1 00:00:00,430 --> 00:00:03,430 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2 00:00:03,430 --> 00:00:08,429 The best of generations in their conduct and example, 3 00:00:08,429 --> 00:00:13,429 Following the Messenger when he strove or traveled. 4 00:00:13,429 --> 00:00:15,429 A collection of affection, 5 00:00:15,429 --> 00:00:17,429 Proceeding. 6 00:00:17,429 --> 00:00:21,500 Portraits from the lives of the Tabi'un, 7 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:25,910 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:25,910 --> 00:00:27,910 May Allah have mercy upon him. 9 00:00:27,910 --> 00:00:32,770 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi, 10 00:00:32,770 --> 00:00:34,770 May Allah have mercy upon him. 11 00:00:43,890 --> 00:00:45,890 Scarcely had the Commander of the Faithful, 12 00:00:45,890 --> 00:00:47,890 And the fifth of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, 13 00:00:47,890 --> 00:00:49,890 Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, 14 00:00:49,890 --> 00:00:52,890 Brushed the dust of his predecessor, 15 00:00:52,890 --> 00:00:54,890 Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik, from his hands, 16 00:00:54,890 --> 00:00:58,890 Than he hastened to reconsider the governors of the provinces, 17 00:00:58,890 --> 00:01:00,890 Dismissing some and appointing others. 18 00:01:00,890 --> 00:01:03,890 Among the foremost of those he employed 19 00:01:03,890 --> 00:01:06,890 Was al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani, 20 00:01:06,890 --> 00:01:10,140 For he entrusted him with the governorship of al-Andalus, 21 00:01:10,140 --> 00:01:13,140 And the neighboring cities that had been conquered 22 00:01:13,140 --> 00:01:15,140 In the lands of France. 23 00:01:15,140 --> 00:01:19,269 The new prince set up his camp in the lands of al-Andalus, 24 00:01:19,269 --> 00:01:23,269 And set out in search of sincere and righteous aides. 25 00:01:23,269 --> 00:01:25,269 He asked those around him, 26 00:01:26,269 --> 00:01:30,269 "Does anyone from the Tabi'un remain in these lands?" 27 00:01:30,269 --> 00:01:33,269 They replied, "Yes, O Prince, 28 00:01:33,269 --> 00:01:36,269 There still remains among us the noble Tabi'i, 29 00:01:36,269 --> 00:01:40,269 Abd al-Rahman ibn Abd Allah al-Ghafiqi." 30 00:01:40,269 --> 00:01:43,269 Then they spoke to him of his knowledge of the Book of Allah, 31 00:01:43,269 --> 00:01:48,269 His understanding of the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 32 00:01:48,269 --> 00:01:51,269 His valor in the fields of jihad, 33 00:01:51,269 --> 00:01:54,269 And his longing for martyrdom. 34 00:01:54,269 --> 00:01:57,269 He was not tempted by the fleeting things of this world. 35 00:01:57,269 --> 00:01:59,340 Then they said to him, 36 00:01:59,340 --> 00:02:02,340 "He met the noble Companion, 37 00:02:02,340 --> 00:02:07,340 Abd Allah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, 38 00:02:07,340 --> 00:02:11,340 And he took from him what Allah willed for him to take, 39 00:02:11,340 --> 00:02:14,340 And followed his example in the greatest of ways." 40 00:02:14,340 --> 00:02:18,939 Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani summoned 41 00:02:18,939 --> 00:02:21,939 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi to meet him. 42 00:02:21,939 --> 00:02:23,939 When he arrived, 43 00:02:23,939 --> 00:02:26,939 He welcomed him most warmly, 44 00:02:26,939 --> 00:02:28,939 And brought him close to his seat. 45 00:02:28,939 --> 00:02:34,939 Then he sat for a while during the day, asking him about everything that occurred to him, 46 00:02:34,939 --> 00:02:38,939 Seeking his counsel on many matters that perplexed him, 47 00:02:38,939 --> 00:02:41,939 And testing him to gauge his capabilities. 