Mubarizun was the special unit of the Rashidun army. It was composed of the elite warriors, who were the champion swordsmen, lancers and archers. In that era, battles usually were preluded by duels between the champion warriors of the opposing armies. The Mubarizun (literally: duellers) duels would have a large psychological impact on the other combatants, even more so when the duel was between high ranking officers. Thus the purpose of this unit was to slay as many commanders of the opposing army, in a duel, as possible, for the purpose of demoralizing the enemy soldiers. Some of the most famous Champions were: