Battle of Harrah

Yazīd's Orders to the Commanders of the Syrian Army

Since Muslim b. 'Uqba was sick at the time of departure to Medina and was unable to mount the horse, he was placed on a couch and carried on slaves' shoulders.[^1] Yazīd recommended him to name Husayn b. Numayr Sakūnī as his deputy in case any problem would arise for him.[^2] As for the people of Medina, he advised him as follows:

“Invite the people of Medina three times. If they accept, it is better; but if they do not, in case you triumph over them, massacre them for three days. Whatever there might be in that city - including properties, human beings, animals, and weapons - would be lawful for the troops. Do not prevent the people of Syria from doing what they want to do with their enemy. When the three days' period is over, cease the massacre and plunder and ask people to swear allegiance to be Yazīd's slaves! When you are done with Medina, move towards Mecca.”[^3]

[^1]: Ibn Qutayba, Al-Imāma wa al-Siyāsa, vol. 2, p. 9.

[^2]: Ibn Athīr, Al-Kāmil fī al-Ta’rīkh, vol. 4, p. 112; Azraqī, Akhbār Makkat al-Musharrafa, vol. 1, p. 139.

[^3]: Dinawari, al-Akhbār al-Tiwāl, p. 264; Ibn A’tham Kūfi, Al-Futūh, vol. 5, p. 180; Ibn Athīr, Al-Kāmil fī al-Ta’rīkh, vol. 4, p. 112; Ibn al-Wardī, Tatimmat al-Mukhtasar, vol. 1, p. 233; Samhūdī, Wafā’ al-Wafā’, vol. 1, p. 128; Azraqī, Akhbār Makkat al-Musharrafa, vol. 1, p. 139; Abū al-Fidā‘, Al-Mukhtasar fī Akhbār al-Bashar, vol. 1, p. 192.