“Alongside the signature of al-Husayn ibn Jawhar is that of his son-in-law, ‘Abd al-‘Aziz ibn al-Nu‘man al-Qayrawani, the Chief Judge of Egypt.
“My people, now that you have heard the contents of this letter, do you feel the need for more discussion? Shall we proceed from one session to another, using due deliberation as a convenient way of turning caution and anticipation into sheer delay? Time, as I’m sure you’re all aware, is a double-edged sword: when we use it well, it serves to our advantage: but, when we waste the chances and benefits it offers us, then it turns against us. So then let us act wisely by using it to our advantage before it abandons us and gives our foes the benefit. Have I made my point? Tell me what you think about our current situation: should we be setting out tomorrow with God’s power and aid. or the day after?”
A profound silence fell over the assembly, as though everyone was agreeing with what Abu Rakwa had just said. However, it was a time for action, not talk and discussion. It was ‘Ali ibn Jawhar who eventually broke the silence, “Dear colleagues, your silence is a genuine blessing. By God, it shows that you have all realized how serious the situation in Egypt really is. This short letter which my father has sent is all you need; there is no call for prolonged debate. Now you should all be rushing to prepare your riding animals and embark on this great campaign before this golden opportunity slips from our grasp. People are relying on you. The Sicilians and Maghribis are waiting with their two thousand men, all burning for action. It is God alone who grants success and power.”
“God bless you, ‘Ali,” Abu Rakwa said in a tone that blended gratitude with resolve, “and likewise your father and your fellow people! Now then, how many fighters do we have and how much ammunition?”
“Imam,” responded Shihab al-Din immediately, “we have six thousand fighters in Barqa and its environs — Banu Qurra, Zanatis, Mizatis, Luwatis, with two thousand cavalry and the rest infantry. A small troop has been fully trained to hurl rocks and fire arrows, while another one specializes in diverting the enemy with skirmishes and feints. Apart from those, all our fighters are good at hand-to-hand combat and set-piece battles.”
“Imam,” continued Hammu, “the ammunition situation is, thank God, excellent. Every warrior carries his sword, dagger, and shield, cavalry and infantry alike. We have enough swords and arrows in reserve for several days of fighting. If we stick to our current policy of moderation, there won’t be any shortage of food or water.”
“What about al-Hakim’s army?” someone asked from the assembly. “What do we know about their numbers and ammunition. Tell us about the foe we face before we actually confront him — may God reward you!”
Everyone looked at Abu Rakwa, then at ‘Ali ibn Jawhar. It was the latter who responded.
“Men,” he said in clipped tones, “the Fatimid army without our allies, the Sicilians and Kutamis from the Maghrib, is like a straw tiger; its various subdivisions are at odds with each other. The only motivation they have is money and largesse. The contingents of Turks, Byzantines, slaves, Hamdani youths, and Bedouin louts, only exceed you in their weakness. On a decisive day of battle such as this, neither ammunition, nor drums, nor trumpets will be of any use to such an army, devoid as it is of either creed or faith.”
‘Ali ibn Jawhar’s words were greeted with cries of approval and praise. They continued until someone else asked the following question, “Can you tell us about the march toward Cairo where this battle is to take place? What’s the terrain like’.’ Then we can assess how tiring the journey will be.”
At this point Abu Rakwa produced a map from his sleeve.
“I’ve already asked that question of those who are well acquainted with the route from Barqa to the outskirts of Alexandria.” said Abu Rakwa as he was spreading out the map. “I agree with their view that we should stick to the coast, then head south toward Cairo where, aided by God’s power, we will engage in our first battle. Our journey toward our goal will not take longer than a month and will not involve any hardships. This map which Shaykh Zaydan of the Mazata has kindly provided for me shows the most important stages in our march to Alexandria. Take it, Yahya, and read out what it shows.”
Yahya stepped forward with a yawn, took the map, and pretended to be looking at it. “Imam,” he said, “I know by heart every single detail of the route to the outskirts of Alexandria. We’ll go by way of Qasr al-Nadama, then to Taknist, Maghar al-Raqim, Halima’s well, Wadi Makhil, the well of the Square, Jinad al-Saghir, the well of ‘Abdallah, Marj al-Shaykh, then to ‘Aqaba, the shops of Abu Halima, the ruins of al-Qawm, the palace of al-Shammas, the road of the Hammam, the well of ‘Awsaj. the churches of al-Harir, al-Tahuna, Hinniyyat al-Rum, Dhat al-Hamam, Thuniya, and finally Alexandria. That’s the shortest and most direct route. There are twenty-one stages, and it is about five hundred and seventy-two miles. That’s not written on the map find knows best.”
“Young man,” said Shaykh Zaydan the Mazati, sounding tired, “God has indeed taught you to assess things correctly. The distance from Barqa to Alexandria is exactly as you have described it. It’s not a hard trip as long as drinking water, above and below ground, is available at the staging posts. God is the provider of benefits, and He is our helper. From Alexandria to Giza in the environs of Cairo itself, it’s all plain. The distance is no more than two hundred and fifty miles. Isn’t that right, ‘Ali ibn Jawhar?”
“Yes indeed, sage shaykh,” ‘Ali replied by way of confirmation. “The only thing I can add is good news: your ranks will be swelled by allies and supporters wherever you travel and alight during your journey to Cairo.”
Abu Rakwa now looked round at the assembled group, giving the impression that he was keen to finish the session. “So now you can all bear witness to the fact that our Mazati shaykh’s wisdom extends to measuring distances as well. As God wills, and He is the best of providers. My people, if we’ve asked all the necessary questions, then let’s leave the conclusions we may draw to the inspiration of the battlefield itself. Now I ask you all to recite the Fatiha before we pray. Then we will all part in anticipation of our meeting again at dawn tomorrow, when our forces will set out on this holy campaign.”