The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 19.1

19.1

Then the command fell to the lot of Munzir son of Hárúd son of Bashar. In the year 61 when under the orders of the Khalífah, Munzir put on the dress of honour (presented to him), and started for his post, his robe stuck to a piece of wood and was torn. ‘Ubaidulláh son of Ziyád became much grieved at this incident, and interpreted it as an evil omen signifying bad luck for Munzir. He bade him adieu, and returning to his place, wept for him, and said: “Munzir will never return from this journey, and will die.” Abdul Azíz asked the son of Ziyád: “So much money is being lost; are you not going to appoint anyone to go and collect the tribute.’’ ‘‘I have sent Munzir,’’ replied Ubaidullah, ‘‘as there is no one else who is his equal, in point of bravery and skill in fighting. If fortune favours him, he will return successful.” When Munzir started from there, and came to the country of the enemy, he fell ill at Barabi and gave up his soul to God. His son Hakam was then at Kirman and the sad news was communicated to him there. Munzir’s brother Abdul Aziz now applied for the vacant post, but Hajjáj coming to know of this (application) called Abdul Aziz and reprimanded him, observing: “A noble personage out of our grandees and chief men has sacrificed himself in the cause of the great God. His son is alive; are you so shameless as to apply for his post?”