Harith ibn Umair Al-Azdi

Harith bin Umair Al-Azdi is one of the esteemed companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose name was immortalized in Islamic history due to his bravery and sacrifice in spreading Islam.

He was the only envoy of the Prophet to be martyred while carrying out his mission, an event that led to one of the greatest battles between Muslims and the Byzantine forces "The Battle of Mu'tah". This article explores his biography, mission, martyrdom, and its consequences.

His Lineage and Early Life

Harith bin Umair belonged to the Azd tribe, a prominent Arab tribe known for its contributions to Islamic history. Not much is recorded about his life before Islam, but he was among the early converts who pledged allegiance to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and embraced Islam wholeheartedly.

His Role in Spreading Islam

After the Islamic state was established in Medina, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began sending letters to kings and rulers, inviting them to embrace Islam. For this noble mission, he selected a group of his most faithful and wise companions. Harith bin Umair Al-Azdi was one of those honored with carrying the Prophet’s message.

In the 8th year of Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) dispatched Harith bin Umair to the ruler of Busra, a significant city in the Levant (modern-day Syria and Jordan), carrying an invitation to Islam. His journey was part of the Prophet’s broader strategy to spread Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

His Betrayal and Martyrdom

Before reaching his destination, Sharhabeel bin Amr Al-Ghassani, a vassal of the Byzantine Empire and governor of the Levant, intercepted him.

Upon learning that Harith bin Umair was an envoy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Sharhabeel violated all international norms and diplomatic customs, which strictly forbade harming messengers and envoys. Ignoring these principles, he ordered Harith to be executed brutally.

Harith bin Umair Al-Azdi became the only messenger of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to be martyred while on an official mission, an act that was seen as a grave insult and a direct provocation to the emerging Islamic state.

Prophet Muhammad’s Reaction

When news of Harith bin Umair’s assassination reached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he was deeply saddened and outraged by this treacherous act.

The Prophet immediately decided to respond by sending a military expedition, leading to the Battle of Mu'tah, the first direct military confrontation between Muslims and the Byzantine forces.

Consequences of Harith bin Umair’s Martyrdom

• The Outbreak of the Battle of Mu'tah: His assassination was the direct cause of this significant battle, marking the first clash between Muslims and the Byzantines.
• Strengthening the Islamic State: Despite the odds, the battle demonstrated the resilience of Muslim forces, boosting their prestige.
• Opening the Path for the Conquest of the Levant: The battle was a precursor to future Islamic expansions, eventually leading to the conquest of the Levant and the fall of Byzantine rule in the region.

Harith bin Umair Al-Azdi remains a symbol of sacrifice and devotion in the history of Islam. He gave his life for the mission of spreading Islam, and his martyrdom triggered one of the most pivotal battles in Islamic history. His death was not in vain; it led to a confrontation that ultimately paved the way for Muslim dominance in the Levant. May Allah have mercy on Harith bin Umair Al-Azdi and grant him the highest ranks in Jannah.