Khalifa Uthman bin Affan - Campaigns in Transoxiana

After consolidating the Muslim authority in Khurasan, Abdullah bin 'Aamir crossed the Oxus and invaded Transoxiana. Details of these campaigns are not known but the source books tell us that a greater part of Transoxiana submitted to the suzerainty of the Muslim rule. Abdullah b 'Aamir returned triumphant to Nishapur. Through his military campaigns lasting for some three years, he had not only reconquerd Khurasan, he had conquered a greater part of Transoxiana as well, which had been heretofore beyond the access of the Muslims. Abdullah b 'Aamir had successfully fulfilled the mission entrusted to him by Uthman, and on the occasion of the Hajj he started from Nishapur to Makkah clad in the Ihram-the pilgrim's garb.

After Abdullah b 'Aamir had left Khurasan, Qaran the chief of the Turks invaded Khurasan. His army was swelled by rebels from Herat, Balkh and other places in Khurasan. The Turks had a large army over forty thousand in strength. Against this the Muslims could muster a force of 4,000 warriors only. It was difficult for the Muslims to meet the enemy in the open. To save the situation the Muslims resorted to a stratagem. The Muslim force of 4,000 decided to take the initiative and attack the enemy at night. The Muslims marched with torches tied on their lances. The soldiers advanced in such a way that it gave the impression as if a sea of fire was moving ahead. The enemy was taken by surprise, and panic struck they left the field In the confusion that followed a large number of the Turks were killed and a large number taken captive. The Muslims won a decisive victory, and they amassed extensive booty.