48 00:02:41,939 --> 00:02:44,939 He found him to be even better than he had been told, 49 00:02:44,939 --> 00:02:48,099 And greater than what had been described to him. 50 00:02:48,099 --> 00:02:53,099 He offered to appoint him to one of his major offices in al-Andalus, 51 00:02:53,099 --> 00:02:54,099 But he said to him, 52 00:02:54,099 --> 00:02:56,099 "O Prince, 53 00:02:56,099 --> 00:02:59,099 I am but a man from the common people, 54 00:02:59,099 --> 00:03:02,099 And I have come to these lands 55 00:03:02,099 --> 00:03:06,099 To stand at one of the frontiers of the Muslims, 56 00:03:06,099 --> 00:03:10,099 I have vowed myself to the pleasure of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, 57 00:03:10,099 --> 00:03:14,099 And I have carried my sword to exalt His word on earth. 58 00:03:14,099 --> 00:03:17,099 You will find me, if Allah the Almighty wills, 59 00:03:17,099 --> 00:03:21,099 More attached to you than your own shadow, as long as you hold to the truth, 60 00:03:21,099 --> 00:03:24,099 And more obedient to you than your own fingertips, 61 00:03:24,099 --> 00:03:27,099 As long as you obey Allah and His Messenger, 62 00:03:27,099 --> 00:03:31,569 Without any office or governorship." 63 00:03:31,569 --> 00:03:33,569 Not long passed, 64 00:03:33,569 --> 00:03:39,569 Before al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani resolved to conquer all of France, 65 00:03:39,569 --> 00:03:43,569 And annex it to the great state of Islam, 66 00:03:43,569 --> 00:03:48,569 To take its vast lands as a path to the Balkan states, 67 00:03:48,569 --> 00:03:52,569 And to proceed from the Balkans to Constantinople, 68 00:03:52,569 --> 00:03:58,759 To fulfill the glad tidings of the Messenger, upon him be the best of prayers and the purest of peace. 69 00:03:58,759 --> 00:04:02,759 The first step toward achieving this great goal 70 00:04:02,759 --> 00:04:07,860 Depended on the occupation of the city of Narbonne, 71 00:04:07,860 --> 00:04:11,860 For Narbonne was one of the largest French cities 72 00:04:11,860 --> 00:04:14,860 Bordering the lands of al-Andalus. 73 00:04:14,860 --> 00:04:18,860 Whenever the Muslims descended from the Pyrenees, 74 00:04:18,860 --> 00:04:24,860 They found it standing before them like a mighty giant. 75 00:04:24,860 --> 00:04:28,860 Moreover, it was the key to greater France, 76 00:04:28,860 --> 00:04:31,860 And the aspiration of those who sought it. 77 00:04:31,860 --> 00:04:36,860 Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani besieged the city of Narbonne, 78 00:04:36,860 --> 00:04:40,860 Then offered its people Islam or the jizya. 79 00:04:40,860 --> 00:04:43,860 This was difficult for them, and they refused. 80 00:04:43,860 --> 00:04:46,860 So he launched attack after attack upon them, 81 00:04:46,860 --> 00:04:49,860 And bombarded them with catapults, 82 00:04:49,860 --> 00:04:54,860 Until the ancient, fortified city fell into the hands of the Muslims 83 00:04:54,860 --> 00:04:58,860 After four weeks of heroic jihad, 84 00:04:58,860 --> 00:05:02,860 The likes of which Europe had never witnessed before. 85 00:05:02,860 --> 00:05:06,889 Then the victorious, triumphant commander hastened, 86 00:05:06,889 --> 00:05:10,889 And headed with his massive army toward the city of Toulouse, 87 00:05:10,889 --> 00:05:13,889 The capital of the province of Aquitaine. 88 00:05:13,889 --> 00:05:16,889 He set up catapults around it from every side, 89 00:05:16,889 --> 00:05:19,889 And bombarded it with war machines 90 00:05:19,889 --> 00:05:23,889 The likes of which Europe had never known before, 91 00:05:23,889 --> 00:05:27,889 Until the impregnable, fortified city was on the verge 92 00:05:27,889 --> 00:05:29,889 Of falling before him. 93 00:05:29,889 --> 00:05:34,949 At that moment, something happened that no one had anticipated. 94 00:05:34,949 --> 00:05:39,949 Let us leave the narrative to the French orientalist Reinaud, 95 00:05:39,949 --> 00:05:42,949 To convey to us the news of that battle. 