Initially Khalid ibn al-Walid did not start out with the Muslims. Born in Mecca in 592 his father was the Sheikh of the Banu Makhzum. The Banu Makhzum were a clan of the Quraysh and responsible for matters of warfare. After returning from his time being raised by a Bedouin tribe Khalid ibn al-Walid was exposed to the military and its elements from an early age. He was known as a good wrestler and worked with many weapons such as the sword, lance, and bow in his youth. His initial battles involving the Muslims were against them. His leadership caused the Meccans to gain a victory at the Battle of Uhud in 625.
While preparing for the battle the Prophet ordered a group of approximately 50 archers to hold the high ground and protect the flanks of the Muslims. They were given the order to hold at all costs and never leave the hill; even if the battle went well. When the Muslims began to break through the Meccan lines the archers …show more content…
To be truly effective an army needs inspiring leadership and a solid cadre to build and train it's soldiers. Khalid ibn al-Walid was one of those key inspiring leaders who built the tactics and traditions that built the army into an effective force against its later opponents. "One of the characteristics of Khalid ibn al-Walid was the speed of his military operations. He would move his entire army at the speed of a single rider. He was a great exponent of rapid and disruptive guerrilla tactics that demoralised the enemy."