Who was the commander of the Muslims in the Battle of Muta?

The Battle of Muta, fought in 8 AH (629 CE), was the first major military engagement between Muslims and the Byzantine forces in the region of present-day Jordan. This battle holds a special place in Islamic history because it tested the early Muslim community’s resolve and courage against a large and well-equipped army. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ appointed Hazrat Zayd Bin Harithah (RA) as the commander of the Muslim army for this expedition.

Hazrat Zayd Bin Harithah (RA) was one of the closest companions of the Prophet ﷺ and had previously been freed from slavery by the Prophet and adopted as his son before adoption laws were changed in Islam. He was known for his bravery, leadership skills, and deep commitment to Islam, making him the ideal choice to lead the Muslims in a challenging and dangerous battle far from Madinah.

During the Battle of Muta, the Muslims numbered only about 3,000, facing a vastly larger Byzantine army of around 200,000 soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, Hazrat Zayd (RA) displayed exceptional courage and strategic leadership. Unfortunately, he, along with two other leaders—Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Abdullah ibn Rawahah (RA)—were martyred in the battle. Their sacrifice, however, exemplified the spirit of steadfastness, faith, and devotion to Allah, inspiring the Muslim community for generations.