[1] The traditional view ascribes it to Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab and the time when Muslims captured Jerusalem in AD 637 or 638.
[5] For instance, Moshe Gil while discussing al-Tabari's version points out that "the language of the covenant and its details appear authentic and reliable and in keeping with what is known of Jerusalem at the time.
The Assurance and its significance is discussed by early Muslim historians such as al-Waqidi (c. 747–823), al-Baladhuri (d. 892), in addition to Ibn al-Athir (1160–1232/3) and Abu al-Fida’ (1273–1331).
He has given them an assurance of safety for themselves, for their property, their churches, their crosses, the sick and healthy of the city and for all the rituals which belong to their religion.
Those of the people of Jerusalem who want to leave with the Byzantines, take their property and abandon their churches and crosses will be safe until they reach their place of refuge.
If they pay their taxes according to their obligations, then the conditions laid out in this letter are under the covenant of God, are the responsibility of His Prophet, of the caliphs and of the faithful.
Witnessed by: Khālid b. Walīd; ʿAmr b. al-ʿĀs; ʿAbd al-Rahmān b. al-ʿAwf; Muʿāwiya b. Abī Sufyān.