughed and said to his people, “Shame on you. Go, spread out and catch them alive, but whoever catches Khawlah should not get any ideas.”

The Romans encircled them, but as soon as anyone came near, the women would break his horse’s legs with the pegs and when he thus fell down, would smash up his face. In this way, thirty Romans were killed and none neared them. Peter became infuriated and followed by his companions, dismounted. They walked to the women shaking their fists and swords. The women hurried towards each other and said,

“Death with honour is better than life with disgrace.”

Rifâ’ah bin Qays narrates:

As far as we know only 100 out of the 6,000 survived. It is reported that Dirâr رضي الله عنه was very upset to hear that his sister was captured and so went to Khâlid رضي الله عنه and informed him. He replied, “Do not worry, we have captured their leaders. We shall go to Damascus and free our women in exchange for the prisoners.”

The he said to Abû ‘Ubaydah رضي الله عنه “You move slowly with the women while I go and free the captives.” He selected 2,000 horsemen to go with him while despatching the rest with Abû ‘Ubaydah رضي الله عنه for fear of an encounter with Warden.

Râfi’ bin ‘Umayrah, Maysarah bin Masrûq al-‘Absi, Dirâr and other chiefs رضي الله عنهم rode ahead of Khâlid رضي الله عنه and they soon traversed the distance.

Dirâr رضي الله عنه was reciting this poem as they were going –

Khâlid رضي الله عنه laughed at this.

They continued until they neared the Istiryâq River where they saw a dust-cloud wherein flags fluttered and swords glinted.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : This is a strange sight.

Qays: Perhaps it is the remainder of the Damascus cavalry.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه: Everyone keep your spears ready until we find out what is happening.

They obeyed and went ahead.

Abû Ubaydah رضي الله عنه and his men were mounted on camels when one of them saw a dust-cloud rising in the distance. He informed him and said, “As far as I can tell it is the dust of the enemy.”

Abû Ubaydah رضي الله عنه and his men were mounted on camels when one of them saw a dust-cloud rising in the distance. He informed him and said, “As far as I can tell it is the dust of the enemy.”

When Abû Ubaydah رضي الله عنه saw this disaster he said, “Khâlid was right in wanting to stay”. Paulus advanced with marks and crosses hanging on his head. At that time, that Muslim women were very anxious while the boys were shrieking. Although, 1000 men were present, they had left to engage the Romans. Allâh’s enemy, Paulus, attacked Abû Ubaydah رضي الله عنه who fought back. The battle between the Sahâbah رضي الله عنهم and the Romans heated, dust was rising, swords were flashing so viciously that Shakhûra became a bed of tulips (fallen heads like tulips red with blood). Abû Ubaydah رضي الله عنه was in a difficult situation, but remained firm.

I was riding a Yamanî horse with white marks on its forehead and legs. I pulled the reins and let go so that it sped like a flash of lightning and, before I knew it, was close to Khâlid bin al-Walîd. I shouted at him, so he turned his horse in my direction and said, “What is wrong, Ibn Sabbâh?”

I said, “O Commander, go to Abû Ubaydah and the women. An army from Damascus has attacked them and captured some women and children. Abû Ubaydah is in a very tight situation and cannot hold out much longer.” He exclaimed “Verily we belong to Allâh and to Him we return. By Allâh! I wanted to stay at the back, but he did not listen. But in any case, none can question Allâh’s decree.”

He then ordered Râfi’ bin ‘Umayrah to immediately take 1,000 cavalry to protect the women and ordered ‘Abdurahman bin Abî Bakr to take 1,000 cavalry against the enemy. Then he dispatched Dirâr رضي الله عنه and Qays bin Hubayrah al-Murâdi with 1,000 men against them. Thereafter, he went forth with the rest of the enemy. Abû ‘Ubaydah رضي الله عنه was fighting Paulus when the Muslims arrived. They attacked the enemies of Allâh so forcefully that their crosses fell and they were convinced that they would be defeated. When Paulus saw Dirâr رضي الله عنه blazing towards him, he lost his wits and shivered because he had personally seen from the top of the city walls what had happened to great warriors like Calius and Uriel and what had happened at Bayt Luhyâ. He recognised Dirâr and said to Abû ‘Ubaydah, “O ‘Arab, I ask you for the sake of your religion to keep this devil away from me”. Dirâr said, “If I do not try and catch you, then I will be the Devil.”

