Besieging the Byzantines in Farama

The Byzantines received news that Hazrat Amr (ra) bin al-Aas was coming with a small army with insufficient preparation and could not lay a siege for too long. The Byzantines thought that since they were better prepared and in a greater number, therefore they would easily defeat them. The Byzantines secured themselves in their fortress. Hazrat Amr (ra) bin al-Aas had come to know of the military power of the Byzantines and that they were much greater in weapons and in number. He, therefore, made plans to either seize Farama whereby they would launch a surprise attack, have the rampart doors opened, or to then remain patient in their besiegement until the residents ran out of food and come forth out of desperation. Thus, they laid siege [to the city].

On the one hand, the Muslims were tightening their siege, and on the other, the Byzantines were stubborn in their persistence. As such, the siege continued for many months. Sometimes the Byzantine forces would emerge for a few skirmishes but would then retreat. The Muslims would always prevail in these skirmishes.

One day, some Byzantine forces came forth in combat against the Muslims and the Muslims prevailed over them. When the Byzantines retreated to their fort in defeat, the Muslims swiftly pursued them. Some Muslims beat the Byzantines to the rampart gates and opened them, clearing the path to a clear victory.

*(Al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattab (ra) translated [Khangarh, Pakistan: Al-Furqan Trust], pp. 756-757) *