“What a good slave of Allah and member of the tribe Khalid bin al-Waleed is! [He is] one of the swords of Allah (SWT) that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has unsheathed against disbelievers and hypocrites.`”
-Musnad Ahmad 43
Bismillah,
Khalid ibn Al-Waleed (RA) stands as one of the most legendary figures in Islamic history.
Known as Saifullah—the Sword of Allah (SWT)—he is celebrated for his unparalleled military genius, steadfast faith, and unshakable dedication to the cause of Islam.
Khalid’s journey from an opponent of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to one of his most trusted generals is a testament to the transformative power of Islam.
Early Life
Khalid ibn Al-Waleed (RA) was born into the powerful Banu Makhzum clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca.
Renowned for their expertise in warfare, the Makhzum clan played a significant role in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Khalid’s (RA) upbringing was steeped in the arts of strategy, combat, and leadership, preparing him to become one of the greatest military commanders in history.
Khalid (RA) initially opposed Islam and played a pivotal role in the Quraysh victory at the Battle of Uhud, where his strategic manoeuvring caused significant losses to the Muslim forces.
Despite his opposition, Khalid (RA) had a deep respect for the Prophet ﷺ and was known for his sense of honor and courage.
Acceptance of Islam
Khalid’s journey to Islam began after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
Witnessing the Prophet’s ﷺ unwavering character and the rapid spread of Islam, Khalid (RA) started to question his allegiance to the Quraysh.
Encouraged by his brother Walid (RA), who had already embraced Islam, Khalid traveled to Medina in 629 CE (6 AH) to accept Islam.
This marked the beginning of Khalid’s (RA) transformation and his legendary contributions to Islam.
Military Genius and Key Battles
1)Battle of Mu’tah (629 CE / 8 AH)
Khalid’s (RA) first major contribution to Islam came at the Battle of Mu’tah.
Facing an overwhelming Byzantine army of over 100,000 soldiers, the Muslim force of just 3,000 men suffered heavy losses.
After the death of the original commanders, Khalid (RA) assumed leadership. His strategic retreat saved the Muslim army from annihilation. For this, the Prophet ﷺ honored him with the title Saifullah (Sword of Allah).
2)Conquest of Mecca (630 CE / 8 AH)
Khalid (RA) played a key role in the peaceful conquest of Mecca. His disciplined approach ensured minimal bloodshed, and his leadership showcased the transformative impact of Islam on his life.
3)Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE / 15 AH)
The Battle of Yarmouk is perhaps Khalid’s (RA) greatest military achievement. Facing a Byzantine force vastly superior in numbers, Khalid’s (RA) strategic brilliance led to a decisive Muslim victory. This battle solidified Muslim control over the Levant and showcased Khalid’s (RA) unmatched skills in battlefield tactics.
Legacy and Death
Khalid ibn Al-Waleed (RA) passed away in 642 CE (21 AH) in Homs, Syria. Reflecting on his life, he expressed regret that he died on his bed rather than on the battlefield, saying…
“I found such-and-such a crawl, and there is no inch in my body except in which there is a blow with a sword, or a throwing of an arrow, and here I die on my mattress, like a camel, so may the eyes of the cowards never taste sleep”
Although he did not achieve martyrdom in battle, Khalid’s legacy as the Sword of Allah endures. His unwavering faith, military genius, and humility serve as an inspiration to Muslims around the world.
Application Today
Despite his many victories, Khalid (RA) remained humble.
When Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) removed him as commander to prevent the Muslims from attributing their victories solely to Khalid (RA), he (RA) accepted the decision without protest.
Khalid (RA) continued to fight as a soldier, demonstrating that his dedication was to Allah (SWT) and not to personal glory.
We must always contemplate and purify our intentions.
Despite our titles, wealth or knowledge.
All of it was given to us by Allah (SWT) and can be taken in a second.
Let us remain pure and humble in our intentions like Khalid (RA), so that Allah may continue to honour us with favours.
Ameen!
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