Who Was The First Muslim To Die In Battle?

Ubaydah bin al-Harith was a relative and  companion of Muhammad (SAW).

Ubaydah was the son of Al-Harith bin Muttalib bin Abdmanaf bin Qusayy, hence a second cousin of Abd Allah bin
Abd al Muttalib (the Prophet's father) and of Abu Talib (the Prophet's uncle).

His mother, Sukhayla bint Khuza'i, was from the Thaqif tribe. He had two full brothers, Al-Tufayl and Al-Husayn, who were more than twenty years younger than he was.

Ubaydah's appearance is described as "medium, swarthy, with a handsome face."

Ubaydah is known for being the first Muslim to die on the battlefield in defense of Islam and he was the first husband of Zainab bint Khuzaymah.

Ubaydah became a Muslim before Muhammad entered the house of Al-Arqam. His name is twelfth on Ibn Ishaq's list of people who accepted Islam at the invitation of Abu Bakr Siddiq.

Ubaydah, his brothers and their young cousin, Mistah bin Uthatha, joined the general migration to Medina. They stayed with Abdullah bin Salama in Quba until Muhammad (SAW) allotted them some land in Medina.

Muhammad (SAW) gave Ubaydah two brothers in Islam: Bilal bin Rabah and an ansar named Umayr bin Al-Humam.

Some Muslim historians believe Ubaydah was the first to whom Muhammad (SAW) gave a banner on a military expedition while other say it was Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib.

The Prophet sent Ubaydah with a party of sixty armed Muhajirun to the valley of Rabigh. They expected to intercept a Quraysh caravan that was returning from Syria under the protection of Abu Sufyan bin Harb and about 200 armed riders.

The Muslim party travelled as far as the wells at Thanyat al-Murra, where Sa`d bin Abi Waqqas shot an arrow at the Quraysh. This is known as the first arrow of Islam.

Despite this surprise attack, they did not unsheathe a sword or approach one another and the Muslims returned empty-handed. This incident led to the Battle of Badr.

The pagan army consisted of 1000 fighters, including 600 soldiers in coats of mail, and 200 cavalry. The Muslim army on the other hand was made up of 313 fighters.

Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib agreed to a duel involving three brave fighters among the Muslims and three of the best fighters from the pagans.

The Muslims who stepped forward were Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib, Ali bin Abu Talib  and Ubaydah bin Harith.

Ubaydah Harith was paired to fight against Shaybah bin Rabi'ah.

Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib and Ali bin Abu Talib both defeated their  opponents handsomely. As Allah willed it, Ubaydah bin Harith was overwhelmed by Shaybah.

Ubaydah bin Harith was martyred in the Battle of Badr when Shaybah bin Rabi'ah cut off his leg.

He is said to have composed a poem while he was dying.

He recited,  "You may cut off my leg, yet I am a Muslim. I hope in exchange for a life near to Allah, with Houris fashioned like the most beautiful statues, with the highest heaven for those who mount there..".

Ubaydah bin al Harith was buried at Al-Safra. He was the first Muslim to be killed in battle.

A total of 84 people were killed in the battle of Badr; 14 Muslims and 70 pagans.

By his wife, Zaynab bint Khuzaymah, he was the father of nine children: Muawiya, Awn, Munqidh, Al-Harith, Ibrahim, Rabta, Khadija, Suhaykhla, Amina and Safiya.

Following his death, his widow Zaynab bint Khuzaymah became the fifth wife of Muhammad (SAW).

Muhammad (SAW) said about those who took part in the battle of Badr, "Allah is definitely pleased with the People of Badr. Do whatever you wish. Allah has forgiven you."

In another Hadith, Muhammad (SAW) said, "No one who witnessed Badr or Hudaybiyya will enter Hell".

May Allah be pleased with Ubaydah bin al Harith and grant us his qualities, Ameen.

LESSONS

• Islam has zero tolerance for racism: Ubaydah bin al Harith was an Arab and Muhammad (SAW) gave him a brother, Bilal bin Rabah (a black man).
• The sweetness of faith is better than worldly riches: Ubaydah bin al Harith, just like Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib was from a rich and powerful family in Makkah but, he was ready to let all that go to fight and die for what he knew to be the truth.