Divine Succour

Correcting a false impression even at the expense of one’s own prestige During the Battle of Yarmuk, an Iranian chieftain, by the name of Jurjah, left the ranks of his own army and expressed a desire to meet Khalid ibn Walid. The latter also left his ranks and rode up so close to Jurjah that the necks of their horses were touching. “O Khalid,” said Jurjah, “Tell me-and a free man does not lie, so tell me the truth-did God truly send a sword down from Heaven for His Prophet? And did the Prophet hand that sword over to you, with the result that you defeat whomsoever you fight against?” When Khalid said that this was not so, Jurjah asked why Khalid was called the “Sword of God.” “God sent His Prophet among us,” replied Khalid. “Some of us believed, while others disbelieved. I was among the disbelievers. Then God captured our hearts and granted us His guidance. As I was swearing allegiance to the Prophet, he said to me, ‘You are one of God’s swords that he has unleashed against the idolaters.’ He prayed that I should have God’s succour. Since then I have been called the ‘Sword of God’.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)