Khalid ibn al-Walid ibn
al-Mughira al-Makhzumi was an Arab Muslim commander in the service of the
Islamic prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the caliphs Abu Bakr (R.A) and
Umar (R.A). He was born at Mecca, the son of Walid ibn al Mughira, who was of the
Makhzum tribe which controlled the trade of Mecca. His mother was Arwad bint
Abdullah. When he was young his family moved to the valley of Abwa. There he
attended schools run by Islamic scholars. He learned writing, religion, and law
from them.
He was the most celebrated
general of early Islam, conquering much of Arabia and Persia in the way of
Allah Almighty. He was a companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). After his
conversion to Islam at age of twenty, he became a scout for Muhammad (Peace be
upon him), joining him in all his battles. Khalid ibn al-Walid was one of the
most distinguished companions of Muhammad (S.A.W) and he was awarded the title
of “the Sword of Allah” by Muhammad (S.A.W).
Khalid bin Walid, who was a
strategic and skillful commander, would successfully lead the campaigns against
the Romans in Syria, defeating them in the Battle of Yarmouk which took place
near the Sea of Galilee.
After that, he would travel to
Iraq; where he defeated the Persian Sassanian Empire and paved the way for the
Muslim conquest of Persia.
Khalid Ibn Al-Walid died in 642
was buried in Homs, Syria. It is believed by scholars that Khalid bin Walid R.A
died a natural death because he was the Sword of Allah and it was not possible
to kill the Sword of Allah by anyone.
Khalid bin Walid (R.A) was one of the greatest Generals in Islam and he had distinctive characteristics, which distinguished him from other generals. His life is a great example to all of us, and he can be considered one of the greatest personalities in history.
