Page:Baladhuri-Hitti1916.djvu/331

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The Conquest of Armenia
315

Allah is witness; and it suffices to have him for witness. Signed by Ḥabîb ibn-Maslamah."

An-Nashawa and al-Busfurrajân. Ḥabîb after this proceeded to an-Nashawa and took possession of it on terms similar to those of Dabîl. The patrician of al-Busfurrajân came and made terms regarding all of his country together with the land of Haṣâtiltah[1][?] and Afâristah [?], agreeing to pay a certain tax every year.

As-Sîsajân. Ḥabîb then moved to as-Sîsajân[2] whose people resisted him but were defeated. He also conquered Waiṣ; and made terms with the holders of the forts at as-Sîsajân to the effect that they pay tax. He then proceeded to Jurzân.

Dhât-al-Lujum. I was informed by certain sheikhs from Dabîl, among whom was Barmak ibn-ʿAbdallâh, that Ḥabîb ibn-Maslamah marched with his men bent on Jurzân. When they got to dhât-al-Lujum, they left some of their horses and mules to graze, leaving their bridles together in one place. Suddenly, a band of the "uncircumcised" fell upon them before they could bridle their animals. In the fight that ensued, the "uncircumcised" drove the Moslems away and seized the bridles together with as many horses and mules as they could. Later, the Moslems returned to them, massacred them and took back what has been carried away from them. That is why this spot was called "dhât-al-Lujum" [the place of the bridles].

As Ḥabîb was advancing against the patrician of Jurzân, he was met by a messenger of the patrician and the inhabitants of the town, who presented a written message and asked for a treaty of peace and security. Accordingly, Ḥabîb wrote to them:—

  1. Certain diacritical points missing.
  2. Meynard, p. 335.