96 00:05:42,949 --> 00:05:45,050 Reinaud said, 97 00:05:45,050 --> 00:05:50,050 "When victory was within the Muslims' grasp, or even closer, 98 00:05:50,050 --> 00:05:52,050 The Duke of Aquitaine rose up, 99 00:05:52,050 --> 00:05:55,050 Mobilizing the lands and the people for war against them. 100 00:05:55,050 --> 00:06:01,050 He sent his messengers, and they roamed Europe from end to end, 101 00:06:01,050 --> 00:06:05,050 Warning its kings and princes of the occupation of their lands, 102 00:06:05,050 --> 00:06:08,050 And the enslavement of their women and children. 103 00:06:08,050 --> 00:06:11,050 There was no people in Europe left 104 00:06:11,050 --> 00:06:17,050 Who did not contribute their fiercest and most numerous warriors. 105 00:06:17,050 --> 00:06:23,110 The abundance of the army, the violence of its movement, and the weight of its impact reached 106 00:06:23,110 --> 00:06:26,110 A level the world had never known before, 107 00:06:26,110 --> 00:06:30,110 To the extent that the dust flying beneath its feet 108 00:06:30,110 --> 00:06:34,110 Obscured the sun from the Rhone region. 109 00:06:34,110 --> 00:06:36,180 When the two hosts drew near, 110 00:06:36,180 --> 00:06:40,180 It seemed to the people as if mountains were colliding with mountains. 111 00:06:40,180 --> 00:06:44,180 Then a fierce battle raged between the two parties, 112 00:06:44,180 --> 00:06:48,180 The likes of which history had never known before. 113 00:06:48,180 --> 00:06:53,180 Al-Samh—or Dhu al-Dham, as we used to call him— 114 00:06:53,180 --> 00:06:56,180 Appeared before our soldiers everywhere, 115 00:06:56,180 --> 00:07:00,180 And leaped before his troops in every direction. 116 00:07:00,180 --> 00:07:05,180 While he was doing so, he was struck by an arrow, 117 00:07:05,180 --> 00:07:08,180 And he fell from his horse. 118 00:07:08,180 --> 00:07:12,180 When the Muslims saw him lying on the ground, 119 00:07:12,180 --> 00:07:14,180 Their resolve was shaken, 120 00:07:14,180 --> 00:07:17,180 And their ranks began to falter. 121 00:07:17,180 --> 00:07:20,180 Our massive army was in a position 122 00:07:20,180 --> 00:07:23,180 To annihilate them to the last man, 123 00:07:23,180 --> 00:07:28,180 Had divine providence not saved them through a genius commander, 124 00:07:28,180 --> 00:07:31,180 Whom Europe would come to know later, 125 00:07:31,180 --> 00:07:34,180 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi. 126 00:07:34,180 --> 00:07:39,269 He took charge of their retreat with the least possible losses, 127 00:07:39,269 --> 00:07:42,269 And returned with them to Spain. 128 00:07:42,269 --> 00:07:47,269 But he was determined to renew the attack against us once more." 129 00:07:47,269 --> 00:07:50,680 And now, 130 00:07:50,680 --> 00:07:55,680 Have you seen how clouds clear away from the full moon on a dark night, 131 00:07:55,680 --> 00:07:58,680 So that the lost may be illuminated by its light, 132 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:01,680 And the bewildered may be guided by its radiance? 133 00:08:01,680 --> 00:08:04,680 Thus did the Battle of Toulouse clear away, 134 00:08:04,680 --> 00:08:06,680 Revealing the unique hero of Islam, 135 00:08:06,680 --> 00:08:10,680 Abd al-Rahman ibn Abd Allah al-Ghafiqi. 136 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:15,680 And have you seen the thirsty, on the verge of death in the heart of the desert, 137 00:08:15,680 --> 00:08:17,680 When water appears to them, 138 00:08:17,680 --> 00:08:20,680 And they stretch out their hands toward it, 139 00:08:20,680 --> 00:08:24,680 To scoop up a handful that restores their life? 140 00:08:24,680 --> 00:08:29,680 Thus did the Muslim soldiers stretch out their hands to the great commander, 141 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:31,680 Seeking salvation through him, 142 00:08:31,680 --> 00:08:35,679 And pledging their allegiance to him to hear and obey. 143 00:08:35,679 --> 00:08:36,740 And no wonder, 144 00:08:36,740 --> 00:08:39,740 For the Battle of Toulouse was 145 00:08:39,740 --> 00:08:46,740 The first deep wound the Muslims had suffered since their feet first touched Europe. 