Usama Bin Zaid was born around seven years before the hijra and was the son of Zaid Bin Haritha, the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be to him). Zaid Bin Haritha was very dear to the Messenger who treated him like his own son, hence Usama was a virtual grandson of the Messenger, enjoying the similar love and affection from the Messenger as his real grandsons Hassan and Husain used to enjoy. It is narrated that during the youth of Usama, the Messenger gifted him an expensive robe, after wearing it only once on the day of Jumah.
The mother of Usama, Umm Ayman (Barakah) was also very dear in the eyes of the Messenger. A profound message one may take from the story of Zaid and Usama is that Islam does not give any precedence or superiority to race, colour or status of a person. Though Zaid was the slave of the Messenger of Allah yet he was very dear to him and proved his mettle on many occasions and finally achieved martyrdom during the Battle of Mutah, where he was the commander in chief of the Muslim army. It is narrated that on the day of the conquest of Makkah the Messenger was flanked by two black men, on one side was Bilal Ibn Rabiya and on the other Usama Ibn Zaid. The Companions of the Messenger often addressed Usama as “The Beloved Son of the Beloved.”
Usama, being born in to the family already practising Islam, grew up in a clean and healthy environment free from all the murkiness of paganism. He developed a very high level of Iman and was pious and intelligent. It is narrated that he used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays without fail. His servant asked, “Do you fast on Mondays and Thursdays while travelling when you have become old and weak, or (he said) you have become frail?” He said, “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be to him, used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays and he said that the deeds of the people are presented to (Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays.”
Usama was highly respected among the companions as well. It is narrated that once Umar Ibn Khattab was distributing money from the treasury among the Muslims. He gave his son, Abdullah Ibn Umar his share and when Usama’s turn came he gave him double of what Abdullah received. Abdullah enquired about this; so Umar said, “”Usama was more beloved by the Prophet, peace and blessings be to him, than you were, and his father was more beloved by the Prophet, peace and blessings be to him, than your father was.”
Usama migrated to Medina when he was around seven years of age. It was during Medina period that the direct confrontation with the Makkans started. The first major battle took place at Badr just two years after migration. Usama learnt the techniques of warfare from his father and used to hone his skills. He was barely 10-11 years old when he volunteered to be included in the Muslim army at Uhud. The Messenger refused to entertain his request as he was a kid at that time, yet his will and determination to fight for the cause of truth must be appreciated. Again at Khandaq (Battle of Trench) he volunteered to fight and the Messenger of Allah this time gave him the permission. Though no direct battle or confrontation took place at Khandaq yet it was Usama’s first battle in which he participated as a warrior.
His military prowess was outstanding and his valour and courage was unmatchable. Once in the battlefield, he would stand as a wall. His bravery showed up at Hunayn, where Muslims became a little relaxed and felt proud because of their large numbers. Allah proved to them that it is not their large numbers but the victory comes from Allah. When the Muslims’ army was ambushed and the people started running helter-skelter, it was Usama who fought valiantly. He fought along with Al-Abbas, and helped in turning the near defeat of the Muslims into victory.
Fighting does not only require bodily strength but at the same time it requires mental toughness and resilience as well. A soldier must be mentally strong and should be able to carry himself even at the most emotional moments. He must not give in to the situation, but fight with firm determination and conviction that victory will be his. One can find this attitude in Usama. He was physically fit and at the same time he had strong nerves as well. He did not give in to the emotional pressures when his father Zaid died at the Battle of Mutah, where he was also fighting alongside him. Mutah was a fierce battle and three commanders of the Muslim army received martyrdom in that battle. First to be killed was Zaid, second was Jafar Ibn Abi Talib and the last was Abdullah Ibn Rawawa. Even in this fierce and crucial situation Usama, did not lose his heart and did not falter in his duties. One must remember that he was just a teenager and the way he controlled and carried him is commendable.
With all battles in Medina his military prowess showed up and because of his outstanding skills the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be to him) chose Usama as the commander in chief of the army to lead the second encounter of the Muslims with the Romans. He was barely 20 years old when he led the army as a commander in chief. He was able to inflict a massive defeat to the Romans and came back victorious to Medina. His army remained safest from all and suffered very little casualties. It was so safe that the Muslims on its return said, “We have never seen a safer army than Usama’s.”
It is also reported that Umar Ibn Khattab used to sometimes address Usama as “My prime or commander” as the Messenger of Allah appointed Usama commander of an army which included Umar. Islam cuts all the discriminations on the basis of race, language, colour, etc., and it was this attitude of meritocracy which the Muslims employed and abided by during their rule.
Usama died in 54 Hijri and he was buried at Jannat-ul-Baqi.