Story of al-Muthanna ibn Haritha as-Shaybani: From Persian Ally Became Conqueror

 

Source: chanelmuslim.com.

Today, we will discuss about al-Muthanna ibn Haritha as-Shaybani, one Muslim Commander who keep important role at Muslim Conquest Of  Persia. He is one  shahaba who convert to Islam at end of  Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallams preach , though he ever meet Propeth Muhammad. Why he do this?. Please 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 develop our blog that focuss educate people about Islamic History and Civilizations.

Al-Muthanna, is one Commander from one Arabian Tribe, Tribe of Shayban that based at Iraq. He life at 7 TH Century.  He lead 10.000 warriors from Tribe of Shayban. And, one day, Propeth Muhammad preach to Tribe of Shayban.

Muslim Historian,  Imam Dhahabi, tell us that  at 622 AD, several time before Propeth Muhammad moved to Medina, propeth preach Islam to several Arabian Tribes, such as Tribe of Thaqif, Kalb, Amr, and Tribe of Hanifa. Jihad at-Turbani, tell that Propeth Muhammad also preach to Tribe of Shayban.  Propeth Muhammad , came to Territories from Tribe of Shayban with his shahaba, Abu Bakr.  They meet several honoured people from Tribe of Shayban. They are Mafruq ibn Amru, Hani ibn Qubisha, Muthanna ibn Haritha, and Numan ibn Shurayk. Abu Bakr, discuss with them and ask about their strength. Mafruq said that Tribe of Shayban numbered more than 1000 peoples. And, Tribe of Shayban, is brave tribe at battle.

Mafruq, also ask question about Islamic Teaching. Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam explain that Islamic Teaching teach about justice and good attitude. Hani, ask al-Muthanna for speak. Al Muthanna tell Propeth Muhammad  that at this time, Tribe of Shayban cannot convert to Islam . Because, Tribe of Shayban have covenant with Persian Empire and Persian Empire, dont love Propeth Muhammad s teaching. Muthanna said that from covenant with Persian Empire, is dont support chaos maker. Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam, received their argumentation.

According Jihad at-Turbani, it is because Tribe of Shayban at this time dont have enough power for fight againt Persian Empire. At 9 Hijriyya, Tribe of Shayban convert to Islam. It is happened at end of Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s preach. Until, at era of Caliph Abu Bakr, first caliph from Rashidun Caliphate  goverment ( ruled 632-634 AD), broke begin from Muslim-Persian Conflict.  According Imam Ibn Kathir,  this conflict started by Hormudz, Persian Leader at Ubulla who attack Arabia Peninsula. Khalid ibn al-Waleed, Rashidun Commander, moved to Iraq, one basic from Persian Army and defeat Persian Army at many battle, such as at Ubulla, Madhar, and Wallaja. Muthanna and his tribe who was convert to Islam, Tribe of Shayban, join with Muslims Army for fight againt Persia.  When Caliph Abu Bakr give new duty to Khalid for doing expedition at Syria, al-Muthanna replaced Khalid lead Rashidun Army at Iraq.

King of Persia, Shariar. send 10.000 army under Hormudh Jadhawayh for attack al-Muthanna. Al-Muthanna and Rashidun Army attack them at Babylon, Iraq. Persian Army bring war elephant for attack Muslims Cavalry. Al-Muthanna attack Persian war elephant and kill this animal. Muslims Army attack Persian Army and defeat them.

At goverment age of Rashidun Caliphate, Umar ibn Khattab ( lead 634-644 AD), al-Muthanna also became one important commander at Rashidun-Persian Conflict. At 13 Hijriyya, happened Battle of Jisr beetwen Rashidun Army under Commander Abu Ubayd at-Thaqafi and Persian Army under Bahman Jadhawayh. This battle broke at River of Eupharates.  At this time, Rashidun Army forced and Abu Ubayd die. RashidunArmy forced  because Persian Elephant wars army. Muthanna save remnants of Rashidun Army. Muthanna also re gather Rashidun Army and defeat Persian Army at Battle of Buwayb at same year with Battle of Jisr.

At Battle of Buwayb, Rashidun Army can defeated Persian Army and destroy them, Persian Commander, Mehran, die at this battle. Unfortunately, Muthanna die at 14 Hijriyya because his wound at Battle of Jisr. 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 1: Pembahasan Sejarah Nabi ( Kelahiran Rasulullah Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam-Perang Khandaq), Tahqiq oleh Syuaib al Arnauth & Team, Pustaka Azzam, 2017.

At-Turbani, Jihad: 100 Tokoh Islam Yang Mengubah Sejarah, Penerbit Aqwam, 2016 M.

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