Khalid bin Walid
Khalid bin Walid (RA) was known later on as ‘Saifullah’ or Sword Of Allah.
Khalid bin Walid(RA) was one of the greatest Muslim generals in the world. He was from an aristocratic family of Arabia. He was born in 592 CE. His father was known as Walid bin Mughira, who opposed the Prophet Muhammad and eventually died without accepting Islam. This a post or an ebook by itself as many verses were revealed in reference to Walid Bin Mughira but that’s a different topic.
Khalid was related to Umar bin Al Khattab (RA), the second Caliph of Islam. Also, the person to dismiss him from his post of Commander in Chief. Khalid was uncle of Umar bin Al Khattab. Bin means son of like Ben’ among Jews. The Arabs (Quraysh) and Jews were related. Khalid’s father was Chief of Bani Makhzum and also kind of Shakespeare’ of Makkah at that time. The best in poetry among the Makkan people. He was taught to ride from a young age. He also learned physical combat as a child. Al Waleed was a wealthy man.
Achievements before Islam
Uhud
In this battle, the Meccan Pagans were 3000 infantries with 3000 camels and 200 horsemen. The Muslims were numbering 700 infantry,50 archers, and 4 horsemen.
Before accepting he caused defeat to Muslim Army at battle of Uhud. Whilst the Muslims will be taking war booty as they thought the Meccans pagans went away. The archers guarding a strategic pass in the mountain were instructed not to leave the position by Prophet Muhammad(SA). Many among archers left to collect the booty and the pass that was guarded became weakened. Khalid (RA) took this opportunity to attack and inflicted lot of damage to the Muslims. Many companions of the Prophet were killed. They are called Sahaba. The Sahaba were like the disciples during Prophet Isa(pbuh) time. (In Arabic). Ultimately it was a draw but the Meccan Pagans took it as a win.
companions who died:
- Hamaza(RA)-Uncle of the Prophet Muhhamad (pbuh).
Next came the battle of the Ditch(Trench)
The idea of the battle was given by Salman Al Farsi(RA) a companion of the Prophet Muhammed(SA). This strategy was unheard in Arabia at that time. This gives idea of open source and forum. Since in all other places, you had to be some body to give an important strategy. Before this Salman Al Farsi was known that famous. Al meaning The. Same like in popular American and western: El Cid and Al Capone. You wonder why EL and AL in the names. The word comes from Arabic. The Muslim Ummayads ruled Spain for 800 years.
So the Meccans pagans go back feeling defeated since they have never seen or faced this kind of strategy. This is why in Islam concept of Consultation is always advisable. In Arabic it is called Shura’. It can be for one’s family also. Discuss among yourselves for solutions to family problems.
Khalid bin Walid becomes Muslim
Khalid bin Walid had a conversation with Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl after Hudiabia Treaty.
It goes like this:
“It is quite evident to the intelligent mind that Muhammad is neither a sorcerer, as the Quaraysh allege. His message is truly divine. It is incumbent on all sensible men to follow him.”
“I have come to believe in the true Allah”
To which Ikrimah replies:
“It is strange that of all Quraish that you should say so”
The rest of conversation ends with Abu Jahl threatening Khalid(RA),after confirming the fact that Khalid wants to become a muslim.. But Ikrimah(RA) protects his nephew and friend. He says Khalid is free to follow whatever religion he wants.
Khalid(RA) is met with 2 other men who having same intention and destination. They were surprised.
They were Amr bin Al As(RA). Another military Strategist who would later conduct successful expeditions for Islam.
The three went to Madinah and accepted Islam.
Battles fought (after accepting Islam):
Khalid fought in 100 battles and he was never defeated in any one. The first battle after becoming Muslim he took part in was the Battle of Mutah. This was near Karak in Jordan. It was between the Muslims and Byzantine Army.
The army of the Byzantine was about 200,000 and of the Muslims, numbering 3000 men. The Muslim army were always at a disadvantage when it came to numbers.
The command was given to Zaid bin Harithah(RA). The battle was described the Prophet as it was happening. Something in this century we call “Live Telecast”. Since distance was about 927 km. The prophet Muhammad(pbuh) decided on three commanders in case the previous died.
- Zaid bin Harithah
- Ja’far bin Abi Talib
- Abdullah bin Rawaahah.
In case third commander the Muslims should elect a commander among themselves. Khalid(RA)participated in this battle.The Prophet Muhammad narrated the incident, even before news about it arrived. The Hadith goes on as follows:
He said: "Zaid took the flag and was killed. Then she took Ja'far and he was killed. Then Ibn Rawâha he took and he was killed, while his eyes shed tears. Until that the flag, took over a sword of swords of Allah so that Allâh opened the victory to them."
This sword would be known as Khalid bin Al Walid! His title became Saifullah. In that battle he broke 9 swords.
“The earth destroys its fools, but the intelligent destroy the earth.”
— Khalid ibn al-Walid
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