By: Anas Moustafa El-Naggar, M.D., Ph.D.
The Muslim forces commanded by Abu Ubayd Amre ibn Massoud Al-Thaqafi marched out of Al-Madinah heading for Al- Hirah in Iraq to strengthen the Muslim warriors of Al- Muthana ibn Harithah. Abu Ubayd left Al-Madinab with four thousand men, and, few thousands from the tribes en route joined his forces. Abu Ubayd and Al-Muthana joined forces at Khaffan west of the river on the desert boundary where Al- Muthana had withdrawn from Al-Hirah to avoid any confrontation with the consolidating throngs of Persian forces.
The combined Muslims armies moved to face the Persian forces at Al-Namariq between Al-Hirah and Al-Qadissyah. The Muslim warriors defeated the Persian forces in several encounters; Abu Ubayd and Al-Muthana at the command of Muslim forces gained full domination of the territories of the Euphrates ,valley south of Al-Qadissyah. The Muslims once again established themselves at Al-Hirah. The Persian high command could not tolerate the presence of Muslims, and ordered that strong forces from Al-Madaain and elsewhere should gather to cruish and annihilate all Muslim forces, and exterminate their existence from Iraq
The Muslim forces under the command of Abu Ubayd crossed the river to the west and took positions at AI-Marwahah opposite Qus Al-Nataf. The Persian troops commanded by Bahman Jazwieh gathered east of the river at us Al-Nataf in all the pomposity and display of Persian military power, in massive numbers and mastery of equipment. Bahman Jazwieh gave Abu Ubayd the choice, either the Muslims would cross the river east to meet the Persians; or the Persians would cross the river west to meet the Muslims. Inspite of all advice given by his adjuvents, Abu Ubayd committed the mistake of his life. Abu Ubayd ordered his men to cross the river to meet the Persians. That was the fatal mistake that cost Abu Ubayd his life and the life off several thousand Muslims, the shame of defeat and total massacre of the Muslim warriors. Al Muthana finally maneuvered a retreat with those who survived,
And managed to cross to the west of the river again with the defeated remnants of the Muslims. Al.-Muthana left the scene of the battle with haste, and harnessed us efforts to speed away with his men, from fear of being followed. He reached the southwest territories of Iraq neighboring the desert expanse that leads into the Arab Peninsula. There, he remained si1ent to heal the wounds of his men, and recover
from the distortions of defeat which the Muslims had suffered an account of the strategic mistake of Abu Ubayd by crossing the river to meet the Persians." That was the famous battle of Al-.Ji.sre. Al-Muthana deliberated his situation and wrote to Omar ibn Al-Khatt.ab the details of the Events and requested support and reinforcements.
AI-Muthana ibn Harithah, the veteran of the Iraq Crusade, the talented and experienced war professional, decided to hold his grounds and to turn the disgrace of defeat into honour of victory. He contacted