The Conquest of Khorasan

Then, there is the conquest of Khorasan, which took place in 22 AH. The details of this are as follows:

After the Battle of Jalulah, the King of Iran, Yazdegerd, arrived at Rayy. The ruler of Rayy, Aabaan Jaziwiyyah, attacked Yazdegerd, took his signatory ring, prepared official documents as he pleased, and then returned the ring back to him. Then, Aabaan came to Hazrat Saad (ra) and returned all the agreements that had been decided in writing, i.e. all those documents that had been prepared previously were returned [and thus nullified].

Yazdegerd then left Rayy for Isfahan. Aabaan did not approve of Yazdegerd going there either, and so Yazdegerd had to migrate again to Kerman. He had with him the sacred fire. Because they were fire-worshippers, they would carry the sacred fire with them everywhere they went, and he had this with him also.

Finally, he decided to go to Khorasan, and stayed in Merv. He lit the sacred fire there and arranged for a temple to be constructed for this purpose along with a garden, which was situated at a distance of two “Farsakh”, i.e. six miles from Merv. Here, he began living in some peace and stability while writing letters of correspondence to non-Arabs living in the regions that were not under Muslim rule. He began to have such influence over these people that they became loyal to him. Furthermore, he also incited the Persians living in [Muslim] occupied lands as well as Hormuzan.

Owing to this, they broke their treaties with the Muslims and revolted. The people of Jibaal and Ferozan also followed suit and cut asunder their contractual loyalties with the Muslims and also revolted. Jibaal is the name of a well-known region in Iraq which covers a collection of cities ranging from Asbahan to Zanjan, Qazvin, Hamadan and Rayy etc.

Ferozan is the name of a settlement in Asbahan. Anyhow, under these circumstances, Hazrat Umar Farooq (ra) gave permission to the Muslims to advance and infiltrate into Iranian lands. Hence, the people of Kufa and Basra made their way, and upon reaching there, launched powerful attacks against them.

Ahnaf bin Qais marched toward Khorasan. On the way, they conquered Mahrjan Qazaq. This is a vast region between the Hulwan and Hamadan mountain range, covering several towns and settlements. After this, when they went a little further toward Asbahan, they found that the people of Kufa had surrounded Jayy.

Jayy was also the name of an ancient city in the surrounding regions of Asbahan, which today is almost completely barren. Among the non-Arabs, it is known as Shahristan. Hence, they entered Khorasan from Tabasan, and conquered Herat through powerful attacks. Tabasan is a surrounding state, situated between Nishapur and Asbahan. In Fars, it was referred to in short form as Tabas. Herat is a great and famous city among the renowned cities of Khorasan.

They appointed Suhaar bin Fulan Abdi as their deputy and marched forward again towards Merv Shahjahan. Among all the cities and provinces of Khorasan, Merv Shahjahan is the most famous. It is located 210 miles from Nishapur. No skirmishes broke out during the journey. This is why Mutarrif bin Abdillah bin Shikheer was sent toward Nishapur, and Harith bin Hassan was sent toward Sarakhs. Sarakhs is also an ancient and large city in the outskirts of Khorasan, located between Nishapur and Merv.

Nonetheless, when Ahnaf bin Qais approached Merv Shahjahan, Yazdergerd relocated to Merv Al-Rudh. Merv Al-Rudh is named because Merv refers to the white rock wherein a fire is lit – the stone is neither black, nor red. And “Rudh” is Persian for river. Thus, it means, “the stone of a river.” Merv Al-Rudh is located at a five-day journey from Merv Shahjahan, near a vast river.

Ahnaf bin Qais stopped in Merv Shahjahan. After arriving in Merv Al-Rudh, owing to his fear, Yazdegerd sent envoys to various rulers for support. He sought assistance from Khaqan. He wrote to the leader of Sogdia to send military support. Sogdia is that area which covers Samarkand, Bukhara etc. He also sent for help from the Chinese Emperor. Ahnaf bin Qais left Haritha bin Nu‘man Ba‘li as his deputy in Merv Shahjahan. In the meantime, the armies from Kufa arrived, headed by four commanders and reached Ahnaf bin Qais.

When all the armies gathered in Merv Shahjahan, Ahnaf bin Qais ordered the armies to march towards Merv Al-Rudh. When Yazdegerd learnt of this, he fled to Balkh. Balkh was a beautiful city in Khorasan, situated near the Oxus River [Amu Darya]. Subsequently, Ahnaf bin Qais stayed in Merv Al-Rudh. When the armies of Kufa set off for Balkh, Ahnaf bin Qais also departed behind them. Eventually, the armies of Kufa and Yazdegerd met at Balkh and a battle ensued.

The outcome of the battle was that through Allah the Almighty’s support, Yazdegerd was defeated, as a result of which he ran towards the [Oxus] river with the Iranians; and having crossed the river, he fled.

At this point, Ahnaf bin Qais joined the armies of Kufa. Allah the Almighty granted them victory in Balkh. Balkh is counted among the victories of the people of Kufa. After this, the residents of Khorasan who had fled or took refuge in forts, as well as those living between Nishapur and Tokharistan, all came and agreed upon a settlement.

Tokharistan was a region which spanned across many cities and bordered Khorasan. The biggest city was Taloqan. After this, Ahnaf bin Qais returned to Merv Al-Rudh and settled there. He appointed Rabi‘ bin Amir, a nobleman from among the Arabs as his deputy in Tokharistan. Ahnaf bin Qais sent news of the victory of Khorasan to Hazrat Umar (ra).

Upon hearing news of the victory in Khorasan, Hazrat Umar (ra) said, “I did not wish to send an army against them. Instead I wished if there were a river of fire between us and them.”

