and money. The alarm reached Cairo, and Muhammad Ali Pasha called for all the soldiers and troops to march out. They set out, on foot and on horseback, and Muhammad Ali Pasha rode with them in splendor and majesty. They crossed the Nile to Giza by night, and by sunrise, every emir had taken his position with his men. News arrived of the enemy's proximity to their location, so they advanced. The enemy's vanguard appeared, and Muhammad Ali Pasha's army attacked them, causing them to flee and turn their backs. The Muslims pursued them, drawing their swords on their heels and pressing them with great intensity. While they were thus engaged, an ambush emerged from behind, and fighting broke out among them. One of the commanders of Muhammad Ali Pasha's army, with his men, fell upon the enemy. They mistook him for Muhammad Ali, surrounded him, and took him and his men prisoner. The fighting intensified between the two sides, and confusion and shouting spread. They did not remain in this state for long before Muhammad Ali Pasha's army retreated, and those who remained returned towards Fustat. The Egyptians retreated towards Bayad and Beni Suef. It was one of the worst battles, in which many from both sides perished, their bodies trampled by the hooves of horses. It was only a few days before the Egyptians returned in the beginning of Muharram, at the start of the year twenty-one, with a large gathering of Arabs and the blame of the artisans. They encamped near Jazirat al-Hawa, and their presence alarmed Muhammad Ali Pasha, who ordered the army to march out. They fought fiercely, and many from both sides died. A contingent of the Pasha's army joined the enemy, led by Hassan Pasha al-Arrauti. He sent to Muhammad Ali Pasha requesting reinforcements and informing him of what had happened. The news distressed and alarmed him. He assembled a large army and sent it as reinforcements to Hassan Pasha, appointing guards at strategic points and urging them to hold their positions. He issued a general order to all troops and increased the supply of all weapons and war equipment. Many wounded arrived in Cairo and warned against going out into the markets after the evening call to prayer. This warning had a frightening effect, and the general populace and householders prepared for battle, staying awake, being cautious, and remaining in their homes during the day and on the rooftops at night. Abdi Bey marched with his army behind the Alfi tribe towards Fayoum, but found no one there. He occupied it with his army, then left a garrison and returned to reinforce his brother Hassan Pasha, and stayed with him near al-Raq. The Alfi's messengers proclaimed victory over Sayyid Omar al-Naqib, mediating between him and Muhammad Ali Pasha and establishing terms for peace. Muhammad Ali Pasha consulted his companions, who decided to cede the Alfi lands in Giza without any treaty, covenant, or guarantee, as requested. They wrote to him to this effect via his messenger who had brought his address. The Alfi and his companions, while awaiting a reply, demanded provisions. They requested them from the people of Bartis, Umm Dinar, and Minyat 'Aqaba, but they refused. So they rode out, fought them, plundered, and killed the elderly, women, and children, and committed unspeakable acts. Then they dispersed throughout the land, causing havoc. Their vanguard reached al-Minufiyya, where they committed indescribable acts of killing and plunder. A group of Muhammad Ali Pasha's soldiers joined them, strengthening their power and increasing their oppression. Muhammad Ali Pasha resolved to march out and fight them himself, and began to prepare for it. He brought down many supplies from the Citadel and his herald announced the army's departure. A tax was levied on the country for provisions, and tax collectors began to gather it, which was a very large sum. News arrived of the uprising.