Who Was Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid (RA)
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid was a legendary Arab military commander, known as “Saifullah” (The Sword of Allah), who initially fought against the Prophet Muhammad before converting to Islam. He became a prominent companion and general under Muhammad and his successors, leading crucial campaigns like the Ridda Wars in Arabia and the conquests of the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires. He is celebrated for his strategic genius, undefeated military record, and his vital role in the rapid expansion of the early Islamic caliphate.
Early Life of Khalid Bin Walid (RA):
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘anhu was born in the tribe of Banu Makhzum in Makkah, Arabia, around 592 CE. He belonged to a prominent and powerful clan known for its military prowess. From a young age, Khalid Radhi Allahu ‘anhu showed exceptional skills in warfare and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled fighter and commander.
Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid (RA) Opposition to Islam
When the Prophet (PBUH) started spreading the message of Islam in Makkah, the Banu Makhzum strongly opposed him under the leadership of Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham). Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu was part of this opposition. Although there are no documented stories that he actually persecuted Muslims, later on, he fought against them in three key battles: Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq.
Battle of Badr
When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) migrated to Medina, the Banu Makhzum, under the leadership of Abu Jahl and along with other Quraysh tribes, waged war against the Muslims at Badr in 624 (2AH). Khalid Bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu was part of this battle, and he fought from the Quraysh side. Many of Khalid bin Walid (RA) relatives, including Abu Jahl, and were killed in this battle and Muslims emerged as victorious.
Battle of Uhud
A year later, in 625 (3AH), the Quraysh again fought Muslims at the Battle of Badr under the leadership of Abu Sufyan as revenge for their loss at Badr. This time, they defeated the Muslims. Khalid bin Walid (RA) played an important role in the victory. He commanded the right flank of the Quraysh cavalry army.
Muslims gained an upper hand during the battle, and many archers felt relaxed and left their key positions to collect the bounty, which opened a huge gap in their defensive lines. Khalid bin Walid (RA) took advantage of this and charged at Muslim positions from behind, and in the ensuing fight, many Muslim fighters were killed. This ultimately led to the defeat of Muslims.
Battle of Khandaq
Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu also participated in the battle of the Khandaq (Trench), which took place in 627 (5AH). To prevent the Quraysh Confederates from entering Medina, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his army employed a defensive strategy and dug a deep trench. Some Quraysh soldiers, including Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu, attempted to pass through the trench but were unsuccessful.
Conversion to Islam
After much consideration and having a change of heart when he witnessed the steady growth of Islam despite so many challenges, Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu eventually converted to Islam in 629 (7AH) and joined the ranks of Muslims. Upon conversion, he asked the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to pray to Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for the sins he had committed against Islam. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) told him that all his sins and previous actions had been forgiven once he accepted Islam. However, on his insistence, the Prophet (PBUH) prayed to Allah (SWT) to forgive his sins.
Commanding Muslim Armies After Conversion
The conversion of Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu to Islam was a turning point for the Muslims because they gained a military genius who was a fierce fighter and an expert tactical strategist. During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he took part in these battles:
The Battle of Mutah
Following his conversion to Islam, Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu fought in the battle of Mutah, where Muslims attempted to retaliate against a Ghassanid chief who killed an emissary.
Nonetheless, it resulted in defeat for Muslims when three main leaders, Zaid bin Harith, Jafar bin Abu Talib, and Abdullah bin Rawahah, were martyred.
Khalid bin Walid took command at that crucial point, and by implementing a superb strategy, he could regain control of the position and return the Muslim forces to Medina safely. During the battle, Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu broke eight swords. It was after this battle that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) called him “Saifullah” or “The Sword of Allah.” A sword that can never be broken.
The Conquest of Makkah
Khalid bin Walid also participated in the conquest of Makkah in 630 (8AH). He was ordered by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to march on Makkah through the Lait region. In Khandama, he engaged in battle with several Quraysh soldiers, killing some of them. Following the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) entry into Makkah, Khalid bin Walid Radhi Allahu ‘Anhu was instructed to lead a group of cavalrymen to Batn Nakhla, where they destroyed the most
famous idol of the Quraysh community.
Battle of Hunayn
Khalid bin Walid, along with horsemen from Banu Sulaym, led the army at the battle of Hunayn in 630 (8AH) to fight the Hawazin tribe on the command of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Several opposition members, including a woman, were killed by Khalid. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then instructed him not to kill children, women, or slaves.
Tabuk Expedition
During his stay in Tabuk in 630 (8AH), the Holy Prophet (PBUH) instructed
Khalid to lead an army of 420 horsemen against Ukaydir b ‘Abd al-Malik,
the Christian ruler of Dumat al-Jandal. During a short battle, Khalid
captured Ukaydir, and he was ordered to sign a surrender treaty with the
Prophet (PBUH) in Medina Sharif.