It is usually alleged that Muslims wished to invade lands and conquer countries. Hazrat Umar (ra) did not wish to send an army.

Upon hearing the words of Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra) stated, “O Leader of the Faithful! Why do you say these words?”

Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, “The reason is that the people of these areas will revolt three times by breaking the treaties. On the third time they will need to be subdued.”

It is mentioned in a different narration from Hazrat Ali (ra) bin Talib that when news of the victory in Khorasan reached Hazrat Umar (ra), he said, “I wished that there was a river of fire between us and them.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Ali (ra) said to Hazrat Umar (ra), “O Leader of the Faithful! This is a joyous occasion, what is worrying you?” That is, they had been granted victory, but he wished that there had been a barrier between them. Hazrat Umar (ra) responded, “Indeed, it is an occasion to rejoice, but I am worried that the people there will break the covenant three times.”

According to another narration, when Hazrat Umar (ra) learnt that Ahnaf bin Qais had captured both cities of Merv and also Balkh, he stated, “Ahnaf bin Qais is the leader of the Orientals.” He then sent a letter to Ahnaf bin Qais stating, “Do not cross the river whilst you are residing in the area before the river. Always remain firm upon the principles and morals you brought with you to Khorasan. In this manner, you will gain victory and support at each step. However, do not cross the river, as you will suffer greatly.”

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari Translation, Vol. 3, Pt. 1 [Karachi, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha‘at, 2003], pp. 183-185) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], pp. 546-547) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi], p. 26, 105) (Ibid., Vol. 3, p. 37, 191, 250, 252, 451) (Ibid., Vol. 4, p. 253, 347, 471)

Initially, when Yazdegerd called upon the neighbouring countries for help, he did not receive any substantial support. However, now Yazdegerd had fled from his own kingdom and went to them in order to gather enough support to recapture his kingdom. Khaqan, the Turk leader supported him and arrived in Balk with his army. Balkh was a beautiful city in Khorasan near the Oxus river, where the Muslims were present with a force of 20,000. Ahnaf killed three Turk horsemen and thinking this to be a bad omen, Khaqan turned back and left.

After listening to the conditions of the Muslims from Yazdegerd’s envoy, the Chinese Emperor wrote back to him saying:

“After listening to the qualities of the Muslims as mentioned by your emissary, I believe that if the Muslims came up against a mountain, they would reduce it to dust. If I send assistance to you, so long as they remain established upon the principles mentioned by your emissary” i.e. the qualities of the Muslims mentioned by the emissary, “they will take my throne away from me too and I will have no power to stop them. Therefore, you ought to form a treaty with them.”

Subsequently, Yazdegerd moved from city to city. He was killed in the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman (ra).

(Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, Sirat Ameerul Momineen Umar bin Khattab, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Ma‘rifah, 2007], pp. 433-435) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 548)

Ahnaf bin Qais sent news about the victory and also the spoils of war to Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Umar (ra) gathered the Muslims and delivered an address. Upon the instructions of Hazrat Umar (ra), the letter containing the details about the victory was read out. Hazrat Umar (ra) then said, “Verily Allah the Almighty reminds you about His Messenger (sa) and also the guidance he was sent with. Allah the Almighty has promised to grant reward swiftly to those who follow the Holy Prophet (sa) and to be granted good in this life as well as in the hereafter.” Hazrat Umar (ra) then recited the following verse of the Holy Quran:

هُوَ‭ ‬الَّذِيْٓ‭ ‬اَرْسَلَ‭ ‬رَسُوْلَهٗ‭ ‬بِالْهُدٰى‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬دِيْنِ‭ ‬الْحَقِّ‭ ‬لِيُظْهِرَهٗ‭ ‬عَلَى‭ ‬الدِّيْنِ‭ ‬كُلِّهٖ‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬لَوْ‭ ‬كَرِهَ‭ ‬الْمُشْرِكُوْنَ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“He it is Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may make it prevail over every [other] religion, even though the idolaters may dislike [it].” (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.33]

Hazrat Umar (ra) then stated:

“All praise belongs to Allah, Who has fulfilled His promise by assisting His army. Hearken! Allah the Almighty has destroyed the Magian Empire and broken their strength and unity. Now they do not own even an inch of land in their former occupied territory and will not be able to harm the Muslims anymore.

“Hearken! Allah had granted you their land, their homes, their wealth and made you heirs of their future generations, so that they can see how you conduct yourselves. Remember this well, many nations in the past also had military strength like you.” Hazrat Umar (ra) is advising the Muslims.

“Remember this well, many nations in the past also had military strength like you and in the past, many civilised nations occupied far off lands. Allah the Almighty is soon to establish His law and will fulfil His promise and will cause one nation to rise up after another. In order to obey the commands of Allah, follow that individual who will fulfil these promises and will uphold the promises made by God. Do not change your conditions, lest Allah the Almighty replaces you with another nation.” That is, if you change your conditions, abandon the faith and not act upon the commandments, then Allah the Almighty will replace you with another nation.

Hazrat Umar (ra) then said:

“The only thing I fear that can destroy the Muslim ummah is you yourselves. I am not worried whether the enemy can destroy the Muslim ummah; in fact, I only fear that the Muslims themselves will be responsible for annihilating the ummah.”

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 549) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari Translation, Vol. 3, Pt. 1 [Karachi, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha‘at, 2003], p. 190)

We can see that this statement was very true, for Muslims today are striking the necks of fellow Muslims and intent on killing each other. Muslim countries are attacking one another. It is claimed that this is Jihad, whereas Muslims are killing each other.