146 00:08:46,740 --> 00:08:48,740 And Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi was 147 00:08:48,740 --> 00:08:50,740 The one who tended this wound, 148 00:08:50,740 --> 00:08:55,740 With the gentle hand that surrounded it with care and attention, 149 00:08:55,740 --> 00:08:59,740 And the great heart that poured affection upon it. 150 00:08:59,740 --> 00:09:07,179 The news of the great setback suffered by the Muslims in France 151 00:09:07,179 --> 00:09:10,179 Agonized the heart of the Caliphate in Damascus, 152 00:09:10,179 --> 00:09:13,309 And the death of the brave hero, 153 00:09:13,309 --> 00:09:15,309 Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani, 154 00:09:15,309 --> 00:09:19,309 Kindled in its breast the fire of zeal for revenge. 155 00:09:19,309 --> 00:09:21,379 So it issued its orders 156 00:09:21,379 --> 00:09:26,379 Confirming the soldiers' pledge of allegiance to Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi, 157 00:09:26,379 --> 00:09:32,379 And entrusted him with the governorship of al-Andalus from end to end, 158 00:09:32,379 --> 00:09:37,379 Adding to his authority the neighboring conquered French lands, 159 00:09:37,379 --> 00:09:41,379 And giving him a free hand to act as he wished. 160 00:09:41,379 --> 00:09:43,379 No wonder, 161 00:09:43,379 --> 00:09:46,379 For al-Ghafiqi was firm and resolute, 162 00:09:46,379 --> 00:09:48,379 Pious and pure, 163 00:09:48,379 --> 00:09:50,379 Wise and courageous. 164 00:09:50,379 --> 00:09:53,440 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi hastened, 165 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:56,440 From the moment he was entrusted with the governorship of al-Andalus, 166 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,440 To work on restoring the soldiers' confidence in themselves, 167 00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:04,440 And reclaiming their sense of pride, strength, and victory, 168 00:10:04,440 --> 00:10:10,440 And achieving the great goal that the Muslim leaders in al-Andalus had aspired to, 169 00:10:10,440 --> 00:10:13,440 Starting with Musa ibn Nusayr, 170 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:17,440 And ending with al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani. 171 00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:21,440 For the ambitions of these heroes were set 172 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:26,440 On launching from France to Italy and Germany, 173 00:10:26,440 --> 00:10:29,440 And proceeding from there to Constantinople, 174 00:10:29,440 --> 00:10:34,440 Making the Mediterranean Sea an Islamic lake, 175 00:10:34,440 --> 00:10:39,440 And renaming it the Sea of al-Sham instead of the Sea of the Romans. 176 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:42,440 But Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi 177 00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:46,440 Was certain that preparation for great battles 178 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:50,440 Begins with reforming and purifying the souls. 179 00:10:50,440 --> 00:10:56,440 He believed that no nation could achieve its goal of victory 180 00:10:56,440 --> 00:11:01,440 If its fortresses were fractured and threatened from within. 181 00:11:01,440 --> 00:11:06,440 Therefore, he set out to tour the lands of al-Andalus, city after city, 182 00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:10,440 And ordered the heralds to call out to the people: 183 00:11:10,440 --> 00:11:14,440 "Whoever has a grievance against any governor, 184 00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:18,440 Or any judge, or anyone else, 185 00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:21,440 Let him bring it to the Prince." 186 00:11:21,440 --> 00:11:26,440 And there was no difference in that between Muslims and the non-Muslim subjects under treaty. 187 00:11:26,440 --> 00:11:31,440 Then he began to look into the grievances, one by one, 188 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:34,440 Dispensing justice for the weak against the strong, 189 00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:37,440 And taking for the oppressed from the oppressor. 