Introduction: Rasulullah’s (SAW) Intentions and Early Conquests
During his lifetime, Rasulullah (SAW) expressed his intention to conquer the tribes of the north-eastern region of the Arabian Peninsula and the Shams. But very little of this was achieved during his lifetime. In the eighth Hijri, Muslim forces conducted a raid on the city of Muta in southern Jordan. In fact, the Muslim conquest of Syria began during the reign of Caliph Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) and completed during the reign of Caliph Umar (RA). Today we will know the backstories of Muslim conquests in Sham region.
Three Stages of Muslim Conquest
The Muslim victory in Syria was achieved in three stages. They are—
- First Phase (12-13 AH):
During this period, the remote and rural areas known for Muslim conquests in Sham and the Arab tribes of the region submitted. - Second Phase (13-15 AH):
However This phase marks the beginning of the actual military conflict. During this period, the Muslims conquered the major cities of southern and central Syria. To resist the Muslim forces, the Byzantine emperor gathered a large number of troops in Syria and fought a series of fierce and bloody battles with the Muslim forces. Muslim forces won these battles. Two important battles of this phase are the Battle of Tabaqate Fahal (13 AH) and the Battle of Yarmouk (15 AH). Both battles took place in modern Jordan. Through these wars, the Byzantine Empire lost control over the eastern provinces of the empire. - Third Phase (16-27 AH):
In this phase, Muslims focused on consolidating Muslim rule in the previously conquered regions. They also conquered northern Syria, the Mediterranean coast, and important cities such as Baytul Muqaddas. After the entire region of Sham came under Muslim rule, it was divided into five military regions.
Sham Expedition During the Era of Abu Bakr (RA)
Besides the first Caliph of Islam, Abu Bakr (RA), sent a total of five armies to Syria during his reign. They are—
- First Army:
Firstly Abu Bakr (RA) first sent the first Muslim army to Syria under the leadership of Khalid bin Saeed bin As (RA). There were four thousand members of this force. Later, Yazid Ibn Abi Sufyan (RA) succeeded him. He sent Rabi’a Ibn Aswad (RA) for his help. He increased the strength of this force to seven thousand. The conquest of Damascus was the ultimate goal of this army. - Second Army:
Then Abu Bakr (RA) sent a second army under the leadership of Surahbil Ibn Hasanah (RA). Their target was Basra, the capital of Huran. There were three to four thousand soldiers in this force. This army conquered Ma’an, Kark, Madab, Balka, and Basra. These forces basically besieged Basra, and Khalid bin Walid (RA) came from Iraq and conquered it. - Third Army:
Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) sent the third army under the leadership of famous Companion Abu Ubaidah Ibnul Jarrah (RA). The members of this force were three to four thousand. Their goal was Hims’ victory. They proceeded towards Hims by way of Wadi al-Qura, Hijr, Jatul Manar, Zayza, Maab, and Zabia. Abu Bakr (RA) forbade them to besiege any city. - Fourth Army:
Abu Bakr (RA) sent the fourth army under the leadership of Amr Ibnul As (RA). Their goal was the conquest of Palestine. There were six to seven thousand soldiers in this force. They advanced along the coast of the Red Sea. He ordered Abu Ubaidah Ibnul Jarrah (RA) to help this force. - Fifth Army:
The Fifth Army was formed under the leadership of Iqrama Ibn Abi Jahal (RA). There were seven thousand soldiers in this army. He left them as a reserve force in Medina.
Notable Victories During the Era of Abu Bakr (RA)
Some of the important victories of Syria during the era of Abu Bakr (RA) are:
- Victory of Moab: This victory was won against the Byzantines in 12 Hijri. It was the first Byzantine city that Muslims conquered.
- Dasin Victory: This victory was achieved in 12 Hijri.
- Victory of Marju Safar: Khalid Ibn Walid and Khalid Ibn Saeed (RA) took part in this battle. It was the first major victory against the Byzantines.
The Final Victory of Syria in the Era of Umar (RA)
Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) completed the campaign that Umar Ibnul Khattab (RA) had started in Syria. Important cities of Syria, including Damascus, conquered during his reign. When the Roman army was trying to turn around after the conquest of Yarmouk, General Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Zarrah (RA), on the advice of Umar (RA), sent a part of the Muslim army to Fahal, assigned a part to Hims and Damascus, and himself advanced towards Damascus.
Hearing the news of the arrival of the Muslim army, the Roman commander Nisrat ibn Nastus closed the city gates. On the other hand, the Muslim forces besieged Damascus from all sides. On one side of which Abu Ubaydah (RA), on one side Amr Ibnul As (RA), on one side Khalid Ibn Walid (RA), and on the other side Yazid Ibn Abi Sufyan (RA) were staying. In this way, the Muslim forces besieged Damascus for 70 days. Damascus was finally conquered in the month of Rajab 14 Hijri.
The Muslim forces then conquered Fahal, Marj Rome, Hims, Baalabakka, Kinnasrin, Halab, Intakiya, and Aznadayn one by one. Finally, the Muslim army marched towards Baytul Muqaddas under the leadership of Amr Ibnul As (RA). Abu Ubaydah and Khalid Ibn Walid (RA) joined him. Following the successive defeats of the Roman forces and the arrival of the Muslim forces, the people of Baytul Muqaddas offered a treaty to the Muslims. They stipulated that if the Caliph himself appeared, they would hand over Baytul Muqaddas to the Muslims through a treaty. When Umar (RA) was informed about this, he agreed and attended Baytul Muqaddas himself. In brief, the Muslim forces brought the entire Sham area under the Islamic Caliphate.
Sources
- Futuhatush Sham
- Khilafat Rasheda
- Islamway.net
- Islam History
