A representative of the Arabic genre known as “futuh reports,” the Conquest of Syria remains an important historical source although it is now recognized not to be a genuine work of Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Omar Ibn Waqid al-Aslami (generally called al-Waqidi). This Arabic document, part history, part romantic reconstruction of the past, is one of the main sources narrating the Muslim conquest of Syria. With their blend of history, religious, legal, philosophical, and administrative genres, the futuh reports make up a considerable collection of Arabic literature. A window into the world of early Muslim self-perception, these documents are a valuable historical source in the sense of being period pieces. Here the Arabic text is presented along with the partial notes and comments of W. Nassau Lees, a noted writer on Eastern culture. An English introduction is presented followed by the text of the Arabic account. Originally published in two volumes, this Gorgias edition has the two volumes bound together, making the set more affordable. Originally published under the patronage of the East India Company, this work is a witness to history in several senses of the words.

William Nassau Lees (1825-1889) was a British military officer as well as an Orientalist. He was involved in the British colonial administration of India and he wrote several books based on his experiences in the East.