Author: Zaid
The Biography of The Sword of Allah: Khalid ibn Walid “may Allah be pleased with him” (Part 53)
The Arrival of Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) at the Mujahideen Camp in Sham
Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) joined the Mujahideen in their sacrifice along the way. After passing through Tasvi Spring, they encountered various groups and tribes of the Roman army, fighting valiantly and ultimately joining the Muslim forces in Syria. The Romans were jubilant about the arrival of Bahan and his large army, while the Muslims rejoiced at the arrival of Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) and his commanders.
Hazrat Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) appointed Seyyedna Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) as the commander of the entire army in Syria. As Imam al-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) states, “Hazrat Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) sent Seyyedna Khalid as the commander over the commanders in Syria. Abu Ubaidah, Sharhbeel, Yazid ibn Abu Sufyan, and Amr ibn al-As were all present in Syria, each leading an army, with Khalid ibn Walid as their overall commander.”
The Situation of the Muslims Upon Khalid’s Arrival (may Allah be pleased with him)
Allamah Abu Zayd al-Shalabi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes, “When Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) arrived at the battlefield in Syria, he observed that the Muslims were fighting under different flags and commanders, with each commander independently leading prayers with his troops.” Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) also organized his troops and prayed alongside them.
Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) recognized the Muslims were in a precarious situation, especially with Bahan joining the Romans, which boosted their morale. At this time, Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) engaged the Roman army and successfully pushed them back. They were forced to retreat to their trenches. Following this conflict, the Romans remained in their trenches for an entire month.
During this period, priests and monks urged them to defend Christianity, which they felt was under threat. Military commanders instructed them in tactics and exercises; Jumada al-Awal was spent in similar preparations.
The Muslims were informed about the preparation of the Roman army
The Muslims were aware of the Roman preparations and were urged to mobilize fully against the enemy. However, the Muslim forces were divided due to the numerous commanders. Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) disagreed with this approach. He believed that this division was dangerous, potentially benefiting the Romans and posing a greater threat to the Muslims than the enemy itself.
How can the Muslims expect victory or salvation when they fight in disunity against a formidable and well-prepared enemy under a single commander?
