“Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) is one of the Swords of Allaah that Allaah has unsheathed against the Mushrikeen.” – Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Women are incapable to give birth to the like of Khalid.”
Days and years have passed, yet we haven’t seen anyone similar to Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). The Ummah is in dire need of someone like Khalid to be born every day to lift the banner of Islam which has relapsed. Alas, no one can lift it high like Khalid did!
Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was one through whom Allaah conquered countries, captured fortresses, and demolished Kufr – What if the whole Ummah was like Khalid!
Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was the Sword of Allaah, a knight of Islam, the lion of the scenes, a leader and commander to those struggling in the Path of Allaah – (his full name was) Abu Sulaiman al-Quraishi al-Makhzumi al-Makki – the son of the sister of Ummul-Mu’mineen (the mother of the believers), Maymoonah bint al-Harith (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).
I have not written anything about his life before his acceptance of Islam, for Islam erases what was before it, and the honor bestowed upon him by Allaah through his (Khalid’s) sacrifices and acts of heroism for Islam is enough to establish his status. I consider he was born at the instant his heart felt humbled before Allaah and his limbs filled with intense desire and aspiration for the success of the Deen of Allaah.
The incident of Khalid’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) accepting Islam
Allaah placed the love of Islam in the heart of ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and he set out to meet Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and accept Islam at his hands. On his way, ‘Amr met Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) – (before the conquest of Makkah). ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aas inquired about Khalid’s reason for travel upon which Khalid declared that Allaah enlightened him with guidance, and he is traveling towards Madinah to accept Islam.
Both reached Madinah, and Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) proceeded first to accept Islam at the hands of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). However, ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aas narrated: “I went close to the Prophet and said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)! I will accept Islam on the condition that all my past sins will be forgiven.’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commented: ‘Go ahead ‘Amr, Islam erases everything that was before it just like Hijrah (migration from the land of Kufr to the land of Islam) erases everything before it.’” See Musnad Ahmad (4/198-199), and Al-Bayhaqi in Sunan Al-Kubra (9/123), Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak (3/454). Al-Albaani declared its Isnad as Hasan in Al-Irwa (5/122-123).
And when ‘Amr and Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) embraced Islam, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Makkah has granted you the Aflaadh Akbaadiha (the precious part of it).” And he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Allaah forgive Khalid Ibn al-Waleed for everything that he did to hinder people from Your Path.” Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to say: “By Allaah, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was not equating me with any of his Companions in the matter of his battles (or in what concerns him of war affairs).” [Tabaqaat Ibn Sa’ad 4/252]
How Khalid protected the Muslims and earned the honorable title, ‘Sword of Allaah’
The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent ‘the army of leaders (Jaysh al-Umara)’ for the Battle of Mu’tah and he said: “Zayd is your leader; if Zayd is martyred, Jafar Ibn Abi Talib should take over his position, and if Jafar is martyred, ‘Abdullaah Ibn Rawahah should take over his position.‘”
After the army faced what Allaah had decreed, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ascended the Minbar (pulpit) and said: “Should I not inform you about the army? They marched ahead and met with the enemy; Zayd (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) has been martyred, so seek forgiveness for him.” The people sought forgiveness for him.
The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) continued: “Then Jafar Ibn Abi Talib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) took the flag and he was martyred too, and I bear witness to his martyrdom, so seek forgiveness for him. ‘Abdullaah Ibn Rawahah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) then took the flag and was martyred too, so seek forgiveness for him. Then the flag was taken up by Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) although he is not from the leaders, and he did so himself.”
Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) raised his two fingers and said: “O Allaah, he is a sword from Your Swords, make him victorious.” Or he said: “Give victory through him.” It is since this day, that Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was called the ‘Sword of Allaah’. Reported by Ahmad (5/399), An-Nasaa’i in Fadhaail As-Sahabah (177). Al-Adawi, ‘It’s Isnad is Saheeh’
Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had informed the people of the martyrdom of Zayd, Jafar, and Ibn Rawahah before news of their deaths reached them. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Zayd took the flag (as the commander of the army) and was martyred, then Jafar took it and was martyred, and then Ibn Rawahah took it and was martyred.” At that time the Prophet’s eyes were shedding tears. He added: “Then the flag was taken up by a Sword amongst the Swords of Allaah (i.e., Khalid) and Allaah made them (i.e., the Muslims) victorious.” Reported by Al-Bukhaari (4262) and Ahmad (3/113) and An-Nasaa’i (4/26)
During this mighty battle, the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) gave Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) the highest honor although he had retreated with the Muslim army – why did the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) call him ‘the Sword of Allaah’ despite the retreat? – The reason is very subtle and quite simple.
Mu’tah was the first battle in which Khalid participated after accepting Islam, and after the three commanders of the army were killed and the forces dispersed – as Abu ‘Aamir related, “The Muslims were defeated in the worst defeat that I have ever seen – to the extent that I could not see two men together.”
Thabit Ibn Aqram (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) handed the banner to Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) saying: “Take the banner O Abu Sulaiman, you know more of fighting tactics than me…”
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) took up the banner in the direst situation; the army was exhausted due to the continuous intense fighting of the past six days – three thousand Muslims had been combating with two hundred thousand warriors! They had lost all hope and were disorganized. Muslims were on the verge of being completely destroyed or becoming prisoners of the Byzantine army and their allies.
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) however, with his excellent warfare strategies, saved the honor of Islam’s banner which left a wide-ranging impact and paved the way for success and victory to be achieved during the lifetime of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), as well as after his demise.
Khalid’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) retreat strategy was admirable; he positioned his men in such a way that they appeared to look greater in number. In the darkness of night, he switched the positions of all army men; he placed those fighting on the right in the past days, to fight on the left and vice versa. He placed those fighting at the back, to take positions in the front row and vice versa. He brought forth a rearguard that he had equipped with new banners – all this was intended to give the impression that reinforcements had arrived from Madinah.
He also ordered his cavalry to retreat behind a hill during the night, hiding their movements, and then to return during daytime when the battle resumed, raising as much dust with their horses as they could and making as much noise as they could. This was intended to create an impression that further reinforcements were arriving for the Muslims.
The next morning – on the seventh day, the Byzantines found themselves amongst new faces; new soldiers with new banners, whom they had not seen in the past six days. They further saw dust rising towards the sky in the valley behind the Muslim army, and the sounds of Takbeer and Tahleel – and from this dust appeared horsemen following one after another, galloping and joining the Muslim army.
The strategy rightfully cast fear in the hearts of the Byzantine army; they exclaimed, startled and fearful: ‘If three thousand of them have caused so much havoc in the past six days, what havoc will their auxiliary troops create’!
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) sensed the fear that had struck the enemies and their allies due to the fictitious reinforcements; he took advantage of this opportunity and ordered the Muslim troops to attack the Byzantine army. The men at the front of the enemy lines weakened and the Muslims overpowered and slaughtered them – and it was in all senses a massacre as described by Al-Waqidi in his book, Al-Maghazi, “They were scared, and they faced defeat and they were killed in a manner that no other army had ever been killed.” Maghazi Al-Waqidi (2/764)
Ibn Sa’d explained in Tabaqaat, “Then Khalid took up the banner and attacked them. Allaah (Subhaanhu wa Ta’ala) defeated the enemies – the worst defeats that I have ever seen (says the Sahabi narrator Abu ‘Aamir) – until Muslims could let go of their swords.” At-Tabaqaat Al-Kubra (2/130) and Mu’atta of Muhammad Ahmad via Shameel (p.207) in the book ‘Silsilah Ma’aarik Al-Islam Al-Fadila’
It was an intense combat. Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) himself narrated: “On the day of the Battle of Mu’tah, nine swords were broken in my hand, and nothing was left in my hand except a Yemenite sword of mine.” Reported by Al-Bukhaari and Ahmad in Virtues of the Sahabah, and At-Tabarani in Al-Kabeer, Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak
The goal behind all the tactics employed by Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) in Mu’tah was to ensure a safe and organized retreat for the Muslim army. He took advantage of the confusion and disorder of the Byzantines and instructed the army to retreat to the south just like it had been decided. Khalid went between the different factions of the army to ensure an organized retreat and to keep their spirits high. Thus, they (the Muslim army) withdrew with tranquility and alertness from the battlefield of Mu’tah as planned by the hero and leader Khalid.
