Today, we're going to talk about a strong and courageous companion: Khalid ibn walid. A skilled horseman and outstanding strategist, he was an invaluable pillar of the Muslim conquest. A fighter and a valiant warrior, little could impress him. Here's a portrait of a man with a strong character that in no way detracted from his piety.
Who was Khalid Ibn Walid?
Khalid Ibn AI-Walid Ibn AI-Mughira AI-Makhzûmi, nicknamed Abû Suleyman, was born in Mecca twenty-five years before the Hegira. He belonged to one of Mecca 's most influential clans: the Banû Makhzûm. Like most of his companions, Khalid had first fought against Islam before converting to it. And in his case, it was much better to have him in the Muslim troops than in those of his adversaries, given his legendary intelligence and tactical analysis .
His conversion to Islam
The story of Khalid Ibn Walid's conversion is the story of a journey he made with two other members of his tribe. It was with two companions from Quraysh, 'Uthman Ibn Talha and 'Amr Ibn AI-'As, that Khalid set off for Medina to announce his conversion to Islam and declare his loyalty to the Messenger ﷺ. And so, in year eight of the Hegira, he entered the straight and narrow. Khalid Ibn Walid was proud of the Islam he had just embraced, and keen to wash away his sins. Indeed, he sealed his conversion with the Messenger ﷺ with these heartfelt words: "O Messenger of Allah! Invoke God on my behalf to absolve my past sins." The Prophet ﷺ replied, "O Khâlid! Islam wipes out all previous bad deeds. ".
Khalid Ibn Walid: the most valiant of fighters
After emerging from the darkness into the light, the companion put his great fighting skills to the service of Allah. Indeed, from now on, it's with the Muslims that he wields his seasoned sword. He became a fervent pillar of the Messenger's army. To the point of carrying the banner of the religion of truth. On this occasion, he became known as the"Sword of Allah". The prestigious nickname comes from the messenger ﷺ.
Indeed, according to a hadith reported by Al Bukhari: "Khâlid Ibn al-Walîd took the standard after the death of the three commanders even though he had not been appointed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ informed the people in Medina of the death of Zayd, Dja'far and Ibn al-Rawâha, may Allah be pleased with them, before the news of their death arrived. It is mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ said in this hadith, "Zayd took the standard until he was killed. Then Ja'far took it until he was killed. Then Ibn Rawâha carried the standard and was killed in turn. Then he was taken by a man who is one of Allah's swords, and he fought until Allah granted them success."
His many qualities
We know him now for his experience and skill as a warrior. But also for being a man of piety, sincerity and devotion. He was a solid man , as well as being athletic and combative. In fact, he was extremely courageous. It is said that he was afraid of nothing. Enduring, he demonstrated immense bravery, powerful determination andimmeasurable perseverance. Indeed, when people spoke of him, they said : "He who never sleeps and never lets anyone sleep".
Dedication in all circumstances
Whether during the life of the Prophet ﷺ or during the caliphates that followed, Khalid proved his unconditional devotion. As a result, he was entrusted with great responsibilities. In particular, Abu Bakr, the first caliph, whose marvellous biography we recommend you read, entrusted him with the command of the Muslim armies. To confront the Arab tribes in rebellion against the state of Medina, who refused to pay the zakât and the legal tax. Indeed, Abu Bakr handed over command to several generals, including Khâlid Ibn Al-Walîd. Khâlid Ibn Al-Walîd's task was to defeat the Banû Hanifa tribe, which was the most dangerous and deepest in its misguidance.
Khalid Ibn Walid, a decisive figure
When Khalid took command of the Banu Hanifa, at first sight defeat seemed inevitable. But, prodigiously, the journeyman put his exceptional military know-how to good use. What's more, his tactical intelligence enabled him to turn the tide and give the Muslims the upper hand. And this paid off, as he enabled the Muslims to crush their enemies. Khalid Ibn Walid had the art of federating and leading. And the caliph had seen through him. Abu Bakr therefore called upon the courageous Khalid ibn Walid on several occasions. Particularly when dealing with formidable enemies such as the Persians or Byzantine soldiers. In fact, he inflicted one of his most memorable defeats on them after a merciless battle.
The end of companion Ibn Walid's life
Given his glorious and conquering career, it would have been wise to think that Khalid ibn Walid had given up the ghost on a battlefield. Well, the reality is quite different. It was at the age of 40 that he was bedridden by illness. He had survived countless violent battles. Leaving his body to speak for itself with its many wounds and scars. But Allah decided thata benign illness, poorly treated, should prevail. Surely, the Most High knows best what is good for us. And Khalid would never, ever rebel against that. But, of course, Khalid is frustrated. Having fought as he had, how frustrating for him to end up sick and bedridden.
At that moment, here are his words. "I have taken part in many battles, my body is furrowed with sword and spear blows, and now I die in my bed as a camel dies. May the eyes of cowards be deprived of sleep!". The Lord recalls Khalid ibn Walid in the eighteenth year of the Hegira. We know that Caliph 'Umar mourned him profusely. He paid tribute to him by saying that there was only one such powerful Khalid, and that no woman would ever bear such a child.