Khalid ibn al-Waleed and Abu al-Darda: Lessons in Devotion and Sacrifice
The Final Moments of a Legendary Warrior and the Wisdom of a Pious Companion
Abu al-Darda (RA) entered upon Khalid ibn al-Waleed (RA) as he lay on his deathbed. Khalid said to him, “O Abu al-Darda, if Umar dies, you will see things you will disapprove of.”
Abu al-Darda (RA) replied, “By Allah, I see that too.”
Khalid (RA) continued, “I used to feel resentment towards Umar for certain things, but as I reflected during my illness, I realized that Umar only sought Allah in all that he did. I resented him when he sent someone to divide my wealth equally, to the point that one of my sandals was taken and one was left. But he did the same to others who had precedence and fought at Badr. He was stern with me, and his sternness with others was similar to his sternness with me. I used to rely on my relation to him, but I saw that he did not care for kinship or blame in the way of Allah.”
Khalid (RA) continued, “He removed me from my position, and I later learned that he had also removed others who were better than me, such as Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, the maternal uncle of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). My resentment towards him vanished, and our differences were only in opinion and perspective.”
Khalid (RA) then said, “If I die, convey to the Commander of the Faithful that I have entrusted my will, my estate, and my daughters to him, and that he should fulfill my commitments.”
Khalid (RA) was asleep and then woke up, saying, “There is no night more beloved to me than a cold night with heavy frost, where I attack the enemy in a surprise raid.” He continued, “I have witnessed many battles, and there is not a single span on my body that does not bear the mark of a sword strike, an arrow wound, or a spear thrust. Yet here I am, dying on my bed like a camel dies, not in battle. May the eyes of the cowards never sleep.”
When Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) was informed of Khalid’s death, he said, “A great gap has been torn in Islam that cannot be repaired.” He lowered his head in sorrow and repeatedly said, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”
Umar (RA) continued, “By Allah, Khalid was a fortress against the enemy, blessed in his endeavors. The women of Bani Makhzum have every right to weep, for someone like Khalid is worthy of tears.”
The scholars noted a beautiful observation about Khalid ibn al-Waleed’s (RA) death: Khalid was never defeated in any battle, neither in the days of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) nor in Islam. It would not be fitting for him to die as a martyr in battle, for he was the “Sword of Allah,” and the Sword of Allah is never broken.
Khalid ibn al-Waleed (RA) and Abu al-Darda (RA) exemplify the virtues of devotion, sacrifice, and integrity. Khalid’s (RA) acceptance of Umar’s (RA) decisions, despite personal resentment, reflects his deep faith and commitment to the greater good of Islam.
Justice and Fairness
Khalid ibn al-Waleed (RA) initially resented Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) for dividing his wealth equally, even taking one of his sandals. However, upon reflection, he realized that Umar (RA) was only seeking justice and fairness, applying the same rules to everyone, including those with precedence and those who fought at Badr.
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.”
— Qur’an 4:135
Khalid’s (RA) realization highlights the importance of justice and fairness in Islam, regardless of personal feelings or relationships.
Devotion to Allah
Khalid ibn al-Waleed (RA) was known for his bravery and military prowess, but his ultimate devotion was to Allah. His regret at dying on his bed rather than in battle reflects his lifelong commitment to Jihad in the way of Allah.
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
— Qur’an 2:190
Khalid’s (RA) life and death serve as a reminder of the importance of devotion to Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.
Acceptance of Divine Decree
Umar ibn al-Khattab’s (RA) sorrow at Khalid’s (RA) death and his acknowledgment of Khalid’s (RA) contributions to Islam reflect the acceptance of Allah’s divine decree. Umar (RA) recognized Khalid’s (RA) role as a fortress against the enemy and a blessed leader.
“No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah, He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things.”
— Qur’an 64:11
The acceptance of divine decree is a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith, reminding Muslims to trust in Allah’s wisdom and plan.
Siyar A’lam al-Nubala by Al-Dhahabi · Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh by Ibn Athir · Qur’an 4:135 · Qur’an 2:190 · Qur’an 64:11
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