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SALAMAH IBN AL-AKWA'
The Infantry Hero
His son Iyaas summarized all his virtues in just one sentence: "My father never lied." To be
described by this singular virtue makes a person eligible for a highly elevated position among the pious
and virtuous. Salamah Ibn Al-Akwa' achieved such a position, one which he deserved. Salamah was one
of the rare Arab spearmen, but he was also famous for his courage, generosity, and charitable deeds. He
sincerely submitted himself to Islam; then it was Islam that molded his personality according to its
system.
Salamah was one of those who attended the Pledge of Radwaan.
In A.H. 6, the Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions aimed at visiting the Sacred House in Makkah,
but the Quraish hindered them from doing so.
The Prophet (PBUH) sent `Uthmaan Ibn `Afaan to tell them that he came as a visitor, not as a
fighter. While they awaited `Uthmaan's return, a rumor spread that the Quraish had killed him. The
Prophet (PBUH) sat under a shady tree to take the Companion's oath of allegiance, one by one. They
gave him their word to he ready to die.
Salamah reported: I swore the oath of allegiance in front of the Prophet to be ready to die. Then I
stepped aside. When the crowd of people nearly ended, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "O Salamah, aren't you
going to swear your oath of allegiance?" I said, "I've already done that." He said, " Again." I swore the
oath again.
Salamah had redeemed his oath long before that day. He redeemed it since the day he admitted that
there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. He said, "I joined the Prophet (PBUH) in
seven battles and joined Zaid Ibn Haarithah in nine battles."
He was one of the most skillful warriors as an infantryman and one of the best to shoot arrows and
throw spears. His tactics were similar to present day guerilla warfare : if an enemy approached, he
retreated waiting for him to move backwards or to take a rest, in order to attack him by suprise. In this
way he was able to chase alone the force led by `Uyainah Ibn Hisn Al-Fizaarii which raided the environs
of Al-Madiinah in the Dhii Qarad raid. Totally alone, he followed their traces, then continued fighting
and pushing them away from Al-Madiinah until the Prophet (PBUH) reached him with a great number of
Companions. On that day the Prophet (PBUH) said to the Companions, "Our best infantryman is
Salamah lbn Al Akwa".
Salamah never knew deep sorrow and anxiety except when his brother `Aamir Ibn Al-Akwa' died
during the Battle of Al- Khaibar.
Aamir was the one singing in front of the Muslim army:
Had it not been for You.
We would not have been guided,
Nor prayed nor given charity.
Bless us with tranquility,