190 00:11:37,440 --> 00:11:42,440 Then he began to investigate the matter of the churches that had been seized or newly built, 191 00:11:42,440 --> 00:11:46,440 Returning what the treaties dictated to their owners. 192 00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:52,440 Then he looked into the affairs of his officials, one by one, 193 00:11:52,440 --> 00:11:56,440 Dismissing those whose treachery or corruption was proven, 194 00:11:56,440 --> 00:12:01,440 And appointing in their place those whose wisdom, experience, and righteousness he trusted. 195 00:12:01,440 --> 00:12:05,440 Whenever he arrived in a city, 196 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:08,440 He would call the people to a collective prayer, 197 00:12:08,440 --> 00:12:10,440 Then stand before them as a preacher, 198 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:13,440 And set out to urge them toward jihad, 199 00:12:13,440 --> 00:12:16,440 He inspired them with the desire for martyrdom. 200 00:12:16,440 --> 00:12:20,440 He gave them hope for the pleasure of Allah and the attainment of His reward. 201 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:25,230 Abd al-Rahman matched his words with deeds. 202 00:12:25,230 --> 00:12:28,230 He supported his aspirations with actions. 203 00:12:28,230 --> 00:12:32,230 From the very first moment of his governorship, he set to work. 204 00:12:32,230 --> 00:12:35,230 He prepared the equipment and completed the armaments. 205 00:12:35,230 --> 00:12:38,230 He repaired the strongholds and built fortresses. 206 00:12:38,230 --> 00:12:42,230 He constructed bridges and erected arches. 207 00:12:42,230 --> 00:12:45,230 Among the greatest of his constructions was 208 00:12:45,230 --> 00:12:48,230 the bridge of Cordoba, the capital of al-Andalus. 209 00:12:48,230 --> 00:12:52,230 He built it over the great river of Cordoba, 210 00:12:52,230 --> 00:12:55,230 so that the people and the army could cross it, 211 00:12:55,230 --> 00:13:00,230 and to protect the land and safeguard the people from the dangers of flooding. 212 00:13:00,230 --> 00:13:04,230 This bridge is considered one of the wonders of the world. 213 00:13:04,230 --> 00:13:08,230 Its length reached eight hundred cubits, 214 00:13:08,230 --> 00:13:11,230 and a cubit is the measure of the span of two outstretched arms. 215 00:13:11,230 --> 00:13:14,230 Its height was sixty cubits, 216 00:13:14,230 --> 00:13:16,230 and its width was twenty. 217 00:13:16,230 --> 00:13:19,230 The number of its arches reached 218 00:13:19,230 --> 00:13:23,230 —that is, its spans—eighteen arches. 219 00:13:23,230 --> 00:13:26,230 The number of its towers was nineteen. 220 00:13:26,230 --> 00:13:30,230 It still stands today, and Spain continues to benefit from it 221 00:13:30,230 --> 00:13:33,259 to this very day. 222 00:13:33,259 --> 00:13:36,259 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi used to make it a point 223 00:13:36,259 --> 00:13:38,259 to meet with the military commanders 224 00:13:38,259 --> 00:13:41,259 and the notables of the people in every land he entered. 225 00:13:41,259 --> 00:13:46,259 He would listen with all his attention to everything they said, 226 00:13:46,259 --> 00:13:49,259 record everything they proposed, 227 00:13:49,259 --> 00:13:52,259 and contemplate everything they advised. 228 00:13:52,259 --> 00:13:55,259 He disciplined himself in these gatherings 229 00:13:55,259 --> 00:13:57,259 to listen much 230 00:13:57,259 --> 00:13:59,259 and speak little. 231 00:13:59,259 --> 00:14:04,259 Just as al-Ghafiqi would meet with the prominent Muslims, 232 00:14:04,259 --> 00:14:09,259 he would also meet with the leaders of the protected non-Muslim subjects (ahl al-dhimma) who had treaties. 