Biography HAZRAT AL- MIQDAAD IBN `AMR | سیرت حضرت المقداد ابن عمر رضی اللہ عنہ

Biography HAZRAT AL- MIQDAAD IBN `AMR سیرت حضرت المقداد ابن عمر رضی اللہ عنہ
HAZRAT AL- MIQDAAD IBN `AMR
The First Muslim Cavalryman

His companions said about him, "The first cavalryman to strive in the way of Allah was Al- Miqdaad Ibn Al-Aswad, our hero, and Al-Miqdaad lbn `Amr was one and the same person."

The story behind this was that Al-Miqdaad Ibn `Amr was in alliance with Al-Aswad lbn Abd Yaghuuth, who therefore adopted Al-Miqdaad. Thus, he was called Al-Miqdaad lbn Al-Aswad until the glorious verse which abrogated adoption descended, and he restored his father's name, `Amr Ibn Saad.
Al-Miqdaad was one of the foremost Muslims and the seventh of the seven men who announced their Islam openly and in public. Therefore, he had his share of the Quraish's abuse and atrocities. He tolerated them with the courageousness and satisfaction of a devoted disciple.

His attitude during the Battle of Badr will retain its immortal glory. It was an honorable attitude that impressed all those who witnessed it and made each and every one of them wish it were he who had adopted such an attitude. `Abd Allah Ibn Mas'uud, the Companion of Allah's Prophet (PBUH) said, "I have seen Al Miqdaad (may Allah be pleased with him) maintain a firm attitude and I was overtaken by a vicarious feeling to be in his place. This feeling enveloped me to the extent that I wished more than anything in the world thatit would come true."

The Day of Badr was a crucial one as the Quraish marched with all their might, stubborn persistence, and haughtiness against the Muslims. On that day, the Muslims were not only few, but also untried and inexperienced in jihaad. Their hearts had not been tested in action. Besides, the Battle of Badr was the dawn of their conquests. The Prophet stood there to strengthen the faith of his Companions and test their combat readiness to break through the enemy infantry and cavalry.

Afterwards, the Prophet (PBUH) began to consult them on war tactics. Surely, the Prophet's Companions knew that when he asked their opinion, he demanded their individual free and courageous expression, even if it happened tocontradict the majority. He who expressed his opinion would not be reproachedor criticized.

Al-Miqdaad was afraid lest one of the Muslims should have reservations about the imminent battle.
Therefore, he was careful to have precedence in speech. His concise and decisive words coined the slogan of the battle, yet before he had the chance to open his mouth, Abu Bakr As-siddiiq started talking and by the time he finished his words, Al-Miqdaad's apprehensions had vanished, for Abu Bakr spoke with remarkable eloquence. `Umar Ibn Al-khattaab spoke next and followed suit. Finally Al-Miqdaad stepped forward and said, "O Prophet of Allah,go ahead with what Allah has inspired you to do. We will stand by you. ByAllah, we will never say as the Children of Israel said, `So go you andyour Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here.' Instead, we willsay, `Go you and your Lord and we will fight with you.' By Allah, Who hassent you with the truth, if you take us to the end of the world, we willtolerate all hardships until we reach it with you. We will fight on yourleft, your right, in front of you and behind you until Allah bestows victoryon you." His decisive words were like bullets that made the righteous believerswith them fired up with enthusiasm.

The Prophet's face brightened as he uttered a pious supplication for Al-Miqdaad, whose words were so strong and decisive that they drew the pattern thatwould be followed by anyone who spoke afterwards. Indeed, Al-Miqdaad's wordsleft their impact on the hearts of the believers. Consequently, S'ad IbnMu'aadh, a leader of the Ansaar, rose and said, "O Prophet of Allah, wehave believed in you and witnessed that what has descended on you is thetruth. We gave you our allegiance, so go ahead with what you intend to do,and we will stand by you. By Allah Who has sent you with the truth, if youattempt to cross the sea, we will cross it hand in hand with you. None ofus will lag behind or turn his back on you. We are not afraid to meet ourenemy tomorrow, for we are given to terrible warfare and we are faithfulin our desire to meet Allah. I pray Allah that we do what will make youproud of us. Go ahead with Allah's blessings."