An Example of Noble Character

the Muslim army, just three thousand strong, was facing a Roman force of two hundred thousand. In view of this overwhelming imbalance, he decided to withdraw from the battlefield rather than engage in direct confrontation. When Khalid and his troops returned to Madinah, some people greeted them by calling them “runaways.” At that moment, the Prophet of Islam clarified: “They are not those who fled; rather, they are those who will return to engage again.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 382) Those who criticized Khalid’s decision viewed the situation in black and white. In their minds, there were only two options: either to fight bravely or to retreat in disgrace. Since retreat was seen negatively, they believed the Muslims should have remained on the battlefield, even if it meant dying to the last man. At this critical juncture, the Prophet introduced a third option: withdrawing not out of fear, but to prepare more effectively for the future. Khalid ibn al-Walid’s return from Mu’tah was not an act of cowardice, but a strategic decision aligned with this third approach. History later confirmed the wisdom of this move when, just three years later, Muslims under the leadership of Usama ibn Zayd advanced again toward the Roman border with better preparation— and achieved remarkable success. Changing the Field of Action After the Prophet of Islam migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the leaders of Makkah did not cease their