An army of 3,000 is sent towards Syria, where it meets a Byzantine force the book puts at 200,000. Its three appointed commanders — Zaid bin Harithah, Ja’far bin Abi Talib and ‘Abdullah bin Rawahah — are killed one after another. Khalid bin al-Walid takes command and brings the army home.
As the book dates it: Jumada al-Ula, 8 A.H.
Numbers given in the book:
MuslimsOpponents
Army3,000about 200,000 (per the book)
Who was there
- ZHZaid bin HarithahThe Prophet’s freed slave and adopted son, among the first believers; he went with him to Ta’if and fell as the first commander at Mu’tah.
- JTJa’far bin Abi Talib‘Ali’s brother, who spoke for the Muslims before the Negus in Abyssinia and fell as a commander at Mu’tah.
- AR‘Abdullah bin RawahahA Helper who recited verses as he fought; one of the three commanders who fell at Mu’tah.
- KKhalid bin al-WalidThe Quraish cavalry leader whose charge turned Uhud; after accepting Islam he saved the army at Mu’tah.
- HHeracliusThe Byzantine (Roman) emperor, who questioned Abu Sufyan about the Prophet ﷺ after receiving his letter.