Part 4

The Noble Qur’an goes into this concept in very great detail. As Allah Almighty says:

“And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly.” (8:60)

Gaining power and strength through the acquiring of war equipment and arsenals helps to impress the enemy and cow him down. The commander, in order to do justice to his position should have full knowledge regarding all kinds of equipment and have wide ranging experience regarding the use of it as well.

9. Generosity and liberality

A head of any department or establishment should be a liberal, beneficent and just person; this leads to many good results. A liberal person is universally loved and respected, and this helps him to perform his duties of leadership more easily and better. Prophet 3 said:

“A generous and munificent person is closer to Allah Almighty, people and Paradise ( Paradise).”

Philanthropy and generosity adds great dignity to personalities.

The Prophet 38 was extremely generous; often he would fill up the purses of the needy to such an extent that prosperity and well being

The Qualities of a Muslim Commenders 25

became theirs for life. It is but a fact of human nature that a generous person who benefits others is more loved and respected by others. When a general behaves with compassion, generosity and kindness with all his subordinates in the army, then it is only natural that they will love him and obey him. They will think it to be an honour to obey his every wish. Leadership and generosity are very closely bound to each other. A stingy and miserly leader will always face shame and embarrassment, and any order given by him will be obeyed with great reluctance. His men will resent him. It has often been seen that harsh, mean and miserly leader will be dispatched by his own subordinates! During the training of generals the elements of compassion, generosity and kindness should be inculcated and the advantages resulting therefrom pointed out to them. They should be able to take full advantage of this great quality in practical life and play a prominent role in the battlefield and in their military life.

10. A sense of justice and fair play

Every human being should have beautiful this life stile. If all human beings behaved in a just and fair manner, society would be transformed and_ peace and tranquillity would prevail. Especially the head of any institution should compulsorily conduct all affairs under his administration with justice. If he is unfair he will arouse great resentment and hatred. And this will affect his practical life. The Noble Qur’an enjoins this:

“Be just: that is nearer to piety.” (5:8)

Justice, impartiality, abstinence and fear of Allah 38 are qualities which add radiance to personal magnetism. These are some basic characteristics which should be an essential part of the mental and physical make-up of any general. If the army training centers pay attention to the inculcation and development of these qualities the Muslim nations will be able to produce great and efficient soldiers of Allah Almighty.

May Allah Almighty Shower His Blessings on the Prophet Muhammad 3 and his Companions!

Khalid bin Waleed 2

The Prophet = said: “Khalid bin Waleed! On the basis of your

intelligence, understanding and foresight I was

very hopeful that one day you would finally accept Islam.”

A strong and sturdy physique, tall stature, broad shoulders, dignified bearing and eagle-eyed with a brilliant intellect, noble thoughts and firm determination this was the grand personality of Khalid bin Waleed, one of the greatest warriors and commanders of Islamic army. He was the ideal man uniting within his personality both physical and intellectual beauty. He was the personification of nobility and majesty, and an enviable example of all the best qualities. An unparalleled rider, an expert swordsman and equally adept with the spear or any other weapon, he was noted for his courage and his foresight in planning. In the battle of Uhud, fighting from the kuffar, displaying expertise and valour. He scattered the forces of the Mujahideen; but in the battle of Mouta, it was the very same Muslim hero whom by his brilliant strategic planning and courage, not only saved most of the Mujahideen but led them to one of their greatest triumphs. The palaces of Rome and Persia trembled at his coming as he tore through the ranks of the enemy in the battlefields.

When the kuffar heard this fearless man’s name they were shaken by a terrible and dreadful panic; his stormy attacks and victories stunned the world, and the Prophet 38 gave him the title of Saifullah, (Sword of Allah). He is recognized in the world’s military history as one of the greatest generals of all time. Triumphs and victories used to kiss his feet and even his worst enemies acknowledged his military expertise. From his early childhood Khalid bin Waleed was very sprightly, agile and courageous. He was the son of the chieftain of the tribe of Banu Makhzoom, Waleed bin Mughaira, and was hence everyone’s favourite. In his youth the qualities of foresight and planning bloomed

to perfection, and he occupied an enviable position among the youths of Banu Makhzoom. He was blessed with a splendid graceful physique which, attracted people and was counted among the nobility. From the battle of Uhud to the battle of Hudaibia, he was the squadron leader and commander of the cavalry. After that he was irradiated by his faith in Islam. The story of his conversion to Islam makes interesting readers.

