The Companions of the Prophet

THE COMPANIONS OF THE PROPHET It requires exceptional courage to do this, but there is no other way of preserving unity in a society. Not Bearing Grudges Khalid ibn al-Walid was a courageous and able soldier who remained commander of the Muslim army in Syria from the time of the Prophet right throughout the caliphate of Abu Bakr. However, ‘Umar disapproved of some of Khalid’s habits and asked Abu Bakr to remove him from his command. Abu Bakr did not act on ‘Umar’s advice, but ‘Umar was so set in his opinion that, on becoming Caliph, he dismissed Khalid. As a result, the Muslim army commander was demoted to the rank of an ordinary soldier. When the order came, Khalid lay all low before him as the Muslims’ triumphant march through Syria continued. Then, suddenly came the news of his dismissal and the appointment of Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah in his place. The news shocked Khalid’s army, and soldiers gathered in their leader’s tent. They assured him of their support and urged him to defy the Caliph’s orders. Khalid sent them away, telling them that he did not fight for ‘Umar’s cause; he fought for the cause of ‘Umar’s Lord. Before, he had fought as commander; now, he would fight as an ordinary soldier. Only a person who rises above grudges and rancour can act in this manner—one who has a positive attitude to life and