Khalid Ibn Al Walid biography is not just a tale of a brave warrior; it is an eternal Islamic epic that combined military genius, loyalty to faith, and sacrifice for the sake of truth. In this article, we take you on a journey through the key milestones of his life, from pre-Islamic times to Islamic glory, to discover how he became the “Sword of Allah – Saifullah.”
Birth and Family Background
He was Khalid Ibn al-Walid Ibn al-Mughira ibn Abdullah Ibn Makhzum Ibn Yaqaza Ibn Murrah Ibn Ka’b Ibn Lu’ay Ibn Ghalib. His lineage meets that of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at Murrah ibn Ka’b. He was known by his nickname, Abu Sulayman.
He was born in the year 25 before Hijrah. His father, al-Mughira, was one of the nobles of Quraysh, and his mother was Lubaba bint al-Harith, the sister of the Mother of the Believers, Maymunah bint al-Harith.
After discussing his birth and family background, we now move to his traits and his opposition to Islam.
Initial Opposition to Islam
Khalid ibn al-Walid was among the fiercest opponents of Islam in its early days. He played a very significant role in the Battle of Uhud, where, with his strategic mind, he took advantage of the Muslim archers’ mistake when they left their post on the mountain. He launched an attack on the rear of the Muslim army, turning Quraysh’s defeat into a victory.
He participated in the Battle of the Trench (Al-Khandaq), and he was also leading the cavalry who tried to stop the Muslims from entering Makkah during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
Here ends the initial opposition to Islam, and a new chapter begins in in Khalid Ibn Al Walid biography—his support for Islam.
Conversion to Islam
Khalid ibn al-Walid embraced Islam after the age of forty. This happened after his brother Walid sent him a letter, saying:
“The Messenger of Allah asked me about you. He said, ‘Where is Khalid?’ I replied, ‘Allah will bring him.’ He said, ‘A man like him should not be ignorant of Islam. If he directed his strength and efforts with the Muslims against the polytheists, it would be better for him. We would surely prefer him over others. So, my brother, make up for what you missed, for you’ve already missed out on many good opportunities.’”
Khalid then approached his two companions, Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl and Safwan ibn Umayyah, and invited them to accompany him to Yathrib and declare their Islam. They refused.
He then suggested the idea to Uthman ibn Talhah al-Abdari, who agreed. They set off to Yathrib, and along the way, they met Amr ibn al-As, who was also heading there to accept Islam.
The three of them arrived in Yathrib in the month of Safar, in the 8th year after Hijrah, and embraced Islam. The Muslims were overjoyed with this conversion to Islam. At that moment, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Indeed, Makkah has thrown to us pieces of its very heart.”
Military Career
Khalid Ibn Al Walid biography is best known for his military career. He was courageous and intelligent in devising battle strategies. He participated in five major battles during the life of the Prophet ﷺ and took part in many more conquests and expeditions after his passing.
Key battles in Khalid Ibn Al Walid biography include
His Role in The Battle of Mu’tah:
The Prophet ﷺ dispatched an army to the Levant led by Zayd ibn Harithah. He appointed Ja’far ibn Abi Talib to succeed Zayd, and if he fell, Abdullah ibn Rawahah was next.
Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) was among the soldiers. The three commanders were martyred in the battle, and the banner was handed to Khalid after consultation among the troops.
Khalid crafted a brilliant plan to withdraw the army with minimal losses. He swapped the right flank with the left and the vanguard with the rear. He also instructed a section of the army to raise dust and make noise behind the lines until morning.
By morning, the Roman and Ghassanid forces were surprised to see different faces and banners from the day before, along with the commotion. They assumed reinforcements had arrived for the Muslims.
At that moment, Khalid ordered a tactical withdrawal. The enemy feared pursuing them, thinking it was a trap. Thus, Khalid successfully saved the Muslim army from total annihilation.
He fought valiantly in Mu’tah, breaking nine swords in his hand that day. When he returned to Yathrib, the Prophet ﷺ praised him and gave him the title “The Drawn Sword of Allah” (Saifullah al-Maslul).
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “What a good slave of Allah and member of the tribe Khalid bin al-Waleed is! [He is] one of the swords of Allah that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has unsheathed against disbelievers and hypocrites.`
His Role in the Conquest of Makkah:
The Conquest of Makkah occurred in the 8th year after Hijrah, following the Quraysh’s violation of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The Prophet ﷺ and his companions marched toward Makkah with a 10,000-strong army divided into four groups. Khalid Ibn al-Walid led the right flank of the army.
The Prophet ﷺ instructed that no one be killed except those who engaged in battle. However, Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, Safwan ibn Umayyah, Suhayl ibn Amr, and a group of polytheists gathered to confront Khalid and his men. A fight broke out, and Khalid defeated them.
His Role in the Wars of Apostasy:
After the death of the Prophet ﷺ, many Arab tribes apostatized. Some refused to pay zakah to Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, and others followed false prophets like Musaylimah the Liar.
Khalid Ibn Al-Walid played a major role in the Wars of Apostasy, helping to unify the Muslims once again.
Legacy of Khalid ibn al-Walid
The Legacy of Khalid Ibn al-Walid is not one of wealth, He died leaving only his horse and sword, both of which he had dedicated to jihad in the cause of Allah.
Rather, he left behind a legacy of bravery, strength, and intelligent war strategies that are still studied today in top military academies.
He was described as a brilliant military figure, a fearless leader in battle, known for his tactical genius, organization, and skillful execution.
His Death
His death occurred in the year 21 AH in the city of Homs (some say in Madinah), during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab.
He died at the age of 55. Before his death, he wept and said, “I participated in many battles, and there’s not a spot on my body without a sword wound or an arrow injury. Yet here I am, dying on my bed like a camel. Let not the eyes of cowards sleep peacefully.”
Lessons from Khalid Ibn Al Walid
Khalid Ibn Al Walid biography is full of lessons and wisdom we should learn from. Among the most important Lessons from Khalid Ibn Al Walid are
- Never insist on falsehood once the truth becomes clear. He embraced Islam when he realized the truth of the Prophet’s message and didn’t persist in his opposition.
- Courage, intelligent planning, and sacrifice. He took command of the army in Mu’tah after the martyrdom of the three leaders and turned the course of the battle toward survival.
- That history is written by the victors, and humiliation is the fate of those who abandon the path of truth.
- A true believer loves the Hereafter, and the tragedy of a hero is to die in bed rather than on the battlefield, striving in the path of honor and jihad.
Conclusion:
Khalid Ibn Al Walid biography stands as a shining example of bravery, sincerity, and military genius, leaving an unforgettable mark in Islamic history. From his enmity toward Islam to becoming one of its pillars, his life was full of meaningful lessons. His heroic stories continue to be told today, inspiring all who seek truth and dignity.
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