BOOK REVIEW
Title of the book :
The Sword of Allah
Name of the Author :
Lt Gen A.I. Akram
Publisher :
Army Edn Press GHQ
Rawalpindi
Printers :
Feroz Sons Limited Rwp.
Number of Pages :
504
Number of Chapters :
37
1. About the Author. Author of the book was Lt Gen Agha Ali Ibrahim Akram
simply known as A.I. Akram. He served British Indian Army from 1942 to 1947
and Pakistan Army from 1947 till his retirement as Lt Gen in 1978. During his
illustrious career, besides important command and staff appointments, he also
served as Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at Command and Staff College
Quetta. It was during this tenure that he felt the absence of adequately written
Muslim military history. For this, he chose the role of Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed
(May Allah be pleased with him). Before writing this book, the writer took
extensive tour of whole of the Arabia to see the land over which Khalid marched,
the places where he fought the battles and the sands on which the blood of his
enemy had flowed in rivulets. While reading this wonderful piece of military
history, reader lets his imagination wonder, and envisions the portraits of attacks
by Khalid flickering through his mind. He visualizes a long-drawn line of charging
horses and the leader who is a powerfully built man with a red capon, mounted
on a magnificent Arab stallion as if he was part of the horse, galloping ahead with
the roar of Allah -o-Akbar.
Contents of Book Review
2. Part I - Battles Fought in the Times of Holy Prophet (PBUH)
It gives details of the battles fought in the times of Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). The events, which occurred during the lifetime of Holy Prophet (PBUH),
whether they were political, economic, cultural or military, were all dominated by
the personality of Holy Prophet (PBUH). It starts describing Khalid, a man with a
fine physique, forceful personality, accomplished cavalier and the master of
weapons. On reaching the age of maturing Khalid always had ambitions of
victory. In the battle of Uhad he created problems for the Muslims by attacking
the archers on Einein, the small space knoll on flank of Muslim Army. At the age
of 43 Khalid embraced Islam and started taking part in the battles of Islam. He
was made commander after the death of Abdullah, during the battle of Mauta
where Khalid averted a reprehensible bloody defeat and saved Muslims from
disgrace. After this victory Khalid was awarded the title of Sword of Allah by Holy
Prophet (PBUH). This title virtually granted success to Khalid in future battles.
Khalid took part in all the battles, which took place during the lifetime of Holy
Prophet (PBUH).
3. Part II - The Campaigns of Apostasy.
It deals with the campaigns of Apostasy. Khalid took part in all the battles against
the Apostles. The campaigns of Apostasy were completed during the eleventh
year of the Hijri. The year 12 Hijri dawned on March 18, 633 AD with Arabia
united under the central command of Caliph Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased
with him). This was greatest political and military triumph for the Muslims. Caliph
then launched bold ventures for the conquest of Iraq and Syria. It was by his able
and successful conduct of the campaigns of the Apostasy that Caliph rendered
greatest service to Islam. And all this would not have been possible without the
arm of Khalid Bin Waleed “The Sword of Allah”.
4. Part III - Invasion of Iraq.
It covers the invasion of Iraq. For invasion it was necessary to defeat the Persian
Army. Khalid knew the fine quality, numerical strength, courage and skill of the
Persians but they lacked mobility. Khalid decided to use his mobility to exploit
this weakness of Persian Army. Persians were defeated in the Battle of Chains
and the Battle of Walaja by third week of Safar 12 Hijri. Khalid could never forget
the third battle with Persians which was the fiercest and bloodiest of all. In this
battle the water of river became red with human blood. Khalid swept across Iraq
like a violent storm and by Rabi-Ul-Awwal 12 Hijri central Iraq between
Euphrates and Tigris was under the con of Muslims. Lastly Baghdad was
captured and with this, the campaign of Iraq ended. He was then ordered to
proceed to Syria and was to strike the armies of Eastern Rome.
5. Part IV - Conquest of Syria.
It describes the Conquest of Syria. The Romans at Arak, Sukhna, Qadina and
then Tamur peacefully surrendered. Qaryatienn was captured. Basra
surrendered on 28 Jammadi Ul Awwal 13 Hijri and capture of Ajnadein opened
the way for Conquest of Syria. The Muslim Army laid siege of Damascus on 20
Jammadi Ul Awwal 13 Hijri. Damascus surrendered on the assumption of
Caliphate by Hazrat Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) as Calpih he
appointed Abu Ubeida the new commander of the Muslim Army. The remarkable
phenomenon of greatest general of the time prepared to serve in a lower
capacity with the same drive and zeal which he had shown as an army comd.
This willingness to serve also reflects the Muslim spirit of the time. Aul Hajj 13
Hijri captured the whole of Jordan. The beginning of Safar 15 Hijri conquered
Emessa. The Battle of Yarmuk was conquered by the third week of Rajab 15
Hijri. Jerusalem was besieged and it surrendered to Muslims.
6. Conclusion
This book is meant to edify readers with Hazrat Khalid’s (RA) plans and
maneuvers, which shows a superb military intellect. Khalid was a pure,
unadulterated, undiluted and unspoiled soldier. From wherever he passed, he left
behind a trail of glory. It is interesting to speculate that what would have
happened if he had remained in the command of Muslim Army in Syria and had
been launched to conquer Byzantine Empire. The book has been written in a
simple but candid and coherent language and a common reader finds it
enjoyable and a revealing reading.