233 00:14:09,259 --> 00:14:11,259 He would often ask them 234 00:14:11,259 --> 00:14:14,259 about matters of their lands that were hidden from him, 235 00:14:14,259 --> 00:14:20,899 and about the conditions of their kings and commanders that occupied his thoughts. 236 00:14:20,899 --> 00:14:22,899 On one occasion, 237 00:14:22,899 --> 00:14:26,899 he summoned one of the prominent treaty-holders from the people of France, 238 00:14:26,899 --> 00:14:29,899 and held a wide-ranging conversation with him. 239 00:14:29,899 --> 00:14:31,899 Then he said to him: 240 00:14:31,899 --> 00:14:34,899 "What is the matter with your great king, Charles? 241 00:14:34,899 --> 00:14:36,899 Why does he not confront us in battle, 242 00:14:36,899 --> 00:14:40,899 and why does he not aid the provincial kings against us?" 243 00:14:40,899 --> 00:14:41,929 He replied: 244 00:14:41,929 --> 00:14:43,929 "O Prince, 245 00:14:43,929 --> 00:14:47,929 you have fulfilled your side of the treaty you made with us, 246 00:14:47,929 --> 00:14:49,929 so it is your right upon us 247 00:14:49,929 --> 00:14:53,929 that we tell you the truth regarding what you ask. 248 00:14:53,929 --> 00:14:56,929 Your great commander, Musa Ibn Nusayr, 249 00:14:56,929 --> 00:15:00,929 tightened his grip on all of Spain. 250 00:15:01,929 --> 00:15:05,929 Then his ambition soared to cross the Pyrenees mountains, 251 00:15:05,929 --> 00:15:10,929 which separate the lands of al-Andalus from our beautiful country. 252 00:15:10,929 --> 00:15:15,929 So the provincial kings and their priests fled to our great king, 253 00:15:15,929 --> 00:15:16,929 and said to him: 254 00:15:16,929 --> 00:15:22,929 'What is this disgrace that has clung to us and our descendants forever, O King? 255 00:15:22,929 --> 00:15:26,990 We used to hear of the Muslims only by report, 256 00:15:26,990 --> 00:15:30,990 and we feared their sudden attack upon us from the direction of the sunrise. 257 00:15:30,990 --> 00:15:34,990 And now, here they have come from the direction of the sunset, 258 00:15:34,990 --> 00:15:37,990 seized all of Spain, 259 00:15:37,990 --> 00:15:41,990 and taken possession of all the equipment and armaments within it. 260 00:15:41,990 --> 00:15:45,990 They have ascended the mountain peaks that separate us from them, 261 00:15:45,990 --> 00:15:50,990 even though their numbers are few and their weapons are meager. 262 00:15:50,990 --> 00:15:54,990 Most of them do not possess armor to protect them from the strikes of swords, 263 00:15:54,990 --> 00:15:58,990 nor a horse to ride into the fields of battle.' 264 00:15:58,990 --> 00:16:00,990 The king said to them: 265 00:16:00,990 --> 00:16:04,990 'I have thought much about what has occurred to your minds, 266 00:16:04,990 --> 00:16:07,990 and I have pondered it for a long time. 267 00:16:07,990 --> 00:16:12,990 I have decided that we should not confront those people in this current surge of theirs, 268 00:16:12,990 --> 00:16:15,990 for they are now like a torrential flood; 269 00:16:15,990 --> 00:16:18,990 it uproots everything that stands in its path, 270 00:16:18,990 --> 00:16:23,990 carries it along, and casts it wherever it wills. 271 00:16:23,990 --> 00:16:28,019 I have found that they are a people who possess a creed and an intention 272 00:16:28,019 --> 00:16:32,019 that suffice them against the abundance of numbers and wealth. 273 00:16:32,019 --> 00:16:34,019 They have faith and sincerity 274 00:16:34,019 --> 00:16:38,019 that take the place of armor and horses. 275 00:16:38,019 --> 00:16:43,019 But wait for them until their hands are filled with spoils, 276 00:16:43,019 --> 00:16:47,019 until they take houses and palaces for themselves, 277 00:16:47,019 --> 00:16:50,019 and until they accumulate many slave girls and servants, 278 00:16:50,019 --> 00:16:53,019 and compete among themselves for leadership. 279 00:16:53,019 --> 00:16:59,019 At that point, you will be able to overcome them with the easiest of means and the least of effort.'" 