Usama bin Zayd (also spelled Osama)(Arabic: أسامة بن زيد) was the son of Zayd ibn Harithah , the Islamic prophet, Muhammad's freed slave, adopted son and one of the first Muslims. Umm Ayman (Barakah) was his mother.
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Usamah ibn Zayd was born in the seventh year before Hijra (615 G.). Because of his father's status as a foster-child of Muhammad, and his mother's role in the life of Aminah, Usamah was considered almost a grandson, and Muhammad love for him was not very different from his love for al-Hasan and al-Husayn. During Usamah's youth, Muhammad was presented with an expensive gown. After wearing it once to the Friday Jumu'ah Prayers, he gave it as a gift to Usamah. When Usamah was ten years old, he requested to fight in the Battle of Uhud, but was not allowed. His first experience participating in a battle was at the age of seventeen, in the Battle of the Trench. During the Battle of Hunayn, in which the Muslim army was ambushed, Usamah was among the few men who continued to fight with Muhammad, helping turn the near-defeat into victory.
Usama ibn Zayd - loved by Muhammad almost as equal to a grandson. He was the youngest person ever to be appointed a general by Muhammad.
Muhammad started to mobilize a great Army to Syria 'Byzantine Empire' in the month of Safar 11 A.H, under the command of Usama ibn Zayd. This was the last expedition in the life of the prophet of Islam. Muhammad had ordered his followers to go with Usama and obey his commands. Certain companions questioned the leadership of Usama because of his age at the time (20 years).
His father, Zaid bin Haritha, died in the Battle of Mu'tah, 627.
Although Usamah was the son of a freed slave, and only twenty years of age, he was appointed by the Prophet as the commander of the army sent to Sham. This army was the second Muslim army to encounter the Romans.
Among the orders he received was "go to where your father was killed" [1].
Although the army was waiting in Jorf, outside of Madinah, set to march to Syria, Usamah heard word that the Prophet was ailing, upon which Usamah promptly returned to Madinah. The Prophet Muhammad died soon after his arrival.
Upon the departure of the army, the Khalifah went out to bid farewell to the soldiers. He walked along while Usamah was riding his mount, prompting Usamah to suggest that they either ride together or walk together, as a gesture of respect, but Abu Bakr refused. Abu Bakr then requested that Usamah allow Umar ibn al-Khattab to stay behind in Madinah to help in the administration, as it was shortly after the death of the Prophet, and Usamah obliged.
The army reached Sham and became the first Muslim forces to defeat the Romans in battle, thus paving the way for the subsequent conquests of the Syrian and Egyptian regions, both of which were captured during the lifetime of Usamah.
Because of his appointment by Muhammad as the general, and because of his role in leading the Muslim army, Umar ibn al-Khattab used to greet Usamah as "my prime" or "my commander".[1]
He had a son, named Muhammad bin Usama [2].