Rashidun army

Military Success before the creation of the Rashidun Caliphate

The Rashidun army, (The army of the Rightly Guided Caliphs), was a formidable military force that played a pivotal role in the early expansion of Islam and the establishment of the Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE). This highly disciplined and strategically adept army, composed primarily of Arab tribesmen, achieved remarkable victories against Byzantine and Sassanid empires, expanding Muslim rule from Arabia to Persia, North Africa, and parts of Central Asia.

Composition and Organization

The Rashidun army evolved from the early Muslim community in Medina. Initially, it relied on a tribal militia system, with each tribe contributing warriors based on its size and prominence. Over time, however, a more centralized and professional structure emerged, with a standing army and a system of taxation to support its upkeep. Cavalry formed the backbone of the army, known for its mobility and swiftness in desert warfare. Infantry played a crucial role in siege warfare and close-quarter combat.

Notable Commanders and Tactics

Khalid Ibn Walid in arabic calligraphy

The Rashidun army produced some of the most renowned military leaders in Islamic history, including Khalid ibn al-Walid, known as the "Sword of Allah," and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, a brilliant strategist. These commanders effectively utilised tactics like flanking manoeuvres, surprise attacks, and night raids, often outmanoeuvring their larger and better-equipped opponents.

Impact and Legacy

The Rashidun army's conquests had a profound impact on the political and religious landscape of the 7th century. Their victories led to the decline of the Byzantine and Sassanid empires, paving the way for the spread of Islam and the establishment of a vast Muslim empire. The military techniques and organizational principles developed by the Rashidun army influenced subsequent Islamic military powers, while their legacy continues to be debated and studied by historians and military scholars.

In Popular Culture

The Rashidun Caliphate and its military achievements continue to capture the imagination centuries later. Here are some examples of how the Rashidun army has been portrayed in popular culture:

Literature

• Tariq Ali's historical novel "The Stone Flower" features a fictionalized account of the Battle of Yarmouk, a pivotal Rashidun victory against the Byzantines.
• Paulo Coelho's best-selling novel "The Alchemist" mentions the Rashidun conquests as part of the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.

Film and Television

• The historical drama series "Omar" depicts the life of the early Muslim caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, including his role in the Rashidun army.
• The animated film "Muhammad: The Last Prophet" portrays the early battles of the Rashidun Caliphate in a sanitized and family-friendly manner.

Video Games

• The strategy game "Civilization VI" features the Rashidun Caliphate as a playable civilization, led by Saladin.
• The mobile game "Rise of Kingdoms" allows players to command Rashidun units like Khalid ibn al-Walid.

It's important to note that these portrayals often simplify or romanticize the complex historical realities of the Rashidun Caliphate and its military campaigns. They can also perpetuate stereotypes about Islamic history and culture. If you're interested in learning more about the Rashidun army, it's important to consult academic sources and diverse perspectives.

Further reading

• The Rashidun Caliphate: Its Rise and Decline by W. Montgomery Watt
• Islamic Military History by Gabriel Sheffer
• The Cambridge History of Islam edited by Peter Jackson