Al-Bara’ ibn Malik (RA)
Early Life and Character of Al Bara’ ibn Malik:
Physical Appearance and Frail Build:
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik was very thin to the extent that he had little to no skin on his body.
Al Bara’s Courage:
Despite this, during the battles, he defeated and killed many people from the opposing armies.
Umar ibn al-Khattab’s Caution Regarding Al’Bara’s Courage:
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik was so courageous that Umar ibn al-Khattab once wrote to his governors informing them not to appoint Al-Bara’ to lead an army, out of fear that his bravery would have the army killed.
The Brother of Anas ibn Malik:
Al-Bara’ was the brother of Anas ibn Malik, one of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Apostasy Wars after the Prophet’s Passing;
After the death of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, many tribes in Arabia left Islam in large numbers, just as they had entered it.
Only the residents of Makkah, Madinah and Taif, as well as other small tribes within the Arabian Peninsula stayed true to their faith.
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik at the Battle of Yamamah:
In the Battle of Yamamah, as the fighting intensified, Khalid ibn Al-Walid turned to Al-Bara’ and said: charge, young man of the Ansar.
Al-Bara’ turned to his men and said, O Ansar, let not any of you think of returning to Madinah. There is no Madinah for you after this day. There is only Allah, then Paradise.
Al-Bara’ and the Ansar then launched their attack against Musaylimah’s army.
Impact of Al-Bara ibn Malik’s Attack at Yamamah:
Al-Bara’ and the Ansar’s attack caused a significant impact on Musaylimah’s army and they eventually decided to retreat.
The Garden of Death:
The disbelievers sought refuge in a garden which later became known in history as ‘The Garden of Death.’ This was because, many people were killed there on that day.
The garden was surrounded by high walls. Musaylimah and his army entered the garden and fortified themselves there. From their new position, they started throwing arrows at the Muslims.
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik’s Heroism:
Al-Bara’ then said: Put me on a shield. Raise the shield on spears and hurl me into the garden near the gate. Either I shall die a martyr or I shall open the gate for you.
Al-Bara’ was thrown into the Garden of Death, he dropped on the army of Musaylimah from a great height and continued to fight them.
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik managed to inflict many casualties single-handedly. However, he sustained many wounds before he could open the main gate of the gardem.
Al-Bara’s Heroics Lead to the Muslim Victory Over Musaylimah:
The Muslim army charged into the Garden of Death through the gates and over the walls. They came across Musaylimah and Wahshi ibn Harb killed the false prophet.
Because of Al-Bara’ ibn Malik’s bravery and courage, the Muslims had defeated Musaylimah.
Recovery after Yamamah:
After the battle of Yamamah, Khalid ibn al-Walid spent a month looking after Al-Bara’ in Madinah healing his wounds and eventually, his condition improved.
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik’s Wish of Martyrdom:
Al-Bara’ continued fighting in battles after Yamamah, hoping to achieve his goal of martyrdom.
The Siege of Shushtar:
In the battle of Shushtar in Persia, the Persians were besieged in one of their fortresses. From the walls of the fortress, the Persians began to throw down iron chains and at the end of these chains, they had fastened iron hooks that were hot.
The Muslims were caught by these hooks and were pulled up either dead or in severe pain.
Al-Bara’s Heroic Sacrifice:
One of these hooks got hold of Anas ibn Malik, the brother of Al-Bara’.
As soon as Al-Bara’ saw this, he jumped up the wall of the fortress and grabbed the chain his brother was attached to.
He then began undoing the hook from his body and as he was doing this, his hand began to burn but Al-Bara’ did not let go until his brother was released.
Martyrdom Fulfilled:
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik eventually died, attempting to save his brother Anas’ life.
His goal of Allah SWT granting him martyrdom had been achieved.
Hadith on Al-Bara’ ibn Malik:
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: How many are there with dishevelled hair, covered with dust, possession two cloths, whom no one pays any mind to – if he swears by Allah then he shall fulfill it. Among them are Al-Bara’ ibn Malik. (Tirmidhi)