Yet we cannot as yet imagine a youth being appointed the...

Yet we cannot as yet imagine a youth being appointed the chief of Army of the American nation or a European country to lead an expedition against a powerful enemy having all the latest weapons and training. The Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.) established such an example that it continues to inspire the world even today. It is a very important lesson in support of the youth, which helps in garnering the capabilities and intellects of young people for profitable ends.

What is noteworthy is that the huge Byzantine army was poised for attack and on the other hand the standard of the army of Islam was in the hands of Usamah, a lad of eighteen.

The best of the trained warriors who had passed through the most difficult circumstances in the wars of Islam, and defeated the machinations of the foes and those military chiefs of Islam, who had broken the strength of the enemies with great courage, valor and fearlessness and those Arab stalwarts who had fulfilled the most difficult conditions in the propagation of Islam through the perfection of their abilities, now all these experienced personnel had enrolled for this expedition due to the prophetic command and they [1] Usud al-Ghaba, Vol.

1, Pg. 64 were now under the control and command of Usamah, the commander-in-chief of the army. This matter of subordination to a youth of eighteen was very distasteful for them and they had to bear it without being able to raise any objection against it. The Prophet’s decision that the standard bearer of the army would be Usamah, a boy of eighteen was beyond imagination. Thus the majority of the leaders were shocked at this and they looked at the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) in bewilderment.

Some of them were such that they lost the ability to digest this decision and they spoke up whatever lay hidden in their hearts: What is this? Those emigrants who were in the forefront in the battles of Islam and who also acted upon the principles and laws of Islam, how can such seniors be put under the command of an eighteen-year-old boy? When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) heard about the discontent and whisperings among the military chiefs he was very angry.

He mounted the pulpit and after due praise and glorification of the Almighty said: “O people! What types of objections am I hearing from your side against the appointment of Usamah ibn Zaid as the commander? These ridicules and criticisms from your side are not new.