The Byzantines were astonished at this brilliant tactic! They did not understand the setup until the Muslims had traveled six hundred miles – but they did not follow them out of fear that the retreat could be another warfare tactic of Khalid to trap the Byzantine army.
The Muslim army arrived safely at the outskirts of Madinah at a place called Juruf. The people of Madinah however, began uttering unpleasant words to the army, “O Furrar (i.e. those who run away)! You ran away (from the battlefield)!” and they threw mud in the faces of the army men and their leaders, but Allaah sent down Revelation to set things right. Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) declared: “You are not Furrar (i.e., you did not run away); you are Kurrar (i.e., those who attacked and fought repeatedly).” And the witness of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was enough!
The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) – due to his superior understanding of the potential of people – vouched for Khalid Ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and entitled him with the title of ‘Sword of Allaah’ at a time when all the people of Madinah were throwing sand at Khalid and his army. In fact, the safe retreat of the army represented the highest degree of victory – and this is attested to by all those who are knowledgeable, and by all standards of war in every time and place. The Muslims however, understood this only after they learned about the effort of Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). This kind of safe retreat was only possible for the brave-hearted, and who was braver than Abu Sulaiman (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and more intelligent and far-sighted than him?!
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) during the Conquest of Makkah
The scene that dawned on Makkah was such that an army comprised of weak people – who were still marred by the wounds of torture – were returning to their hometown from where they had been expelled due to transgression and enmity. They were now returning on saddled horses under the banner of Islam; their soft whispers in Darul-Arqam yesterday had turned into resounding Takbeers and echoing Tahleels.
Before entering Makkah, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructed Zubayr and Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma): “Do not fight unless you are fought!” Khalid was positioned towards the right of the Muslim army, and he was to enter Makkah from the south via Al-Leet. Some men from the Quraish had gathered people at Al-Khandamah to prevent the Muslims from entering Makkah, and as Khalid related, “They began the attack with arrows and swords. I tried to prevent the fighting as much as I could. I invited them to Islam too, but they refused – until I had no choice but to fight them. Allaah gave us victory over them, and they retreated.” See As-Seerah Al-Jaleelah (2/209). Twenty-eight Musrikeen were killed in this combat.
The Muslims entered Makkah with Takbeer and Tahleel resounding in Makkah – as though the whole of the universe was celebrating a day of Eid with them!
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) kills Al-Uzza and demolishes it
Soon after the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) conquered Makkah, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to the area of Nakhlah, where the idol of al-Uzza was erected on three trees. Khalid cut down the three trees and destroyed the house around it. But when he informed the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about what he had done, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Go back and finish your mission, for you have not finished it.”
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) returned to the same place. When the custodians, who were also servants of al-Uzza, saw Khalid approaching, they began invoking al-Uzza! Khalid approached closer and found a naked woman with untidy hair who was throwing sand on her head. Khalid killed her with his sword. He then returned to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), who declared upon hearing the incident: “Yes! That was al-Uzza!” Tafseer Ibn Katheer Surat Adh-Dhariyat.
