معركة كاظمة بداية الفتح الإسلامي للعراق

Abstract

The Battle of Kazima, also known as the Battle of Chains, occurred in the year 12 AH/633 CE between the Muslim army led by Khalid ibn al-Walid and the Persian army led by Hormuz in the Kazima region, located between Basra and Bahrain, specifically in Kuwait, Al-Jahra Governorate.

This battle was part of the Muslims’ plan to expand the borders of the Islamic state and spread the call to Islam in regions under the Sasanian Empire.

The Muslim army was small compared to the Persian army but was organized and motivated by faith. In contrast, the Persian army, although numerically superior and supported by elephants, suffered from low morale. To prevent desertion in case of defeat, they chained their soldiers. Khalid ibn al-Walid employed brilliant military strategies, including dividing the army into small, flexible units capable of maneuvering. The Muslims focused their attacks on the Persian army’s weak points, targeting their leaders and front lines, which disrupted the Persian forces and undermined their confidence, especially after the death of Hormuz early in the battle during a duel with Khalid ibn al-Walid. This allowed the Muslims to break through the Persian lines, exploiting the chains that restricted the Persian soldiers’ movements to their advantage.

The most significant outcomes of this battle were that it became a major turning point in Islamic conquests, paving the way for the entry into Iraq and contributing to the weakening of the Sasanian Empire, ultimately leading to the conquest of Persia. Additionally, it boosted the confidence of the Muslim army and demonstrated their strength in confronting major powers, spreading Islam, and asserting control over a strategic region, thanks to the courage of the Muslim leaders.