Thin and wiry, Al-Baraa ibn Malik al-Ansari was a fierce champion. His appearance often caused people to turn away. Yet, he defeated one hundred knights in duels.
This tour brings us to a place honoring this courageous warrior: Masjid Al-Baraa ibn Malik. Though we don’t have specific details about this mosque, let’s explore the story of the man it commemorates. Al-Baraa’s bravery was so renowned. Caliph Umar ibnul-Khattab cautioned his deputies. He advised them not to appoint Al-Baraa to lead any army. Umar feared Al-Baraa’s courage might endanger his men.
Al-Baraa ibn Malik was the brother of Anas ibn Malik. Anas was a servant of Prophet Muhammad. Al-Baraa’s heroic deeds are numerous. One event particularly stands out. After the Prophet’s death, many Arab tribes abandoned Islam. Abu Bakr, the first caliph, stood firm. He prepared eleven armed forces to confront the apostates. The fiercest rebels were the Banu Haneefah. They followed Musaylimah, a false prophet.
Musaylimah gathered forty thousand warriors. They fought the Muslim forces. The Muslims clashed with Musaylimah’s army at Al-Yamamah. The battle was bloody. Muslims displayed incredible heroism. Thabit Ibn Qays, the standard-bearer of the Ansar, prepared for death. He stood his ground until he was killed. Zayd Ibnul-Khattab vowed to fight until Musaylimah was defeated.
Al-Baraa’s actions surpassed even these acts of bravery. Khalid Ibnul-Waleed urged Al-Baraa to lead an assault. Al-Baraa rallied his people. He told them there was no returning to Madeenah. He declared that only Allah and Paradise awaited them. They charged the renegades. The tide of battle turned. Musaylimah’s forces retreated to an orchard. It became known as the Orchard of Death.
The orchard had high walls. Musaylimah and his forces locked the entrance. They rained arrows on the Muslims. Al-Baraa devised a plan. He asked his men to toss him over the wall on a shield. He would open the gates or die a martyr. His men threw him over. Al-Baraa landed among the enemy. He killed ten before opening the gate. The Muslims poured in. They defeated Musaylimah’s forces.
Al-Baraa suffered over eighty wounds. Khalid Ibnul-Waleed nursed him back to health. Al-Baraa yearned for martyrdom. He sought battle after battle. At the battle of Tustar, he prayed for death as a martyr. His request was granted.
The story of Al-Baraa ibn Malik is a testament to courage. It demonstrates faith and sacrifice. As we stand before this mosque, remember his bravery. Consider his dedication to his beliefs. Masjid Al-Baraa ibn Malik stands as a tribute. It honors a true champion of Islam.