William Muir

“ He followed the army to Syria, and there, honoured for the office he had so long discharged at Medina, lived in retirement. The Chief citizens of Damascus now petitioned 'Omar that on this last occasion, Bilal should be asked once more to perform the Call to Prayer. The aged man consented, and as from the top of the Great Mosque the well-known voice arose clear and loud with the accustomed cry, the whole assembly, recalling vividly the Prophet at daily prayers, was melted into tears, and strong warriors with 'Omar at their head, lifted up their voices and sobbed aloud. ”

“ Consternation seized every rank. High and low fell equally before the scourge. Men were struck down and died as by a sudden blow. 'Omar's first impulse was to summon Abu 'Obeida to Medina for the time, lest he too should fall a victim to the fell disease. Knowing his chivalrous spirit 'Omar veiled the purpose, and simply ordered him to come "on an urgent affair." Abu 'Obeida divined the cause, and choosing rather to share the danger with his people, begged to be excused. 'Omar, as he read the answer, burst into tears. "Is Abu 'Obeida dead?" ”

“ In the northern half of the Peninsula the drought was so severe that Nature languished. Wild and timid creatures of the desert, tamed by want, came seeking food at the hand of man. Flocks and herds died of starvation, or became too attenuated for human food. Markets were deserted, and the people suffered extremities like those of a garrison long besieged. Crowds of Bedawin, driven by hunger, flocked to Medina and aggravated the distress. 'Omar, with characteristic self-denial, refused any indulgence not shared with those about him. ”