was Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, while the one who moved through the ranks reciting Sura al-Anfal and the verses on jihad was al-Miqdad ibn al-Aswad.
Ishaq ibn Yasar reports with his chain of transmission that the commanders of the four divisions that day were four: Abu ʿUbaydah, ʿAmr ibn al-ʿAs, Shurahbil ibn Hasanah, and Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan. The army marched beneath its banners: over the right wing stood Muʿadh ibn Jabal, over the left wing Nafatha ibn Usamah al-Kinani, over the infantry Hashim ibn ʿUtbah ibn Abi Waqqas, and over the cavalry Khalid ibn al-Walid, the chief strategist whose judgment guided everyone.
When the Byzantines advanced in arrogance and pride—filling the flatlands and the rough ground alike until they looked like a black cloud—they shouted in loud voices (1), while their monks chanted the Gospel and urged them on to fight. Khalid was with the cavalry before the main host (2). He rode up to Abu ʿUbaydah and said, “I wish to offer some counsel.”
Abu ʿUbaydah replied, “Speak whatever Allah has inspired you with; I will listen and obey.”
Khalid said, “These people will certainly launch a massive assault from which they cannot hold back. I fear for the right and left wings, so I propose to divide the cavalry into two detachments and station them behind the right and left. When the enemy strikes them, the cavalry will come to their aid and we shall attack the enemy from the rear.” (3)
Abu ʿUbaydah answered, “An excellent plan.” Khalid accordingly took command of one of the two cavalry groups behind the right, placing Qays ibn Hubayrah over the other. He then asked Abu ʿUbaydah to withdraw from the centre to the very rear of the army so that, should any man flee, the sight of him would shame him into returning to battle. Abu ʿUbaydah left Saʿid ibn Zayd—one of the ten promised Paradise (may Allah be pleased with him)—in charge of the centre. Khalid next rode to the women behind the army, among whom were several swords and other weapons,
and said, “If you see anyone turning his back, kill him.” He then returned to his position (may Allah be pleased with him).
When the two hosts faced each other and the lines were drawn, Abu ʿUbaydah addressed the Muslims, saying:
“Servants of Allah, support Allah and He will support you and steady your feet. O assembly of (4) Muslims, be steadfast, for steadfastness delivers from disbelief, pleases the Lord, and wipes away disgrace. Do not abandon your ranks, do not advance a single step toward them, and do not begin the fighting. Keep your spears level, shelter behind your shields, and remain silent except for the remembrance of Allah within yourselves, until I give you the command, if Allah wills.”
They relate that Muʿadh ibn Jabal then stepped forward to remind the people, saying: “O people of the Qur’an, custodians of the Book, supporters of guidance and truth! The mercy of Allah is not attained, nor is His Garden entered, by wishful thinking; Allah does not grant forgiveness and mercy… (5)"