Part 8

@ The King of Syria was highly impressed by the might and majesty of the Muslims.

@ Taking advantage of the almost three-week long stay at Tabuk, the Prophet 3# sent emissaries and delegations to different tribes in the surrounding areas to spread the message of Islam. The Mujahideen also built a mosque at Tabuk. As a result of this missionary work many chieftains converted to Islam. Many Christian chieftains also were overawed by the majesty and strength of the Muslims and presented them before the Prophet 38 to sign treaties of peace and reconciliation.

The whole atmosphere was still and silent. Akeedar bin ‘Abdul-Malik was relaxing with his wife, drinking wine. Suddenly a white antelope appeared out of the jungle and started beating its head against the doors of the fort. His wife told him that his favorite prey had come to his doorstep, and he should not lose the chance and hurry up. He put down his glass of wine and getting up quickly, picked up his bow and arrows. He called out to his brother Hassan and some servants to join him. Leaping on to his horse, he dashed out of the fort to chase his prey. He had hardly moved a few yards, when Khalid bin Waleed and his companions surrounded him. He had set out after his prey, but had now become a prey himself. His brother, Hassan, tried to put up some resistance but was killed. Akeedar surrendered and was taken alive to the prances of the Prophet 38. He did not take any revenge, but magnanimously forgave him and fixed a tax, allowing him to live in peace as the ruler of his province. When the chieftain of the Doamt-ul-Jandal appeared in front of the Prophet 3% he was wearing a very expensive silken robe richly embroidered with gold and jewels. When the Companions of the Prophet 3% saw this expression of arrogance and pride they expressed surprise. The Prophet % told them not to be surprised, as even the handkerchief of Sa’d_ bin Ma‘az in Paradise would be much more expensive and better than this robe.

When Khilid bin Waleed # reached Najran the first thing he did was to speak to the people eloquently about Islam and invite them to come into its fold. He exhorted them and said that it was better for them to accept it; if they did not, no power in the world could save them from disgrace and dishonour. If they listened to him there was prosperity for them. His tone was very persuasive and powerful and it seemed as if the valley was struck dumb. The people of the valley trembled in fear for their future and all of them accepted Islam.

Throughout the life of the Prophet 38, Khalid bin Waleed performed his nonstop - the work of converting people to Islam and also fighting wars in the cause of Islam. Never did he slacken or show any apathy, weakness or cowardice. After his conversion to Islam, practically in every war he fought under the command of the Prophet 38. Invariably he was appointed General of the advance guard; this shows that all through his life the Prophet 3% trusted him and had faith in him. And when the Prophet 3% left this ephemeral world he was very happy with the exploits of his favourite Mujahid and General, Khalid bin Waleed 4s. This is such a great honour that all the world and its wealth, the medals and rewards given by governments are as nothing in comparison. Only the very fortunate have received the honour and blessings of the Prophet 38.

Prophet Muhammad 3%, who was the blessed for all the Universes finally reached his Maker after [eading a very full and complete life, at the age of sixty-three. In their intense grief and sorrow his Companions felt deserted and forsaken; it was as if the heavens had fallen apart.

‘Umar Faroog was so emotionally shaken that he could not accept what had happened. He went around with his naked sword threatening to kill him who dared say that the Prophet 3 has died. At

this critical juncture Abu Bakr Siddiq .# played a historic role by leading the wrought up Companions ina wise and rational manner and organizing things. Some people had turned away from Islam after they heard of the Prophet’s passing away. These were the people of weak faith who found it difficult to follow the teachings of Islam and the restrictions imposed by it Actually they had no love for Islam, Allah Almighty or for His Messenger 38. There was still a certain impurity and foulness in their natures. Because they did not have knowledge of the teachings-of Islam, they still had the tendency to associate others with the One True Allah. This was the reason why when they heard of the Prophet’s passing away they turned their backs on Islam and its teachings. Some of them refused! to pay the zakah. First Aswad Ansi and Musalemah Kadhdhab, then Taleehah and Sajjah - all mischief-mongers and trouble makers - claimed to be prophets. The true Muslims were very disturbed by these happenings. On the one hand was their stark grief at the loss of the greatest leader of mankind and everyone’s friend and guide, on the other was the difficult choice of finding a successor or caliph for the Prophet 38. Added to this was the problem of the apostates and of those who were making false claims to being prophets of Allah. There was only darkness and gloom on all sides. At this time of despair it was Abu Bakr Siddiq - who, displaying courage, daring and wisdom, determined to overturn this boiling bubbling pot of wickedness and evil.

Among the above mentioned generals Khalid bin Waleed -% had the distinction of using his skills to first defeat Taleehah bin Khawaled.

" Loving worldly wealth to such an extent that even Allah Almighty’s command meant nothing to them! (Translators note)

This low man had declared himself a prophet as soon as he heard of the Prophet's illness. Khalid bin Waleed reached the destination and decisively defeated Taleehah bin Khawaled and his supporters. Then he moved on towards Natah to tackle Malik bin Naweerah.

The tribes of Asad, Ghatfan, Tai, “Abas and Banu Theeban had, on the basis of common Arab ancestry and affiliations accepted the claims of Malik bin Naweera to being a prophet and had started following him. Defeating him was no ordinary feat, but the great General, Khalid bin Waleed 4, exhibiting remarkable daring, courage and military expertise succeeded in routing him. Before the battle began the tribe of Tai had been persuaded by ‘Adi bin Hatim to withdraw, and this helped the Muslim army enormously.