al-Bara ibn Malik al-Ansari

Al-Bara ibn Malik al-Ansari (died ca. 20 AH / 641 CE) was a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ and brother of the famous Anas ibn Malik. He was known throughout the Muslim armies as one of the greatest individual warriors of the conquest generation — a man whose courage in battle was extraordinary to the point that Umar ibn al-Khattab reportedly hesitated to appoint him as a commander, fearing that he might seek death too recklessly and get an entire army killed.

He was present at many of the early campaigns and became especially famous during the conquest of Persia. At the Battle of Ullays (or Tustur), during the siege of a Persian-held fortress in Khuzestan, the Muslim army was unable to break through the gates. Al-Bara ibn Malik called out to his comrades that they should throw him over the wall — which they did — and he fought alone inside to open the gates from within, enabling the Muslim forces to enter. He survived this act but with severe wounds.

The Prophet ﷺ had said of him: "How many a disheveled, dusty man who is turned away from doors, if he swore by Allah, Allah would fulfill his oath." This statement suggested that Al-Bara's supplications had special acceptance with Allah. Before the battle at Tustur, he reportedly said to Allah: "I ask You to grant us victory and grant me martyrdom," and he fought with extraordinary ferocity.

He was martyred at Tustur around 20 AH. His brother Anas ibn Malik narrated extensively about him, and his story became emblematic of the selfless warrior spirit of the conquest generation.