# Dismissal and Death of Khalid ibn al-Walid

The dismissal and death of Khalid ibn al-Walid are pivotal moments in Islamic history. Khalid ibn al-Walid's removal from command in 17 AH (638 CE) was driven by financial concerns and fears that the Muslim community might become overly reliant on his leadership. Despite this, his passing in 21 AH (642 CE) was deeply mourned, and even Umar ibn al-Khattab, who had dismissed him, acknowledged his unparalleled military legacy.

## Dismissal

Khalid's dismissal from the army occurred around 17 AH (638 CE). Umar removed him from his position due to their differing views on financial matters, as recorded by Ibn Asakir, Ibn Kathir, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal. In late 638, rumors spread that Khalid had distributed war spoils from his Syrian campaigns, including a portion to al-Ash'ath ibn Qays. In response, Umar ordered Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah to interrogate Khalid publicly and dismiss him, regardless of the outcome. After his interrogation in Homs, Khalid bid farewell to his troops in Qinnasrin and Homs before being summoned to Medina. At a council in Jabiya that same year, Umar explained that Khalid had prioritized distributing spoils to war heroes, tribal nobles, and eloquent figures over the weaker Muhajirun. This decision drew criticism from Khalid's cousin, Abu Amr ibn Hafs, who accused Umar of acting out of envy and violating Khalid's military mandate from Muhammad. Umar, while acknowledging their kinship, firmly rejected the accusation.
Another factor in Umar's decision was his concern that the community might place excessive trust in Khalid's military success rather than in Allah (God). To address this, he later reassured the garrisons in Syria and Iraq:
   I did not remove Khalid out of anger or suspicion of betrayal, but because people became too enamored with him. I feared they would rely entirely on him and be tested through him. I wanted them to know that Allah is the true doer of all things and to prevent them from falling into temptation.
This concern became evident during Abu Ubayda's siege in the Levant when his forces suffered severe hardship. When Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman arrived with news of victory, Umar praised Allah but also foresaw that some would lament Khalid's absence, further reinforcing his belief that the community had become overly reliant on Khalid.
Despite dismissing Khalid, Umar continued to hold him in high regard, as recorded by al-Tabari and Ibn Asakir, directly refuting modern claims that he harbored personal animosity toward him. Umar himself said: "O Khalid, by Allah, you are honorable in my eyes and beloved to me. From this day on, you will never have cause to blame me for anything."}}

## Death

There is consensus that Khalid passed away in the year 21 AH / 642 AD, but there is disagreement regarding the location of his death. According to Ibn Hajar, there are two opinions regarding his death: one stating that he died in Homs, and another that he passed away in Medina, with Umar attending his funeral.
Sayf ibn Umar narrates that Khalid remained in Medina until Umar decided to reinstate him. However, while visiting his mother, Khalid fell ill and requested to return. His condition worsened as Umar was returning from Hajj. Upon hearing of Khalid's grave condition, Umar traveled three days' distance in a single night, arriving just as Khalid passed away. Umar personally oversaw the burial preparations and permitted the women of Quraysh to mourn.
At the funeral, Al-Bukhari, Abū Ḥudhayfa Isḥāq ibn Bishr Qurashī, and Sayf ibn Umar recount that Khalid's mother recited a eulogy:
   "You were better than a thousand thousand men
   When men's faces were cast down in defeat.
   A lion—nay, braver than a lion in its lair,
   Fierce, grim, and protector of cubs.
   Generous—you were more generous than
   A mighty flood surging between the mountains."
Upon hearing her words, Umar declared three times that no woman could give birth to someone like Khalid.
On the other hand, al-Waqidi, Ibn Sa'd, and Al-Dhahabi assert that Khalid died in Homs. According to their account, while Umar was in Quba, Yemeni pilgrims who had settled in Homs informed him that Khalid had passed away on the day they departed. Umar wept, repeatedly recited, "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we return", lowered his head, prayed extensively for Khalid's mercy, and said: "By Allah, he was a shield against the enemy, blessed in his leadership."}}
According to an authentic narration based on the accounts of Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak and Al-Dhahabi, when death approached Khalid, he said:
   I sought martyrdom on the battlefield, but it was decreed that I would die in my bed. There is no deed of mine that has given me greater hope, after La ilaha illa Allah (There is no God but Allah), than a night spent on my horse, bearing my shield, while the sky rains upon me, waiting for dawn until we attack the Kuffar (disbelievers). When I die, look at my weapons and my horse, and use them in preparation [for Jihad] in the cause of Allah.