The Siege of Damascus

Having gained victory at Ajnadayn, the Muslim army besieged the enemy forces at Damascus. The details of this is as follows:

The Muslims surrounded Damascus – the capital of Syria and one of the oldest cities in the world – in Muharram, 14 AH. This siege lasted for six months after the enemy forces retreated to their forts. As they were in their own area, they retreated to their forts and all five commanders of the Muslim army surrounded the city along with their contingents. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) was with his army at the Eastern door [of the city], whereas Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (ra) was on the opposite side at the Western door. The remaining three commanders were positioned at various other doors.

At times, the Byzantines would step outside and engage in battle, but would then retreat back into their forts. They had hoped that the Byzantine emperor would send reinforcements; however, the vigilance of the Muslim army ensured their hopes turned to dust.

One night, the people of the city were occupied in festivities. When the guards patrolling the outer wall of the city also joined in the celebrations and became unmindful of their duty, Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (ra) climbed the wall along with a few of his men and entered the city. He then opened the gates and his army entered the city. Upon witnessing this, the people of the city entered into a treaty with Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra), who was on the opposite side of the city. However, Hazrat Khalid (ra) was unaware of this and continued fighting. The people of the city went to Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) and said to save them from Khalid (ra). The two commanders encountered one another in the middle of the city. When Hazrat Khalid (ra) and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) met with the people in the middle of the city, they entered into a treaty as Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) had already agreed to a treaty.

(Asharah Mubasharah, Bashir Sajid, p. 805-806, al-Badr Publications Urdu Bazar, Lahore, 2000)