Marhab


Marhab ibn Abî Zaynab, or Marhab ibn Al-Harith. Popularly known as the Knight Of Khaybar. A Jewish knight who is noted for his military role in Battle of Khaybar.

Life

Beside his knighthood and excellence in war, he was a Poet, Tall and huge, brave, and wealthy.

Ancestry

According to some historians he and his sister were from Israelite origin, while some other historians believed he is from Ḥimyarite origin.

Property

He had a sword engraved on it the phrase ). and he resides in a palace.

Battle of Khaybar

The Battle of Khaybar was fought in the year 628 between Muslims and the Jews living in the oasis of Khaybar. Marhab was the commander of the Jewish army in that battle and expressed an outstanding strength and skills, The Muslim historian Shekh mofid stated ).

Death

Marhab's nanny was a fortune-teller, she predicted that no man can kill Marhab but one man named after a synonymous of lion.
A night before his last battle he saw in his dream that a lion attacked him.
Historians have given different descriptions about the incident of killing Marhab, according Sahih Muslim, Ali went to meet Marhab in a single combat. Marhab advanced brandishing his sword and chanting: "Khaibar knows certainly that I am Marhab, A fully armed and well-tried valorous warrior When war comes spreading its flames". Ali chanted in reply: I am the one whose mother named him Haidar, like a lion of the forest with a terror-striking countenance". The narrator said: Ali struck at the head of Mirhab and killed him, so the victory was due to him.
al-Maqrizi recorded ).