The Mubarizun (Arabic: مبارزون, "duelists", or "champions") formed a special unit of the Rashidun army during the Muslim conquests of the 7th century. The Mubarizun were a recognized part of the Muslim army with the purpose of engaging enemy champions in single combat.[1] In Arab, Byzantine, and Sassanian warfare, battles usually began with duels between the champion warriors of the opposing armies.[2]
The Muslim army would typically begin battle with its soldiers first equipping their armor, assembling their units to their positions and lastly dispatching the Mubarizun.[2] Mubarizun fighters were instructed to refrain from pursuing any defeated enemy champions more than two-thirds of the way to the enemy lines to avoid the risk of being cut off.[3] After the conclusion of the dueling phase, the army would launch its general advance.[2]
List of notable Mubarizun edit
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Nicolle, 1994, p. 37.
- ^ a b c Nicolle, 1994, p. 36.
- ^ Nicolle, 1998, p. 24.
- ^ al Jazari, Ali 'Izz al-Din Ibn al-Athir. "Usd al-ghābah fi ma'rifat al-ṣaḥābah: "The Lions of the Forest and the knowledge about the Companions"". al Eman. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ al Dhahabi, Shams ad-Dīn. "Siyar A'lam Nubala". Retrieved 15 January 2021.
Bibliography edit
- Nicolle, David (1994). Yarmuk AD 636: The Muslim conquest of Syria. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1855324148.
- Nicolle, David (1998). Armies of the Caliphates 862-1098. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1855327708.