[3] One of the legends says that during the reign of his father Surakat in Khunzakh a detachment of ghazis led by Abu Muslim invaded the Avar lands.
The Khunzakh people did not want to convert to Islam[4] and in the place called Achisal there was a major battle between them and the Arab troops.
Surakat died during the battle and his son Bayar fled to Tusheti region.
[6][7] Bayar, who fled to Georgian lands recruited an army there and periodically attacked the Arabs.
Thus, with varying success the struggle lasted for 40 years, until the Muslims finally gained the upper hand.