Usama bin Zaid (rta) was the son of the Prophet’s (saw) slave, Zaid bin Harithah (rta). Usama (rta) spent his childhood in a pure environment of faith with two believing parents caring for the grooming of his character. Although his family was neither wealthy nor powerful, he held a high rank among the companions due to the strength of his faith, pureness of his beliefs and sincerity of his purpose.
From a young age, Usama (rta) greatly desired to fight for Allah’s (swt) cause. When Muslims started to prepare for the Battle of Badr, he asked his father’s permission to join them. Since he was only ten years old, his father said: “But are you able to carry a sword?” Usama (rta) replied:
“If I am unable to carry a sword, I can still fire arrows at them.”
However, out of fear for his safety, his father denied him permission.
Usama (rta) was eleven when he saw the Mujahidin leaving for the Battle of Uhud. He joined them, carrying a sword taller than himself. Other Muslims questioned: “Who is this boy and what has brought him to the battleground, when he is barely able to carry his sword?” When they realized that Usama (rta) had come by his own initiative, they worried about his safety and persuaded him to go home.
Whenever Usama’s (rta) father returned from battles, he would relate stories about the bravery of Muslim warriors and their love for Islam. These stories filled the heart of the young boy, turning him into a bold warrior, a unique leader and a hero of Islam.
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