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Khalid ibn al-Walid رضي الله عنه

Companion

c. 592 – 642 CE · Arabia & Syria

Overview

A commander remembered for leading Muslim armies through difficult battles.

Category: Companion
Period: c. 592 – 642 CE

A change of allegiance

Khalid came from the Makhzum clan of Quraysh. He initially fought against the Muslims, including at Uhud, before accepting Islam and entering Muhammad’s ﷺ service.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Khalid ibn al-Walid

Command in Arabia

At Mu’ta he took command after the appointed leaders had been killed. Under Abu Bakr he later led forces during the wars in Arabia and the early campaigns in Iraq.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Khalid ibn al-Walid

Campaigns in Syria

Khalid moved from Iraq to the Syrian front and played a major role in the fighting there, including Yarmuk. Umar subsequently removed him from overall command. His military career is better documented than popular claims of an exact undefeated battle total.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Khalid ibn al-Walid

Sources

Original biographical summary based on the cited references. Uncertain dates and disputed reports are qualified or omitted. This is not an excerpt or paraphrase of the 82 İl 82 Sahabi book.

TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Khalid ibn al-Walid