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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 that it 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 to contradict the majority. He who expressed his opinion would not be
reproached or 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. By Allah, we will never say as the Children of Israel said, `So go you and your Lord and
fight you two, we are sitting right here.' Instead, we will say, `Go you and your Lord and we will fight
with you.' By Allah, Who has sent you with the truth, if you take us to the end of the world, we will
tolerate all hardships until we reach it with you. We will fight on your left, your right, in front of you and
behind you until Allah bestows victory on you." His decisive words were like bullets that made the
righteous believers with 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 that would be followed by anyone who spoke
afterwards. Indeed, Al-Miqdaad's words left their impact on the hearts of the believers. Consequently,
S'ad Ibn Mu'aadh, a leader of the Ansaar, rose and said, "O Prophet of Allah, we have believed in you
and witnessed that what has descended on you is the truth. 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 you
attempt to cross the sea, we will cross it hand in hand with you. None of us will lag behind or turn his