After a few days, Muhammad and Zubair landed one morning at a military post outside a small town a few kos from Damascus. Muhammad ibn al-Qasim showed the letter of Hajjaj ibn Yusuf to the officer of the post and ordered to prepare fresh horses and bring food.
The officer replied. Food is available but horses may not be available to you today.
We have only five horses at the moment. Muhammad said, but we only want two.
But Sulaiman bin Abd al-Mulk, the brother of Amirul Momineen, and his companions are going to leave for Damascus on these horses. As there will be an exhibition of martial arts in Damascus tomorrow, it is necessary for them to reach there by this evening. I cannot disobey the orders of the governor of Basra nor dare to offend the brother of Amirul Momineen.
"Where are they?"
They are resting inside.
Probably will leave here after noon.
If your work is very important, take their permission. By noon their horses will be refreshed.
Anyway, they did not come with a big goal,
you should eat and ask them
I myself do not forbid you.
If you take it, it is your choice, but our punishment will come.
Zubair and Muhammad sat under a tree and had food and Muhammad got up with the intention of going inside, but Zubair said.
"Is it necessary that we get Sulaiman permission?"
These horses are kept here only for military purposes and Suleiman went to Damascus for enjoying.
He cannot be given the right to obstruct military affairs.
The horses are ready in the stables.
Prince Suleiman will rest until noon.
After that, he will keep the mirror in front of him for some time and listen to the praise of his beauty from his servants.
After that, he will write his poems.
Then he will hear praise for his spearmanship and chivalry.
After that,it is possible to order the soldiers in the evening to unsaddle the horses, we will go in the morning.
Muhammad laughed and said it is known. You know a lot about Sulaiman bin Abdul Malik?
Yes ! I know him well.
There is probably no one in the world of Islam who is more proud and self-righteous than him.That's why I say to him,No hope for a good answer.
Muhammad replied, I only think that after we leave, the soldiers of the post will come. Therefore, there is no harm in asking him.
As you wish, but you go and ask and I will bring two horses from stable in such a short time. Muhammad l opened the door and looked inside.
Sulaiman was leaning against the wall among his companions.
Two servants were pressing his feet. Muhammad entered inside saying,
" Salam Alaikum".
Suleman indifferently answered his greeting and asked,
Who are you?
What do you want ?
Muhammad showed indifference to his harsh words and said. Excuse me!
I disturbed your peace.
I came to tell you that I am carrying an important message to Damascus?
Go, when did we stop you?
Sulaiman's companions laughed at this but Muhammad maintained his seriousness and said,
Our horses are very tired and I am taking two fresh horses from this post. I did not need your permission for this, but I thought it necessary to meet you so that you should not speak ill of the soldiers of the outpost. Sulaiman said while sitting stiffly, if your horses are tired, can you go on foot?
Muhammad bin Qasim replied. It is not shameful for a soldier to walk but I want to reach Damascus very soon?
So you are a soldier. You have a wooden sword or an iron sword. Sulaiman's companions laughed again.
Muhammad then replied with satisfaction,
If the arms are strong, iron work can also be done from wood. But I assure you that my sword is also made of iron and I trust in my arms too?
Sulaiman looked at one of his companions and said. righteous!
This guy seems to be smart about things. Just get up, I want to see every one of his soldiers. A tall man with a gray complexion immediately stood up and drew his sword.
Muhammad said, "I am not used to exhibiting my soldierly skills in front of the wayfarers, nor do I have the time, and even if I had the time, I would consider it shameful for a soldier to amuse hired laughers." .
Muhammad came out after saying this, but Saleh came forward and blocked his way with the tip of the sword in front of him and said, Fool!
If you were two or four years older, I would tell you what a hired laugh is."
In front, Zubair was riding on one horse and holding the reins of the other horse. Sulaiman came out and said.
Let him go.
This wretch has picked up a sword from God knows where.
But who is he? He pointed to Zubair and said,
Stop it! Saleh turned towards Zubair but in the blink of an eye Muhammad ibn al-Qasim's sword was out of its sheath. he said. It is known that the Arabs of the days of ignorance are still present in this world, but you cannot stop us.
Saleh shouted, pointing the tip of the sword towards his chest. If one more word comes out of your tongue, my sword will die without being bathed in blood.
But before he could finish his sentence, there was a thrill in the air from the movement of Muhammad 's sword, and then the clash of two swords, and with that, Salih's sword slipped from his hand and went ten paces away. In a state of surprise, regret and worry, his companions and his companions were suddenly looking at Muhammad.
Sulaiman laughed loudly at the helplessness of his companion, but when he saw Muhammad riding the horse, the sound of laughter stuck in his throat and he shouted, "Stop!"
Muhammad ibn al-Qasim mounted the horse. Turning the reins, he looked at him and said, "Yours is also brave, but he does not know how to hold a sword."
I suggest that you entrust your companions to a soldier before taking them to the Damascus exhibition.
Saying this, Muhammad ibn al-Qasim saddled his horse and both of them instantly disappeared behind the trees.
Salih bit his lip angrily and ran towards the stable. Sulaiman said, just let it be.
You cannot spoil them.
On the way, Zubair said to Muhammad ibn al-Qasim, Saw Prince Sulaiman.
Let me also tell you that he is also a candidate for the Caliphate.
Muhammad ibn al-Qasim said, "May God save Muslims from evil."
Zubair said, Muhammad! Today I saw glory on your face for the first time.
You looked years older than you were when you drew the sword and you knew the person you had defeated,
Who was?
He was righteous. It has been almost a year and a half, I saw him in Kufa. He is proud of his excellence in swordsmanship, but today his pride got the better of him.