Haris bin Hisham in the ‘Tabqat bin Sa‘d’ relates that Khalid bin Waleed used to say that before he accepted Islam, almost in every engagement, he used to enter the battlefield challenging the Prophet 38. But each time his majesty and nobility seemed to spread an aura which, seemed to enter the heart of Khalid bin Waleed. Finally, Allah 3% sowed in his heart the love of Islam. On one occasion when the Prophet 38 was leading the Zuhr (afternoon prayer) in the battlefield, with his army behind him, Khalid bin Waleed was tempted to take advantage of this invaluable opportunity and attack the Muslims who would thereby suffer irrevocable losses. But some invisible force seemed to hold him back and he just could not muster up enough courage to do it.

When the Prophet 3% signed the peace treaty at Hudaibiyah and returned with his Companions to Al-Madinah, Khalid bin Waleed wondered what would follow next. He kept pondering what he should do. Should he migrate to Ethiopia? But then the thought came to him that the ruler, Najashi, a Christian was already a follower of the Prophet 38, and Muslims had found a peaceful life under his protection. Then he thought of going to King Harqul, give up his religion and become a Jew or a Christian. He thought of leaving Arabia, but all said and done it was his homeland. Should he just sit at home and give up his warrior’s life? An endless stream of thoughts seemed to flow through his mind, but he just could not make up his

mind. At that momentous time he gota letter from his brother, who had converted to Islam. He wrote in very affectionate terms that the Prophet 3% had asked him where Khalid bin Waleed was. He had answered respectfully that Allah Almighty would surely one day bring Khalid bin Waleed to the Prophet 38 to embrace Islam. It was not possible, he told him that his intelligent, perceptive and able brother should be deprived of the blessings of Allah Almighty and Islam.

This message says Khalid bin Waleed, inclined his mind and feelings even more towards Islam, and he felt very elated and proud that the Prophet 3 had asked about him. He felt that his fortune had taken a turn for the best possible future. During this time he dreamt that he was moving out of a tiny, dark, dingy and airless place into a vast, green fertile field. When he woke up he felt extremely pleasant and made up his mind to definitely go to Al-Madinah. He wished that he could find someone going there to join him.

He expressed his intention to ‘Uthman bin Talhah 4 who agreed to accompany him, and with a fervent desire to reach the presence of the Prophet 3% they started on their journey. On the way they met ‘Amr bin ‘Aas .#. He asked them where they were going and he said he was on his way to meet the Prophet 3 at Al-Madinah, as he was planning to swear allegiance to Allah Almighty and Islam. When they realized that they all were bound together by the same yearning for Islam and its True Prophet, they continued on the journey together happily. They reached the presence of the Prophet 38 on the first day of Safar, 8 Hijrah. Khalid bin Waleed respectfully greeted him and was greeted by him withasmile. Khalid bin Waleed then took the pledge of allegiance, swearing on the palm of the Prophet 38. Then very affectionately he told Khalid bin Waleed <2:

“I was sure, taking into consideration your brilliance, your wisdom and foresight that surely one day you would accept Islam as your religion.”

Khalid bin Waleed # then requested him to pray to Allah Almighty to forgive him for all the sins he had committed with the might of his sword against Islam and for the problems he had created for Muslims.

The Prophet 3% assured him in gentle and compassionate tones that all

he had done as a kafir (disbeliever) in his days of ignorance would be automatically erased. Khalid bin Waleed ¢ replied that still he would request the Prophet 3 to offer supplications to Allah 3% for him. Then the Prophet 3% prayed to Allah Almighty, asking Him to forgive Khalid bin Waleed all his sins, and to have Mercy on him, for doubtless He is Forgiving and Generous.

Then ‘Umar bin ‘Aas and ‘Uthman bin Talhah u;—+ 4 ,>, too stepped forward and swore allegiance to Islam on the palm of the Prophet 8.