Qatadah narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to destroy al-Uzza which was with the Hawazin tribe, and its custodians were the Banu Sulaym. He informed him that she was a very dark woman with long hair, broad-chested, and short in stature. The Mushrikeen were encouraging her to kill Khalid, however Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) attacked her and killed her, and he said: “Al-Uzza is gone, there is no Uzza after this day.” See Sharh Al-Mawahib Al-Ladunya (2/369) and Ibn Hisham (2/436-437)
On the Day of Hunain
‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Azhar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “On the day of (the Battle of) Hunain, I saw Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passing through the people asking about the wound of Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). When he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was shown to him, he looked at his wound and I think he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) blew on it.” [Reported by Ahmad and authenticated by Shu’aib Al-Arna’oot who graded it Saheeh]
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) during the Ridda (apostates) Wars
After accepting Islam, the time that Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) spent with the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was not more than four years; during which he fought in the North at the borders of Syria, and in the South in Yemen. He witnessed eleven battles in all; he participated in three of them under the leadership of the Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), while he was the sole leader in three of them. Although he did not participate in five of them, he surely fulfilled his obligation – so how could Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) attain so much in such a short time?!
Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) had gained the trust of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) due to his rare military leadership acumen (insight). It is no surprise that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said about him: “Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) is one of the Swords of Allaah that He has unsheathed against the disbelievers and the hypocrites.” See Al-Istiyaab (2/429). Qaadda Fathul-Iraq wal- Jazeera (pgs:94-95)
After the demise of the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), the Ridda Wars continued for about a year. These were the fiercest wars ever faced by the Muslims, and they brought into light, the bravest of men. The Ridda Wars further cemented Khalid Ibn al-Walid’s reputation as a great cavalry commander, for he played the leading military role against rebelling tribes, especially against Tulaiha – who was one of the main rebel leaders – in al-Bazaakha in the land of Bani Asad, and against Bani Tameem in Al-Butaah, and Banu Hanifa in Al-Yamamah. These were the most ferocious strengths that Khalid had ever faced in his lifetime. See Salaah Al-Ummah by Dr. Sayyed Hussain (3/549)
Confronting Tulaiha in al-Bazaakha
Despite Tulaiha’s army being a huge number, Tulaiha realized in the middle of the battle that Khalid’s army had gotten the upper hand. Tulaiha fled with his wife on his horse saying: ‘O people of Fazarah, whosoever can escape, let him escape.’
Khalid thus put the Fitnah of Tulaiha to an end and brought Islam back to Bazaakha. The victory of Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) also brought many other tribes back to Islam, like Bani ‘Aamir, Sulaym, and Hawazin; they took the oath and returned back to Islam. See, Al-Kamil li-Ibn Al-Atheer (2/132)
Khalid’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) Historic Stance in Yamamah against Musaylimah al-Kadhdhab (the liar)
After Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahl and Shurhabil Ibn Hasanah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) failed to overpower the apostates in Yamamah, Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) approached Yamamah. The two forces met at ‘Aqrubaa’ and the fight intensified the like of which was never seen before. Nine swords were broken at the hands of Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).
The Muslims were defeated in the first three engagements against Musaylimah’s warriors at the Battle of ‘Aqrubaa’ but they came out victorious in the fourth encounter. Thirteen thousand Muslims overpowered the followers of Musaylimah which numbered around forty thousand warriors or even more.
Fourteen thousands of the Bani Hanifa tribe were killed in the Battle of Yamamah, and another seven thousands of other tribes. Musaylimah was killed too. Three hundred and sixty Muslims from the Muhajireen and Ansaar were martyred, and three hundred Muhajireen other than the people of Madinah. Also, three hundred Tabi’een (followers), and five hundred Qurr’a (who were memorizing the Qur’an) – a total of one thousand, two hundred Muslims were martyred – i.e., the rate of the martyred Muslims compared to the killed disbelievers was only six percent – this was the most wondrous victory led by Khalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) in the Ridda Wars.
Sources:
As-haabur-Rasool (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) by Mahmoud Al-Masri
Islamqa
Tafseer Ibn Katheer