280 00:16:59,019 --> 00:17:04,119 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi bowed his head in sadness, 281 00:17:04,119 --> 00:17:07,119 sighed a deep sigh, 282 00:17:07,119 --> 00:17:10,119 concluded the meeting, and said: 283 00:17:10,119 --> 00:17:14,119 "Hasten to prayer, for its time has drawn near." 284 00:17:14,119 --> 00:17:19,940 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi spent two full years 285 00:17:19,940 --> 00:17:22,940 preparing the equipment for the great conquest. 286 00:17:22,940 --> 00:17:25,940 He organized the battalions and mobilized the soldiers. 287 00:17:25,940 --> 00:17:29,940 He sharpened their resolve and enlivened their hearts. 288 00:17:29,940 --> 00:17:32,940 He sought aid from the governor of Africa, 289 00:17:32,940 --> 00:17:35,940 who supplied him with an elite group of soldiers 290 00:17:35,940 --> 00:17:38,940 who were burning with longing for jihad 291 00:17:38,940 --> 00:17:42,940 and consumed with a desire for martyrdom. 292 00:17:42,940 --> 00:17:47,140 Then he sent word to Uthman Ibn Abi Nas'ah, the governor of the frontier, 293 00:17:47,140 --> 00:17:50,140 to distract the enemy with his raids 294 00:17:50,140 --> 00:17:54,140 until he himself arrived with the main body of the army. 295 00:17:54,140 --> 00:17:57,230 But this Uthman 296 00:17:57,230 --> 00:18:01,230 harbored resentment toward any commander 297 00:18:01,230 --> 00:18:04,230 who was of high ambition and great aspiration, 298 00:18:04,230 --> 00:18:08,230 who undertook a great deed that would raise his mention among the people 299 00:18:08,230 --> 00:18:11,230 and overshadow other governors and officials. 300 00:18:11,230 --> 00:18:14,230 Add to that 301 00:18:14,230 --> 00:18:17,230 that he had captured in one of his previous raids 302 00:18:17,230 --> 00:18:20,230 into France 303 00:18:20,230 --> 00:18:23,230 the daughter of the Duke of Aquitaine, 304 00:18:23,230 --> 00:18:26,259 who was called Menine. 305 00:18:26,259 --> 00:18:29,259 This Menine 306 00:18:29,259 --> 00:18:32,259 was a girl in the prime of her youth and of exquisite beauty. 307 00:18:32,259 --> 00:18:35,259 She combined the allure of beauty with the pride of royalty, 308 00:18:35,259 --> 00:18:38,259 and blended the radiance of youth 309 00:18:38,259 --> 00:18:41,259 with the coquetry of palace-born maidens. 310 00:18:41,259 --> 00:18:44,259 She captivated his heart with love, 311 00:18:44,259 --> 00:18:47,259 to a degree that his wife had never enjoyed. 312 00:18:47,259 --> 00:18:50,259 She had persuaded him to make peace with her father, 313 00:18:50,259 --> 00:18:53,259 so he concluded a treaty with him 314 00:18:53,259 --> 00:18:56,259 in which he secured him against the raids of the Muslims 315 00:18:56,259 --> 00:18:59,259 on his province, which bordered 316 00:18:59,259 --> 00:19:02,329 the Andalusian frontiers. 317 00:19:02,329 --> 00:19:05,329 When the order of Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi reached him 318 00:19:05,329 --> 00:19:08,329 to march on the lands of his father-in-law, the Duke of Aquitaine, 319 00:19:08,329 --> 00:19:11,329 he was taken aback, 320 00:19:11,329 --> 00:19:14,329 bewildered, not knowing what to do. 321 00:19:14,329 --> 00:19:17,329 But he soon took the initiative 322 00:19:17,329 --> 00:19:20,329 and wrote to the Prince al-Ghafiqi, 323 00:19:20,329 --> 00:19:23,329 questioning him regarding what he had ordered him to do, 324 00:19:23,329 --> 00:19:26,329 and telling him that he could not 325 00:19:26,329 --> 00:19:29,329 violate the treaty with the Duke of Aquitaine 326 00:19:29,329 --> 00:19:32,329 before its term expired. 327 00:19:32,329 --> 00:19:35,329 Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi was enraged by him, 328 00:19:35,329 --> 00:19:38,329 and sent word to him saying that the treaty 329 00:19:39,329 --> 00:19:42,329 was not binding, 330 00:19:42,329 --> 00:19:45,490 nor did it bind the Muslim armies to anything, 331 00:19:45,490 --> 00:19:48,490 and that he must hasten to carry out 332 00:19:48,490 --> 00:19:51,490 what he had ordered him to do without hesitation or delay. 