Story Of Utba Ibn Ghazwan: The Simple Leader.

 

Source: Kaffah.

Today, we will discuss about Utba ibn Ghazwan, one simple leader at Islamic History who became Mayor Of Bashra, Iraq, but resigned because he feel fear keep goverment. He also great commander at Conquest Of Persia. Who this commander and how his struggle? Read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilizations. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help us develop our blog that focuss at Islamic History and Civilizations.

Utba ibn Ghazwan, has fullname Utba ibn Ghazwan ibn Jabir ibn Wuhaib. He is one nobleman . He is ally from Bani Abd Shams. According Islamic Historian Imam Dhahabi, Utba is 7 TH people who convert to Islam.  He life at 7 TH Century. Utba ibn Ghazwan, is one Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s close shahaba. He assisted Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam at many battle, included Battle Of Badr (624 AD), Uhud (625 AD), Khandaq ( 627 AD), and other battle. And, at era of Caliph Abu Bakr as-Shiddiq, first caliph from Rashidun Caliphate ( ruled 632-634 AD), he join at Battle Of Yamama againt false propeth Musaylama al-Kadhab who rebel to Caliph Abu Bakr.

And, at age of Caliph Umar Ibn Khattab, second caliph from Rashidun Caliphate ( ruled 634-644 AD), Utba ibn Ghazwan became one main commander at confrontation beetwen Rashidun Caliphate and Persian Empire.  At 637 AD, Rashidun Army defeat Persian Army at Battle Of Qadisiyya. Muslims Army next conquest to Iraq. At Iraq, exist Capital Of Persian Empire, Ctesiphon that conquered by Rashidun Army at June 637 AD and also arsenal for Persian Army, Ubulla. Caliph Umar ibn Khattab will send army for conquer Ubulla, because this city became basic for Persian Army that make Muslims Army forced.

Caliph Umar will send army, but he doesnt find many people for recruited because at Medina, Capital Of Rashidun Caliphate, many youngers and oldmens at Medina was out from  Medina for became volunteer at Muslims Army. Only 300 warriors at Medina.  Caliph Umar decide to send this 300 warriors to Ubulla under Commander Utba ibn Ghazwan. Caliph Umar choose, because Utba skill at war and fight. Utba and his army went to Ubulla. According Historian Ibn Kathir, it is happened at 14 Hijriyya, 2 years after Conquest Of Ctesiphon (Madain) that according Ibn Kathir, happened at 16 Hijriyya.

And, Caliph Umar message to Utba for became humbleman. Uta and his army went to Ubulla and at Utba s army, also join several women from warrior s wife. This army doesnt bring complete weapon, only several spears and swords. Utba, used brilliant tactic for faced Persian Army. According Historian Ibn Kathir, at this time, Persian Army consist of 4000 warriors that consist of warriors that came from Eupharate Territories. They attack Utba ibn Gazwan his army. Battle broke and Utba can won the battle. Utba can entered Ubulla and Caliph Umar make Utba as Mayor Of Ubulla.

Utba build new city, named Bashra and build Mosque Of Qashab. Many warriors from Utba s batalyon build their houses and according Syrian Historian Abdurrahman Rafat Basya, Utba still stay at his tent and doesnt build his house. According Abdurrahman Rafat Basya, many Muslim Warriors at Utba s batalyon stay at Bashra and life glamour such as Persians. Utba, leave Bashra and meet Caliph Umar ibn Khattab at Medina. He said he want leave his position and exile himself. Caliph Umar ask Utba back to Bashra and next his leadership.

Utba back to Bashra, but he pray to Allah Subhanahuwataala for make him doesnt back to Bashra. At way to Bashra, Utba die. According Abdurrahman Rafat Basya, he die because fall from his camel and according Imam Dhahabi, he die because stomacache. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:

Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Imam ad-Dzahabi: Siyar Alam an-Nubala Jilid 4: Pembahasan Generasi 1 As-Sabiqunal Awwalun, Syuhada Perang Uhud-Yarmuk: Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah-Bilal, Tahqiq oleh Syuaib al-Arnauth & Team, Pustaka Azzam, 2017 M.

Basya, DR,.Abdurrahman Rafat: Sirah Sahabat: Kisah Indah dan Sejarah Gemilang Generasi Terbaik Umat Ini, Pustaka Al-Haura, 2012 M.

Al-Hafizh Ibnu Katsir: Perjalanan Hidup Empat Khalifah Rasul Yang Agung, Penerbit Darul Haq, 2012 M.