On the other hand...

On the other hand, they lack enough motivation, purpose, and goal and are unable to withstand the swords.” Marwān b. Hakam said to Muslim b. 'Uqba: “Your biggest problem is the trench they have dug around Medina to block your way and in order to guard them they have assigned their resolute men who will not easily leave the trench. I know how to break up this blockade but I will reveal it to you in due course. [^7] Muslim b.

'Uqba did not content himself with Marwān's statements and tried to obtain more accurate information about Medina from the Umayyids, but they refused to give more information with the pretext that “we have taken an oath to the people of Medina not to give you any information, but 'Abd al-Malik, son of Marwān, has not taken any oath of secrecy and you can acquire more information from him.”[^8]86 The Umayyids were apparently afraid that Yazīd's army will not be able to conquer Medina, so they did not wish to endanger the prospects of their stay as well as their property and lands in Medina; otherwise, the Umayyids were not such people as to keep their oath.

As recommended by the Umayyids, Muslim b. 'Uqba consulted the young and inexperienced 'Abd al-Malik in a private session, and asked him about the people of Medina, their insurgency, and how to confront them. Declaring his readiness for any cooperation, 'Abd al-Malik said: “In my opinion, you must advance to the palm groves near Medina and do not hasten to enter the city.

Settle the army next to the palm groves and order the troops to rest and enjoy the date palms and other facilities available there. After a one day rest, move toward Medina. You should not enter the city from the west; rather, you should choose an entrance in which Medina may lie on your left.

This necessitates that you enter the battle with the people of Medina through Harrah which is on the eastern side of Medina, for if you fight with those people during the first half of the day, the sun will be behind you, and hurt the eyes of the Medinan fighters and block their visibility. This way, you will see them well, but they will be dazzled by the glittering of your swords, lances, and helmets.” Muslim b.

'Uqba welcomed and admired 'Abd al-Malik's advice.[^9]87 For the itinerary of Syrian army from Damascus to Medina, see the following map. [^1]: Istakhrī, Masālik al-Mamālik, p. 27. [^2]: Ibn Rusta, A‘lāq al-Nafīsa, p. 214. [^3]: Ibn Batūta, Al-Rihla, p. 129-133. [^4]: Ibn Khurdādhbīh, Al-Masālik wa al-Mamālik, p. 105.