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.
