The Emergence of Arabs and the Dynamics of the Early Islamic Decades According to John Bār Penkāye

The oldest historical accounts of early Islam and the first century AH are non-Islamic and non-Arabic sources in various languages, and one of these sources is the final section of the book Rish Melle by John Bār Penkāye in Eastern Syriac. In this text, some information about disagreements among Christians, the attitude of Christians especially Eastern Christians (Nestorians) toward the Arab conquests, some of the oldest beliefs of the Arabs, as well as some of the events of the Second Fitna and Muslim figures who played a role in it, especially in  Jazīrah, were expressed. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this work is that it places all of these events within an eschatology scheme, which of course has been the dominant attitude among all Christians, as well as perhaps Muslims. The present paper analyzes this text in relation to early Islamic history and milieu and, where necessary, compares them with accounts from Islamic sources. The Information contained in Rish Melle about the events in Jazīrah is of special value. In general, although Bār Penkāye's chronology is sparse and sometimes inaccurate, it sheds new light on understanding the early Islamic milieu. More importantly, like many Christians, Bār Penkāye considers the Arab conquest a consequence of sinfulness among Christians and of course a temporary event that is the zenith of calamities befallen on people at the end of the world, which will eventually culminate in the second coming of Christ.