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Khalid bin Walid (RA) or Saifullah the Sword of Allah, is one of the most outstanding characters in the history of Islam. He was courageous, strategic, and devout, and his demise brought to an end a time that altered the destiny of the Muslim Ummah permanently. To a reader in the USA and Pakistan, his story is not only that of wars and conquests, but also of faith, leadership and sacrifice to Islam.

We will cover in this blog the demise of Khalid bin Walid, his tribal background, Banu Makhzum, his evolution of being an opponent of the Last Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to his greatest supporter, and his legendary involvement in major battles that included Badr, Uhud, Muhtah and many more. We shall also look at how his legacy has continued to motivate Muslims the world over.

Early Life of Khalid bin Walid -Banu Makhzum.

Khalid bin Walid was born in Makkah in the tribe, Banu Makhzum, which was one of the strongest tribes in Quraysh. The tribe was strongly associated with wealth, strength and warriors. Khalid was a well-trained military officer who was taught the basics of horsemanship, swordsmanship, and military strategy at a very young age.

Khalid was an inveterate opponent of Muslims before Islam. His people were against the message of the final prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Khalid himself at first fought against Islam in the great battles. But fate had ordained something better to him--he was to be the champion of the same religion he had opposed.

Khalid bin Walid and the Battle of Badr.

The first major battle in the history of Islam was the Battle of Badr. But though Khalid did not fight this battle, its result affected his course. The Quraysh were defeated by the Muslims under the leadership of prophet Muhammad (SAW). Khalid who had been on the side of Quraysh saw the increasing power of Islam and was starting to appreciate the extraordinary leadership of Prophet (SAW).

The Battle of Uhud A Turning Point.

During the Battle of Uhud, Khalid bin Walid was a very important person who was representing Quraysh. With military brilliance, he invented a cavalry charge that changed the fortunes of the battle against the Muslims. The initially victorious Muslims ended up losing a lot of ground as a result of tactical errors and the tactical genius of Khalid.

Though he was an enemy of Islam, this battle had shown the unsurpassed skills of Khalid as a commander. These same capabilities later came to the defense of the Muslim Ummah when he converted to Islam.

Islamic conversion- The Sword of Allah.

Khalid bin Walid became a Muslim as a result of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and came to know the reality of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the message of Islam. The Prophet received him kindly and gave him the title that he is known for:

You are the Sword of Allah (Saifullah).

Since then Khalid dedicated his life to serving Islam. His allegiance was total, his belief irresistible, and his tactics on the battlefield famous.

The Battle of Mu’tah - Testing the Sword of Allah.

The Battle of Mu’tah in 629 CE was one of the most important battles in the career of Khalid. The Muslims outnumbered the Byzantine Empire by far, and their first lords were conquered. Khalid assumed control thereafter and against all odds; he managed to direct the Muslim army to safety at very little cost.

No one was as brave and bright as he was. On his return, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

Khalid is the Sword of Allah, which is drawn against the enemies of Allah.

This quote established his legacy.

The Battle of Hunayn A Test of Faith.

The Muslims were first in disarray and retreat at Hunayn. But Khalid bin Walid brought the troops together with unsurpassed courage. He showed not only his military prowess, but also his strong faith and that victory should be by Allah only.

This battle also served to bring out his qualities as a strategist and a believer.

Khalid bin Walid of the First Caliph.

Following the death of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there was an unfortunate period in the Muslim Ummah. Khalid bin Walid was the main support of Muslim military campaigns during the reign of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA).

He was decisive in the Ridda Wars (wars against apostates) and initial conquests of Iraq and Syria. He was so successful in battles that people believed Khalid was never going to be defeated. Never did Khalid pride himself, however,--he always gave Allah credit.

The Death of Khalid bin Walid -The End of the Sword of Allah

Although Khalid bin Walid spent most of his life on the battle field, he died not on the battlefield. Rather he was naturally killed in Homs, Syria in 642 CE. This was something that bothered him. He once said:

And I have been in so many battles and there is not a spot on my body that has not been pierced by a sword or an arrow. But now here I am, killing like a camel in my bed.

His death brought the end to a period. Sword of Allah has never been drawn again, but his name still is shining in the history of Islam.

The Life of Khalid bin Walid teaches us a lesson or two.

The life of Khalid provides Muslims today with invaluable lessons in both Pakistan and the United States, and in any place in the world:

Religion changes hearts- Khalid was a fierce opponent of Islam who became one of its most ardent protectors.

• Leadership is command. - He did not misuse his authority, but he always gave Allah the glory.
• Bravery without pride - And yet he was as simple a soldier, And never sought luxury, As the most prosperous commander.
• Legacy is action-oriented -His battlefield tactics are still being taught in military academies all over the world.

Khalid bin Walid in Hadith and Islamic Legacy.

Khalid was himself recognised by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the Sword of Allah. This is the uniqueness of his legacy warranted by this recognition in Hadith. And unlike most generals of his time and of all times, Khalid was not a fighter to gain fame or fortune but to save and propagate Islam.

Muslims in the USA and Pakistan still today remember him as a hero of faith and courage. His name is heard with pride in mosques, books and Islamic history talks.

Why The Story of Khalid bin Walid is Important Today.

His story is an identity and pride to young Muslims in the USA. His name is well entrenched in Islamic education and military culture in Pakistan. In each of these regions the life of Khalid bin Walid reminds us of:

• The role of a good leadership.
• The virtue of believing in adversity.
• The heritage of the Sahaba (Companions of the Prophet) who created the Islamic civilization.

Words in brackets: you are the one who wields the weapon of the eternal sword of Allah.

The influence would not end with the death of Khalid bin Walid. His tactics, bravery and commitment to Islam created a permanent impression on history. His death marked the demise of one of the clearest swords of Islam, but his life remains inspiring to millions of people.

Although he wanted to die a martyr in the battlefield, Allah ordered him to die in the bed as a reminder of the fact that only Allah has the power to give life and to take it away.

The story of Khalid Bin Walid is not only history, but a reminder that faith, courage and humility can transform the world.