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Abu Sulayman Khalid ibn al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi (585–642), also known as Sayf ullah al-Maslul (Drawn Sword of God), was a companion of Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W.W. He is noted for his military tactics and prowess, commanding the forces of Medina under Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W.W and the forces of his immediate successors of the Rashidun Caliphate, Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A and Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab R.A. It was under his military leadership that Arabia, for the first time in history, was united under a single political entity, the Caliphate. Commanding the forces of the nascent Islamic state, Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid was victorious in over a hundred battles, against the forces of the Byzantine-Roman Empire, Sassanid-Persian Empire, and their allies, in addition to other Arab tribes. His strategic achievements include the conquest of Arabia during the Ridda Wars, Persian Mesopotamia and Roman Syria within several years from 632 to 636. He is also remembered for his decisive victories at Yamamah, Ullais, and Firaz, and his tactical successes at Walaja and Yarmouk.
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Hazrat Khalid ibn al-Walid R.A. (Khalid son of al-Walid) was from the Makkah tribe of Quraysh, from a clan that initially opposed Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W.W. He played a vital role in the victory at the Battle of Uhud against the Muslims. He converted to Islam, and joined Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W.W after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and participated in various expeditions for Islam, such as the Battle of Mu'tah, which was the first battle between the Romans and the Muslims. Hazrat Khalid ibn Al-Walid R.A reported that the fighting was so intense, that while fighting, he broke nine swords in the battle. This earned him the title ‘Saif-ullah' meaning "The Sword of Allah". Hazrat Khalid bin Walid R.A took over after Zayd ibn Haritha, then Jafar ibn Abi Talib, then Abdullah ibn Rawahah were killed. After Hazrat Muhammad P.B.U.H left this world, he played a key role in commanding Medinan forces for Hazrat Abu Bakr Al Sadiq R.A. in the Ridda wars, conquering central Arabia and subduing Arab tribes. He captured the Sassanid Arab client Kingdom of Al-Hirah, and defeated the Sassanid Persian forces during his conquest of Iraq (Mesopotamia). He was later transferred to the western front to capture Roman Syria and the Byzantine Arab client state of the Ghassanids.
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid R.A. is said to have fought around a hundred battles, both major battles and minor skirmishes as well as single duels, during his military career. Having remained undefeated, he is claimed by some to be one of the finest military generals in history.
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