Khalid ibn Sa'id [radiyallahu anh]

Khalid ibn Sa'id  (radiyallahu anhu)  was the son of Abu Uhayha, one of the prominent figures of the pre-Islamic era who later became a well-known enemy of Islam. He was born into a wealthy and noble family. Khalid was the fifth person to embrace Islam, following the footsteps of notable companions such as Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Zayd ibn Harithah, and Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas. May Allah be pleased with all of the noble companions, whether mentioned by name or not. 

Khalid was part of the first group to emigrate to Abyssinia. During his time there, he performed the marriage ceremony, by proxy, of our beloved Prophet Muhammad  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)  and Umm Habiba  (radiyallahu anha) . He later served as a commander of the Islamic armies under the orders of both the Prophet  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and Abu Bakr al-Siddiq  (radiyallahu anhu) . Khalid was martyred in the Battle of Marj al-Saffar.  

Here, we present a few episodes from his life. 

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Khalid ibn Sa'id  (radiyallahu anhu)  belonged to the Umayyad tribe, the most powerful tribe in Makkah after the Hashim. He was known for wearing turbans made from rare and exquisite fabrics. On the day he wore such a turban, no one dared to wear a similar one, earning him the nickname "Taj" (Crown).

Shortly after the first revelation was bestowed upon the Prophet  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) , Khalid had a dream. In his dream, he found himself standing by a fire-filled pit. His father approached and tried to push him into it. Khalid resisted his father’s efforts to force him into the fire. Then, Muhammad ibn Abdullah  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)  appeared and grabbed Khalid by his belt, pulling him away from the pit.

In this context, it is beneficial to recall the Prophet’s words  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) : "My example and your example is like that of a man who kindled a fire. When it illuminated the surroundings, moths and insects started falling into the fire, and the man tried to prevent them from falling in. I am holding you by your belts, pulling you away from the fire, but you are struggling to slip out of my hands."  (al-Bukhari, Riqaq 26)

When Khalid awoke, he went to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq  (radiyallahu anhu) , who was known for his ability to interpret dreams. Khalid knew Muhammad ibn Abdullah  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) but had not yet heard of the religion he was calling people to. He narrated his dream to Abu Bakr, who said:

"Khalid, Allah has shown you the truth and the right path. Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, calling people to believe in the One God and to protect themselves from the punishment of the Hereafter."

They then went to see the Prophet  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam),  and Khalid asked:

- O Muhammad, tell me about the message you are inviting people to.

The Messenger of Allah  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam),   called him to believe in Allah, the Lord of all worlds, rather than worship idols that could neither benefit nor harm themselves or others. He explained the principles of Islam. Thus, Khalid became the fifth person to embrace Islam.

With His Father…

Khalid's father, Abu Uhayha, was exactly as he had seen in his dream—a man trying to drag him into the fire. He would slaughter animals for the idols and offer hospitality to those who came to worship them. When he learned that his son had turned away from idols and embraced Islam, he called for his other two sons, Amr and Aban, and ordered them to bring Khalid to him immediately. When Khalid was brought before him, the following conversation ensued:

- Is what I heard true?

- Yes, father.

- How could you abandon the religion of your ancestors and follow Muhammad’s faith? Renounce it!

- No, father! The Messenger of Allah is calling us to goodness and trying to protect us from the torment of the Hereafter.

His father then threatened him, saying, 

- In that case, I will strip you of all your wealth!

Failing to convince his son with words, Abu Uhayha struck Khalid on the head with a stick, causing it to bleed. He forbade his other sons from cleaning Khalid’s wound and chained him in a corner of the house, depriving him of food and water for three days.

Abu Uhayha believed that his son, accustomed to a life of wealth and comfort, would soon relent under such harsh conditions. He sent his sons to check on Khalid several times a day. However, instead of abandoning his faith, Khalid’s brother Amr also embraced Islam. Realizing that his sons would not forsake Islam, Abu Uhayha disinherited them and expelled them from his home.

Khalid and Amr, may Allah be pleased with them both, remained close to the Messenger of Allah  (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)  until they emigrated to Abyssinia.