Khalid ibn Sa'id
General and companion to Muhammad (died 634)
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Khālid ibn Saʿīd ibn al-ʿĀṣ (خالد بن سعيد بن العاص; d. 634 CE), often known by his kunya Abu Sa'id, was a prominent Qurayshi companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, hailing from the Banu Umayya clan. He was among the earliest converts to Islam, recognized in tradition as the fourth person to embrace the faith.[1] He served as a military commander and administrator under the Rashidun Caliphate.[2]
Khalid ibn Sa'id خالد بن سعيد | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Abu Sa'id |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | 634 CE |
| Allegiance | Muhammad Rashidun Caliphate |
Branch | Rashidun army |
Conflicts | |
| Spouses | Umaymah bint Khalaf al-Khuza'i Umm Hakim bint al-Harith |
| Children | Sa'id ibn Khalid Ama bint Khalid |
| Relations | List
|
| Tribe | Quraysh (Banu Umayya) |
| Religion | Islam |
| Father | Abu Uhayha Sa'id Ibn al-As |
| Mother | Hind bint al-Mughira |
Early life and conversion
Khalid was the son of Sa'id ibn al-'As (known as Abu Uhayha) of the Banu Umayya clan, and Hind bint al-Mughira of the Banu Makhzum clan.[3] He migrated to Abyssinia with his wife, Umaymah bint Khalaf, also referred to by the names Amana or Humayma.[4] During their time in Abyssinia, he acted as Umm Habiba's wali (guardian) during her marriage ceremony to Muhammad.[5] He served as a scribe for Muhammad, primarily handling administrative matters.[6] He eventually returned from Abyssinia alongside his brother, Amr, and Ja'far ibn Abi Talib.[7] Following his return, Muhammad appointed him to collect the zakat (alms) from the Madhhij tribe.[7]
Political views and allegiance
Upon returning to Medina from Yemen, Khalid delayed his pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr for one month following the latter's succession.[8] This refusal was based on his view that the rights to the Caliphate belonged to the Banu Abd Manaf, encompassing both the Hashim and Abd Shams clans.[9][8] His brother, Aban ibn Sa'id, also refused to swear allegiance to Abu Bakr in solidarity with the Banu Hashim, only doing so once they had decided to pledge theirs.[8] In historical and sectarian tradition, Khalid is categorized among the early supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib; these individuals understood certain statements attributed to Muhammad as indicating that Ali was qualified for the leadership of the Muslim community.[10]
Military career and death
In 633, Khalid was appointed by Abu Bakr as a commander for the expedition into Syria.[11] In 634, on the evening preceding the Battle of Marj al-Saffar, he married Umm Hakim bint al-Harith ibn Hisham. He was killed in the ensuing battle.[12]
Children and family
Khalid had two children born during his time in Abyssinia: Sa'id and Ama.[13] His daughter, Ama bint Khalid, married Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, to whom she bore two sons, Amr and Khalid; she was referred to as Umm Khalid.[14] His son, Sa'id ibn Khalid, served as a squadron commander during the later Battle of the Yarmuk. Sa'id and his men were killed by Roman troops while seeking to secure the frontier.[15]