333 00:19:51,490 --> 00:19:54,519 When Ibn Abi Nas'ah despaired 334 00:19:54,519 --> 00:19:57,519 of moving the Prince from his resolve, 335 00:19:57,519 --> 00:20:00,519 he sent a messenger to his father-in-law to inform him 336 00:20:00,519 --> 00:20:03,519 of what had happened and to invite him to take 337 00:20:03,519 --> 00:20:06,519 caution. But the eyes of Abd al-Rahman 338 00:20:07,519 --> 00:20:10,519 were monitoring the movements of Ibn Abi Nas'ah 339 00:20:10,519 --> 00:20:13,519 and his stillness, so they reported to the Prince 340 00:20:13,519 --> 00:20:16,519 the news of his contact with the enemy. 341 00:20:16,519 --> 00:20:19,519 Al-Ghafiqi took action and prepared a battalion, 342 00:20:19,519 --> 00:20:22,519 choosing its men from among those of strength and valor, 343 00:20:22,519 --> 00:20:25,519 and entrusted its command to a mujahid 344 00:20:25,519 --> 00:20:28,519 from among the experienced warriors, 345 00:20:28,519 --> 00:20:31,519 and ordered him to bring Uthman Ibn Abi Nas'ah 346 00:20:31,519 --> 00:20:35,960 alive or dead. 347 00:20:37,960 --> 00:20:40,960 They were about to catch him, 348 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:43,960 had he not sensed them at the last moment, 349 00:20:43,960 --> 00:20:46,960 so he fled to the mountains, 350 00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:49,960 accompanied by a number of his men, 351 00:20:49,960 --> 00:20:52,960 and with him was his beautiful wife, Menine, 352 00:20:52,960 --> 00:20:55,960 whom he never parted with, 353 00:20:55,960 --> 00:20:58,990 and for whom he saw no value in the world without her. 354 00:20:58,990 --> 00:21:01,990 The battalion pursued him, 355 00:21:01,990 --> 00:21:04,990 and surrounded him and those with him. 356 00:21:04,990 --> 00:21:07,990 He defended her like a lion defending its cub, 357 00:21:07,990 --> 00:21:10,990 and continued to fight on her behalf 358 00:21:10,990 --> 00:21:13,990 until he fell dead, 359 00:21:13,990 --> 00:21:16,990 with his body bearing countless sword strikes 360 00:21:16,990 --> 00:21:20,150 and spear thrusts. 361 00:21:20,150 --> 00:21:23,150 The soldiers severed his head, 362 00:21:23,150 --> 00:21:26,380 and carried it, along with the beautiful princess, 363 00:21:26,380 --> 00:21:29,380 to Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi. 364 00:21:29,380 --> 00:21:32,380 When she stood before him, 365 00:21:32,380 --> 00:21:35,380 he turned his face away from her, 366 00:21:35,380 --> 00:21:38,380 then sent her as a gift to the Caliphate. 367 00:21:38,380 --> 00:21:41,380 Thus ended the life of the beautiful French princess 368 00:21:41,380 --> 00:21:44,380 in the harem of the Umayyad Caliph in Damascus. 369 00:21:44,380 --> 00:21:49,710 Al-Ghafiqi: 370 00:21:49,710 --> 00:21:52,809 A true reflection of Musa Ibn Nusayr 371 00:21:52,809 --> 00:21:55,809 and Tariq Ibn Ziyad 372 00:21:55,809 --> 00:21:59,059 in loftiness of ambition 373 00:21:59,059 --> 00:22:02,509 and nobility of purpose. The historians 374 00:22:02,509 --> 00:22:06,339 recount their positions and examples; 375 00:22:06,339 --> 00:22:09,339 they followed the Messenger when he strove or spoke. 376 00:22:09,339 --> 00:22:12,339 They were here, watering our lives like rain, 377 00:22:12,339 --> 00:22:15,339 and their memory remains exalted among us. 378 00:22:15,339 --> 00:22:18,339 They departed and left a question in the conscience: 379 00:22:18,339 --> 00:22:21,339 Is there a star like them that has risen and shone? 380 00:22:21,339 --> 00:22:24,339 And like them, a star that has risen and shone. 381 00:22:24,339 --> 00:22:27,339 And like them, a star that has risen and shone. 382 00:22:27,339 --> 00:22:30,339 And like them, a star that has risen and shone. 383 00:22:30,339 --> 00:22:33,339 Is there a star like them that has risen and shone? 384 00:22:33,339 --> 00:22:36,339 They filled life 385 00:22:36,339 --> 00:22:39,339 with pride through their deeds, 386 00:22:39,339 --> 00:22:42,339 and the world of the Ummah flourished because of them.