Sword of Allah The History of Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed Episode - 40

Sword of Allah The History of Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed Episode - 40 Al-Muthanna ibn Haritha al-Shaybani was a brave and influential commander from the Banu Shayban tribe, residing in the frontier regions of Iraq, which at that time was under Sassanid Persian control. After the wars of apostasy (Riddah wars) and the defeat of Musaylimah al-Kadhdhab in the Battle of Yamamah, Al-Muthanna began leading small raids against Persian forces in Iraq on his own initiative, without official sanction from the Caliphate. He had some early success, weakening Persian outposts and encouraging local Arab tribes in Iraq to support Islam. Journey to Abu Bakr (RA): Realizing the need for formal support and reinforcements, Al-Muthanna traveled to Madinah to meet Caliph Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA). He presented his case, explaining the vulnerability of the Persian Empire, the morale of local Arab tribes, and the opportunities for Islamic expansion in Iraq. He said something to this effect: “I have begun operations against the Persians, and I seek the Caliph’s permission and support to continue this campaign under the banner of Islam.” Abu Bakr’s Response: Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) was impressed by Al-Muthanna’s courage and foresight. He granted him official command and made him the governor of the Muslim forces in Iraq. To strengthen the campaign, Abu Bakr later dispatched Khalid ibn al-Walid (RA)—one of Islam’s greatest generals—to join Al-Muthanna. Together, they launched a remarkable series of conquests in Iraq, including victories at Al-Hirah, Ayn al-Tamr, Ullais, and other key locations. This moment marked the beginning of Islamic expansion into the Persian Empire. It laid the groundwork for the greater conquests that occurred during Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s reign, including the decisive Battle of Qadisiyyah and the fall of Ctesiphon (Madain), the Persian capital. 📚 Historical Sources: Tarikh al-Tabari (History of al-Tabari) Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh by Ibn al-Athir Futuh al-Buldan by al-Baladhuri Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd Tarikh al-Khulafa by al-Suyuti