Hazrat Umar Farooq — Page 19
powerful Persian army, which was commanded by General Narsi. Narsi tried to escape but was pursued by the Muslims and killed. THE BATTLE OF JASR ( BRIDGE) sent it under the command of General Bahman. d To take revenge of the defeat, the Persian Commander-in-Chief Rustam gathered even larger force an Hadhrat Abu Obaidah stayed in a fort on the western bank of the river Euphrates and the Persians pitched their tents on the eastern side of the river. General Bahman sent a message to the Muslim Commander, “Either cross the river and meet us on this side of the river or allow us to cross the river so as to face your force. ” The Companions of the Holy Prophet who were in the Muslim force, fearing treachery from the enemy, advised their Commander not to cross the river but to allow the enemy to cross and meet them on the western side. However Hadhrat Abu Obaidah ignored their advice and sent a message back to the enemy that they were ready to cross the river and fight them on their side. A bridge of boats was prepared and the Muslims began to cross. They had hardly crossed the river and had no chance to arrange for the battle when the Persians began to attack. A large number of huge elephants surged forward. To the Arab horses these animals looked fierce and unfamiliar and they became frightened. When the elephants charged they caused destruction and left a large number of Muslims crushed and maimed. On seeing this, Hadhrat Abu Obaidah jumped from his horse and rushed to the elephant that was heading towards him. He struck a mighty blow to its trunk cutting it from its forehead. The angry beast hurled him to the ground and crushed him under its feet, he died instantly. The Muslim soldiers continued to attack the elephants but to no effect. Seven other leaders who took up the flag one after the other were killed. Finally Hadhrat Musanna took the flag in his hand and tried his best to hold the enemy at bay. At the same time he ordered his soldiers to cross back, but in the meantime the enemy had cut the planks of the bridge so there was no escape for the Muslim soldiers. Some of them jumped into the river to escape but drowned. The Muslims managed to build the bridge once again. While Hadhrat Musanna, the brave soldier of Islam with a handful of men, blocked the advance of the enemy, the rest of the Muslim force crossed back. This battle is known as the Battle of the Bridge. The Muslim Force suffered heavy losses in this battle. It is related that when Hadhrat Umar said farewell to the Muslim army, he advised Hadhrat Abu Obaidah Thaqafi, the Commander, to consult the Companions of the Holy Prophet in matters of importance and heed their advice. It appears that the Commander of the Musllim army ignored his advice. As a result, the Muslims suffered great loss. Hadhrat Musanna informed Hadhrat Umar of what had happened in the battle. Hadhrat Umar was worried at this temporary defeat but knew that in the end the Muslims would be victorious. Allah would surely keep His promise. He therefore raised another Force and sent it to join Musanna’s army. THE BATTLE OF BUWAIB The Muslim force were camped on the bank of Euphrates at Buwaib, a place where the modern city of Koofah stands today, when the help arrived. The Persian force under the command of Mehran set up their camp on the other side of the river. The enemy commander again sent a similar message. The Muslims could not be deceived again. This time Hadhrat Musanna told the enemy to cross the river and meet the Muslim force on their side. The enemy crossed the river and arranged themselves for the battle. The Muslim soldiers waited until the enemy was ready for the battle and the fighting began. 19