the engagements, but did not catch up with them until they were crossing the Euphrates. Some of them were on an island in the river. When they saw the Muslim vanguard, they fled before them. The two forces clashed, and the Muslims struck some of them. It was said that some of them drowned.

Their crossing and the clearing of Syria of their presence took place in early Rajab. Between Ghāzān’s initial crossing and this crossing, there had been upheavals and minor engagements. More than once, we resolved to go to Hama for the fighting, upon learning that the Muslims intended to attack those who remained. The commander stationed at Hama, the troops with him, and those who had come to him from Damascus stood firm against them. They resolved to meet them in battle and earned a tremendous reward. It was said that the enemy numbered several kamānāt—three or four.

It was thus decreed that, when matters became decisive and the believers were true to Allah, He would cast terror into their enemies’ hearts, causing them to flee. Nevertheless, they attacked small northern towns, such as “Tīzīn,” “al-Fū‘a,” “Ma‘arrat Misrīn,” and others that they had not overrun the previous year.

It was said that many inhabitants of those places were sympathetic to them because of their Rāfidī beliefs, and that some possessed decrees issued by them. But these men are oppressors, and whoever helps an oppressor will suffer at his hands. Allah Most High says:

“Thus We make some wrongdoers allies of others because of what they used to earn.”

Those who disbelieved among the People of the Book also supported them against the Muslims, including