Paulus, seeing him thrusting his spear in his direction, jumped off his horse and ran towards his army. Dirâr رضي الله عنه also dismounted to chase him and shouted “Where can you feel to when this devil is right behind you?”

Paulus said, “Spare me, O Bedouin, for in sparing my life you will be saving your women and children” So Dirâr رضي الله عنه spared him and captured him instead, while the Muslims launched such an attack which silenced the Romans.

I was in the army of ‘Abdurahman bin Abî Bakr at the battle of Shakhûra..We surrounded the 6,000 Romans and killed them.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه intended to launch another attack, but suddenly saw a group of Roman horsemen breaking off from the right-wing. They did not keep hold of their bridles and were coming in a hurry as if they were chasing something. Khâlid رضي الله عنه called the Muslims to arms and they swiftly gathered around them. When the Romans horsemen came near they threw down their arms and came on foot begging for safety. Khâlid رضي الله عنه ordered the Muslims to accept their plea and bring them to him.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : Who are you?

Romans: We are soldiers of Warden and inhabitants of Hims. We are fully convinced that we can bring no power against you and do not have the strength to defeat you. Grant us, our families and our children protection on the same terms which you have granted other cities. State whatever indemnity you want and our people not oppose your terms.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : We can only make an agreement once we have reached your city, not here. In the meantime, you will stay with us until Allâh makes a decision between us and the enemy.

He ordered them to be watched over and again spoke to them

Khâlid رضي الله عنه: Do you know anything about our warrior who killed your general’s son?

Romans: Are you asking about that bare-chested man who killed many of our men including the general’s son?

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : Yes, that is him

Romans: After his capture Warden put him on a mule and sent him with 100 horsemen to Hims. From there he will be sent to Heraclius to display his bravery.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه was pleased to hear this and summoned Râfi’ bin ‘Umayrah.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : Râfi’, you know this regions roads and mountain passes well. Your planning and improvising helped us to easily cross the barren planes of such places as As-Samâwah. That is, when you kept the camels thirsty and then gave them to drink and tied their mouths shut so that you could slaughter ten daily to feed us and give the horses to drink from the water that then came from the bellies of the camels until we reached Arakah. You are thus a very experienced man and a distinguished planner. 100 horsemen are taking Dirâr to Hims. I am appointing you to pick whoever you wish to go with you in pursuit of them. I feel that you will be able to catch up to them soon and rescue him. If you achieve this you will cause great happiness and will solve a great problem.

Râfi’: I readily accept

He selected 100 horsemen and was about to depart when Khawlah found out. A wave of happiness swept her and so she prepared her weapons and went to Khâlid رضي الله عنه saying “For the love of Muhammad send me with them so that I can be of assistance.”

Khâlid رضي الله عنه said to Râfi’, “you are well aware of her bravery, so take her with you.”

While he was reciting this poem, he suddenly saw a tall, short-necked fawn horse upon which sat a rider with a glittering spear. The rider's behaviour and appearance projected a kind of wisdom and the riding-style showed bravery. The warrior held the bridle loosely but sat firmly in the saddle and wore armour covered inBlack cloth. A green girdle tied at the waiste was spread over both of his chest and back. Thus the rider road ahead of the army like a blazing flame.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه said, "I wonder who this is, By Allâh! He appears to be quite daring and brave."

He continued behind the stranger heading towards the Christian camp. Râfi' bin 'Umayrah was steadfastly holding out against the Romans when he saw Khâlid's رضي الله عنه reinforcements. The mysterious warrior pounced on the enemy like a mighty hawk on a tiny sparrow in an attack that wreaked havoc in the Roman lines and by perpetrating a massacre penetrated to their very centre. It was like lightning - striking the heads of two or four youths, then burning to ashes another five or seven and then flashing yet again. Reaching the centre, the warrior displayed clear signs of frustration and anxiety and then began attacking again, ripping the christian lines apart and advancing until the Muslims lost sight of this champion who all the while was growing ever more anxious.

Râfi' bin 'Umayrah and his men thought that that could only be Khâlid رضي الله عنه. Râfi' then saw him with his men and so he called out, "O brave one, who is this horseman who risks his life in Allâh's Path and slays the enemy without hesitation?"

