Conquest of Homs
The conquest of Homs; after the victory of Fahl, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) moved towards Homs, which was an ancient city of Syria and was of great importance both politically and strategically.
On the way they passed by Baalbek, an ancient city of Lebanon located at a distance of three days’ travel from Damascus. This was an ancient city and a centre for the worship of the idol named Baal. Instead of fighting against Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra), the residents of Baalbek wished to form a peace treaty, which was agreed on the condition they pay the Jizya. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) did not fight with them and accepted the Jizya instead. They were free to follow their religion.
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) turned to Homs and surrounded the city. Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (ra) was also with him. Since the people of the city were hopeful of reinforcements from the Byzantine Emperor, they made preparations to fight. However, when their hopes faded away, they threw down their arms and requested for a peace settlement, which was accepted. Their lives, wealth, places of worship and properties were all granted protection under the terms of the treaty. Their properties as well as their places of worship were assured protection and they were permitted to follow their own religion. In return they would pay Jizya and Kharaj, which is a form of tax.