READ How The Great Commander Khalid Bin Walid Influenced Modern Warfare.

Ahmed
4 min readApr 5, 2023

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KHALID BIN WALID was a military commander of the early Islamic period and widely regarded as one of the greatest military strategists in history. He was born in 592 CE in the Arabian Peninsula and grew up as a member of the Banu Makhzum tribe in Mecca.

Here are some of the reasons why Khalid bin Walid is considered one of the greatest commanders of all time:

1. Successful military campaigns: Khalid bin Walid was the military commander of many successful campaigns during the early Islamic period, including the Battle of Mu'tah, the Battle of Hunayn, and the Battle of Hunain. He was known for his bravery and strategic thinking on the battlefield, and his victories helped to expand the Islamic empire.

2. Adaptability and flexibility: Khalid bin Walid was known for his ability to adapt his tactics to the changing circumstances of the battlefield. He was able to quickly adjust his strategies based on the movements of the enemy and the terrain, which allowed him to gain a strategic advantage.

3. Leadership skills: Khalid bin Walid was a charismatic and inspiring leader who motivated his troops to fight to the best of their abilities. He was respected and admired by his soldiers, who were willing to follow him into battle and lay down their lives for him.

4. Military innovations: Khalid bin Walid introduced new military innovations; for example, he used light cavalry to distract and harass enemy forces while his main party would launch surprise attacks from unexpected directions.

Khalid bin Walid also pioneered using specialised units, such as archers and cavalry, to perform specific tasks on the battlefield. He understood the importance of coordinating different teams, utilising their strengths to achieve a common goal, and using night cavalry and feigning retreats to draw the enemy into an ambush. These innovations allowed him to gain a strategic advantage over his opponents and achieve victory on the battlefield.

5. Influence on Modern Warfare: Khalid bin Walid’s influence on modern warfare can be seen in his innovative military tactics, emphasising mobility, flexibility, and the effective use of specialised units. His strategies set a new standard for military thinking and inspire leaders and strategists today, particularly in guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency. Khalid bin Walid’s legacy also extends to the realm of leadership, where his charisma, bravery, and ability to inspire his soldiers have been studied and emulated by military leaders throughout history. Khalid bin Walid’s impact on modern warfare cannot be overstated, and his contributions to military strategy and leadership continue to be studied and celebrated today.

6. Legacy: Khalid bin Walid, also known as the Sword of Allah, was one of early Islamic history's most prominent military commanders. He left a lasting legacy in many areas, including military tactics, leadership, and religious fervour.

First and foremost, Khalid bin Walid is remembered for his military prowess and strategic thinking. He played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests, leading his army to decisive victories against larger, better-equipped enemies. His emphasis on mobility, flexibility, and the effective use of specialised units set a new standard for military strategy, influencing many military leaders and commanders throughout history.

In addition to his military legacy, Khalid bin Walid is revered for his leadership qualities. He was known for his bravery, charisma, and ability to inspire his soldiers. He was also known for his fairness and kindness towards the conquered people, earning him respect and admiration even from his enemies.

Finally, Khalid bin Walid's legacy also extends to religion. He was a devout Muslim and played a crucial role in spreading Islam during the early years of its expansion. His conversion to Islam was a significant event that bolstered the morale of the early Muslim community and inspired many others to embrace the faith.

Khalid bin Walid's legacy is multifaceted and encompasses military strategy, leadership, and religious devotion. He is revered as a hero in many parts of the Muslim world and remains a source of inspiration for many.

Conclusion: Khalid bin Walid was a military genius, a charismatic leader, and a devoted Muslim whose legacy extends beyond his military conquests. He remains a revered figure in Islamic history, inspiring admiration for his strategic thinking, bravery, and religious devotion.

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