THE CONQUEST OF AL-RAYY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF NU’AYM IBN MUQARRIN AL-MUZANEE.
Hijri date: 18
Nu’aym ibn Muqarrin al-Muzanee went out with a bigrade to Waaj Roodh to Dastabee. On his way, he was met by al-Zaynabee, one of the Persian generals in a place called Qinah, who came in peace, contradicting the orders of the king of Rayy after he saw the strength of the Muslims. He joined Nu’aym all the while the king stationed with his forces on that day at Al-ray. The name of the king was Siyaawaksh ibn Mihraan, and he sought (military) support from the people of Danbaawand, Tabaristaan, Qoomis, and Gorgaan. The king said: “As you know, these people (i.e., the Muslims) have occupied Rayy, and it is no longer a dwelling place for you. So, rally up to fight them.” After, they marched until they encountered with the Muslims at the mountainside of Rayy and fighting ensued there. However, al-Zaynabee had devised a tactic with Nu’yam such that they would enter the city on horseback under the cover of night, expecting that no one would be aware of his arrival. Nu’aym then attacked them (the Persians) in the middle of the night and preoccupied them from (protecting) their city. They fought and withstood (the attack) until they heard the sound of “Allahu Akbar” (being yelled) from behind them. They were then vanquished, and a great number of them were slain as a result. Allah granted the Muslims spoils of war at Rayy the likes of which was seen at Ctesiphon. Nu’aym ibn Muqarrin then concluded a peace treaty with al-Zaynabee regarding the inhabitants of Rayy, and he made him the city’s Marzubaan (administrator/border guardian). The family of al-Zaynabee remain the city’s greatest nobles; amongst them Shahraam and Farrukhaan. The house of Bahraam was destroyed and Nu’aym-likewise-destroyed their city, which was called “al-‘Ateeqah” or “The City of Rayy”. Al-Zaynabeen then ordered for the new city of Rayy to be constructed. Nu’aym later wrote to ‘Umar, informing him of the victory and sent the Fifth of the spoils.