FAJR REMINDER: THE FALL OF THE HEROES

 FAJR REMINDER: THE FALL OF THE HEROES

By: Umm Affan

Jumādā al-Ākhirah 1, 1447 (22-November-2025)

Do you recall the story of the three Muslim commanders involved in the Battle of Mu’tah? They are among the heroes who fell in this significant battle in Syria, which witnessed the Romans mobilizing approximately 200,000 warriors. Let’s revisit the circumstances that led to this confrontation.

The Prophet (ﷺ) had sent his companion Ḥārith Ibn Umayr (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) with a letter directed to the governor of Buṣra. Upon reaching Mu’tah, he was met by Sharjīl Ibn Amr Ghassani, who, upon realizing that Ḥārith was a messenger of the Prophet (ﷺ) en route to Shām, ordered his execution. Deeply distressed by this act, the Prophet (ﷺ) gathered a substantial army to avenge his death. Zayd Ibn Ḥārithah, Ja’far Ibn Abī Ṭālib, and ‘Abdullāh Ibn Rawāḥah fought valiantly, carrying the flag until they achieved martyrdom (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhum). The Prophet (ﷺ) remarked: “...Finally, the flag was taken by one of Allāh's Swords and Allāh gave them (i.e., the Muslims) victory.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3757]

Who was that exalted sword? It was none other than Khālid Ibn al-Walīd. He plunged into the fray as though he were just another soldier under the command of the three appointed leaders. After the last commander fell in battle, Thābit Ibn ‘Arqam Ibn Tha’lab Al-Anṣārī (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) took the flag with his right hand and lifted it high to maintain morale among the Muslims.

Thābit then approached Khālid Ibn al-Walīd, saying: “Take the flag, Abū Sulaymān.” Khālid felt unworthy of taking the flag, believing he was still a recent convert to Islām and had no right to lead an army that included the distinguished Anṣār and Muhājirūn who had embraced Islām before him. Did he eventually accept the flag, and how did the battle end? Stay tuned for the next episode, Allāh willing.

I beseech Allāh to bestow His Mercy upon Khālid Ibn al-Walīd. Aameen.