The Battle of Dhu Qar

The Day of Dhu Qar: a great battle between Banu Shayban and the Persian marzbans and battalions in the retinue of Iyas ibn Qabisa at Dhu Qar. Banu Shayban prevailed and the Persians were routed in a crushing defeat. The Sealed Nectar counts it as the first day on which the Arabs defeated the 'ajam (non-Arabs) ^{1 2}.

Chosroes was angered with al-Nu'man ibn al-Mundhir, king of al-Hira, because of an accusation devised by Zayd ibn Adi al-Ibadi. He sent for al-Nu'man, who set out and secretly alighted with Hani ibn Mas'ud, chief of Al Shayban, entrusting him with his family and property. Al-Nu'man then went to Chosroes, who imprisoned him until he died ¹. Chosroes appointed Iyas ibn Qabisa al-Ta'i in his place in al-Hira and ordered him to send to Hani demanding the surrender of what Hani held. Hani refused, out of honour, and notified the king of war ¹.

Soon the marzbans and battalions of Chosroes came in the retinue of Iyas, and a mighty battle took place between the two sides at Dhu Qar. Banu Shayban prevailed, and the Persians were routed in utter defeat ¹.

The author says this day came shortly after the Prophet's birth, since he was born eight months into Iyas ibn Qabisa's governorship of al-Hira ¹. He counts Hani's story among the examples of keeping faith in the pre-Islamic Arab world ³.

The author dates the battle to "shortly after the Prophet's birth", whereas other sources place it during his life after the start of the mission. The author's view is recorded as given and needs to be compared with other sources.