Khâlid رضي الله عنه:By Allâh! I do not know. I am myself astonished at his daring and bravery.

Râfi': What an amazing man who penetrates the Roman ranks and kills them left, right and centre..

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : O Muslims, Rise for the defence of Islâm and attack together.

The Muslims straightened their bridles, readied their spears and advanced in battle formation with Khâlid رضي الله عنه in front. They were about to attack when they saw the stranger flashing at the heart of the Roman army soaked in blood and mounted on a horse drowning in perspiration. Despite trying to turn away from the approaching Romans, the Mujâhid was still single-handedly facing several Romans at the same time. Khâlid رضي الله عنه and his men attacked them until they managed to bring the stranger to the Muslim ranks.

The Muslims gazed at the Visible top part of the stranger's face and found it to be like a crimson rose-petal dipped in blood. Khâlid رضي الله عنهsaid, "You have offered your life in the Path of Allâh and vented your anger upon the enemies - May Allâh reward you well. Now remove your mouth-cover so that we can see who you are."

They too received no reply, so Khâlid رضي الله عنه personally went and said, "How very sad that I and in fact all the muslims wish to know about you but you could not care, Who are you?"

He repeatedly insisted until eventually a feminine voice replied "O commander, I have not avoided you out of disobedience, but out of modesty for I am of those who have secluded themselves behind the veil. My sorrow and broken heart forced me here."

Khâlidرضي الله عنه : Who are you?

Stranger: The Captive Dirâr's sister, Khawlah bint al-Azwar. I was sitting with the women of the Mathhij tribe when I heard of Dirâr's capture. So I immediately mounted and came here. The rest you already know.

Hearing this, Khâlids رضي الله عنه heart was struck with wonder and tears welled out profusely.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه :We will attack together. I have firm conviction that Allâh will lets us reach your brother and free him.

Khawlah: If Allâh wills then I shall be in the front line

The Sahâbah took Dirâr’s capture very hard and launched a fierce attack to save him but were unsuccessful. They were dislodged and started fleeing when Râfi’ bin ‘Umayrah shouted, “Memorisers and bearers of the Qurân, where are you going? Do you not know that those who flee out of fear of the enemy are showered with Allâh’s anger and with defeat? That most of the gates of Paradise are open for Mujâhidîn and patient ones? O bearers of this Dîn, be patient and attack the worshippers of the cross. Bear in mind that even if your leader has been captured, Allâh is still Ever-Living and watching you and I am present to take the lead in front of you.” The Muslims were galvanised and gathered under his leadership. They launched an attacks in which many men and most of the Roman leaders were killed. When Khâlid رضي الله عنه heard about Dirâr’s رضي الله عنهcapture and the Muslim’s martyrdom he was beside himself with grief and asked, “How many Romans are there?” The informer replied, “12,000”.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه : By Allâh! Had I known that there are so many then I would never have sent my people to destruction…who is their general?

Informer: Warden, governor of Hims, Dirâr killed his son, Hamran.

Khâlid رضي الله عنه: There is no ability to avoid evil and no power to do good except with Allâh’s help, the Most High, the Most Mighty.

Then he sent a messenger to seek Abû `Ubaydah’s رضي الله عنهopinion. His reply was, “Place a reliable man in charge of some men to continue the siege of the Eastern Gate while you yourself lead the attack on the enemy. I am confident that you will grind them like a mill in no time at all.”

Upon receiving this message Khâlid رضي الله عنه said, “By Allâh! I am not of those who are miserly in spending their lives in the Path of Allâh.”

He then said to Maysarah bin Masruq al-‘Absi, “I am leaving you in charge of 1,000 horsemen. Do not leave your position but make Du’â and place your trust in Allâh.”

Maysarah bin Masruq al-‘Absî: I accept wholeheartedly.

Khâlid رضي الله عنهthen addressed the army, “Let go of the horses’ bridles and hold your spears firmly instead. When we are close to the enemy, and then attack altogether. Perhaps we will rescue Dirâr if he is still alive or else if they have martyred him, we will certainly avenge him if Allâh wills. I hope that Allâh will not cause us grief with regard to Dirâr.”

So saying, he rode ahead of his men reciting this war-poem..