WHO WAS KHALID BIN WALEED (RA)?

Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) was a military commander. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in Islamic history. He was born into the Banu Makhzum clan of the Quraysh. The Banu Makhzum tribe was the enemy of the Muslims. They were against the idea of Islam and were strong opponents of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as he was the preacher of Islam.  Khalid Bin Waleed (RA), being a member of this tribe, was also an enemy of Muslims in his youth. He followed in the footsteps of his ancestors and fought against Muslims in various wars. He had a great height—over six feet. His shoulders were wide, his chest expanded, and the muscles hardened on his lean and athletic body. He was a warrior known for strength, wisdom, and unbeatable military skills.

THE MILITARY TRAINING OF KHALID BIN WALEED (RA)

Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) was part of the Banu Makhzum tribe, known for their unmatched horsemanship. He was also a skilled horseman. He learned to ride horses from a very early age. Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) became one of the best horsemen of the Banu Makhzum. Moreover, Khalid learned combat skills. He learned to use all weapons—the spear, the lance, the bow, and the sword. He was even given young, untrained colts to break and train.

KHALID BIN WALEED (RA) DEFEATED MUSLIMS IN THE BATTLE OF UHUD

In 625 AD, the Battle of Uhud took place between the Muslims and the Quraysh. Abu Sufyan was the head of the Quraysh in that war. The Quraysh army was well-equipped, having 3,000 infantry, 3,000 camels, and 200 horsemen, while the Muslims were much less equipped, with 700 infantry, 50 archers, and 4 horsemen. Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) was part of the war against the Muslims. He played a vital role in that war, using his quick thinking and military tactics to defeat the Muslims. He killed 70 companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Battle of Uhud, weakening the Muslim army and eventually leading to their defeat. However, Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) was highly inspired by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his leadership skills during the war. He could not help but admire Muhammad (SAW)—his generalship, character, and personality that he could find in no one else.

THE JOURNEY OF KHALID BIN WALEED (RA) TOWARD ISLAM

Even after defeating the Muslims in the Battle of Uhud, Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) began to doubt his hatred toward them. He witnessed the growing strength of the Muslim community and the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Over time, he realized that Islam was the truth and began to question his role in fighting against it. The Treaty of Hudaybiyya, a peace agreement between the Muslims and the Quraysh, was a turning point in Khalid Bin Waleed (RA)’s life. He reflected on the wisdom and character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which further convinced him of Islam’s authenticity. In 629 CE, Khalid traveled to Madina and embraced Islam in the hands of the Prophet (PBUH).  This marked a turning point in his life, and from then on, he dedicated his skills as a warrior to defend and spread Islam, becoming one of its most valued leaders.

EXEMPLARY ROLE OF KHALID BIN WALEED (RA) IN THE EXPANSION OF ISLAM

Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) played a key role in the rapid expansion of Islam after embracing the faith. His military leadership was crucial in defeating the Byzantine and Persian empires, two of the most powerful forces of the time. In battles like Yarmouk and Walaja, Khalid’s strategies helped secure important victories, allowing the Muslim empire to expand into Syria, Iraq, and Persia. His ability to win battles, even when outnumbered, made him one of the greatest military leaders of his time. Khalid’s success was not only due to his military skills but also his deep commitment to Islam. He led his soldiers with courage and maintained strong discipline within his ranks. Khalid’s campaigns laid the foundation for Muslim control over vast territories, stretching from the Arabian Peninsula into the Levant and beyond. His leadership allowed Islam to spread swiftly, and his victories ensured that the newly established Islamic state remained strong and united.

TITLE OF ” SAIFULLAH – SWORD OF ALLAH”

After his conversion to Islam, Khalid Bin Waleed (RA)’s first major victory for the Muslims was at the Battle of Mu’tah. The Byzantine army outnumbered the Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appointed three commanders, but the enemy killed all of them. Khalid took command after Thabit Ibn Al-Arqam insisted. Despite being surrounded, Khalid reorganized the Muslim army, making the Byzantines believe reinforcements had arrived. He led a successful retreat, saving the army. Khalid broke seven swords during the battle. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was in Madinah at the time but was able to witness everything through revelations. He (PBUH) told his companions sitting with him that the enemy had killed the three commanders. But Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) saved the Muslims from their opponents with his mindfulness and wisdom. That was the time when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave Khalid (RA) the title of “Saifullah” (sword of Allah) due to his bravery against the opponents of Islam.

DEATH OF KHALID BIN WALEED (RA)

Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) died in 642 CE in the city of Homs, Syria. He had lived there since his retirement from military service. He wanted to die as a martyr and was deeply disappointed to be dying in bed. Khalid (RA)  expressed this sorrow, saying:
“I’ve fought in so many battles seeking martyrdom that there is no spot on my body left without a scar or a wound made by a spear or a sword, and yet here I am, dying on my bed like an old camel. May the eyes of the cowards never rest.”
His wife then said:
“You were given the title Sayfullah, meaning ‘The Sword of Allah,’ and the sword of Allah is not meant to be broken. Hence, it is not your destiny to be a martyr but to die like a conqueror.”
The death of Khalid Bin Waleed (RA) was a huge loss for Muslims. But his legacy is still alive and Muslims till now remember his name. His services for Islam are recognized by Muslims all over the world.