The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 28.1.3

28.1.3

When the expedition marched out from Armanbelah, Muhammad Kasim appointed Sahib son of Abdurrahman to lead the van, and Jehm son of Kais Jaafi to bring up the rear. He put Utbah son of Saad Aofi in charge of the right wing, and Músa son of Sinán son of Salmah Hazli in charge of the left. The remaining warriors and swordsmen and selected soldiers, who formed the flower of the army, were put in the centre to go in front of him. In this order, the army marched on till, on Friday, the 10th of Muharram of the year 73, they arrived in the vicinity of Debal. The boats containing the weapons and implements of war also arrived, the same day, under Hazim son of Amri, and Abu Mughairah, and despatches from Hajjáj were handed over to Muhammad Kásim, who had ordered a big ditch to be made in order to fight with the enemy at an advantage. The contents of these despatches were as follows: “I have appointed very respectable men in your service. One of them is Abdurrahman son of Salm Kalbi whose bravery and prowess have been put to trial on several occasions, and whom no enemy will ever be able to oppose in a skirmish or a battle. Another is Safyán Abrad, who is famous for his wisdom and rectitude, and is honest and righteous. There is also Kais son of Bark Kilábi, who is generous, honourable and true. In any task entrusted to him he will acquit himself creditably, and to your entire satisfaction. He is free from foibles, and has always been of great help to Hajjáj.