The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 18.5

18.5

When Abdullah arrived at Kikanan, the enemy made an assault on him, but the army of Islam routed them, and secured plenty of booty. The people of Kikanan assembled in large numbers, and occupied the mountain passes. The battle now raged furiously and Abdullah son of Sawad found it necessary to keep his men in their ranks, by making a stand himself with a party of select men, fully armed; and he appealed to the hearts of others in the following words: “O children of the Prophet’s companions, do not turn your faces from the infidels, so that your faith may remain free from any flaw and you acquire the honour of martyrdom.” Hearing these words his men assembled round the standard of Abdullah, and one of these men, who belonged to the family of Abdul Kais, came out with a challenge to a single fight. Instantly the chief of the enemy’s forces engaged with him. The example of this hero was followed by another Yasar son of Sawad. The chief was killed, but the army of Kikanan made a general assault, by which the army of Islam was ultimately put to flight. The whole mountainous region now became alive with fighting men and the Musalmans beat a (hasty) retreat, and came back to Makran.