Khalid had undertaken an oath, when the…
January 634 CE
Khalid had undertaken an oath, when the odds had appeared to be against the Muslims in the beginning of the battle of Firaz, that if he was victorious, he would undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca, the House of God.
After the victory of Firaz, Khalid stays at Firaz for some days and made the necessary arrangements for the administration of the territory.
In January 634, while a garrison is kept at Firaz, orders are issued to the main Muslim army to return to Al-Hirah.
Khalid stays behind with the rear of the army.
As the army moves forward on the road to Al Hirah, Khalid separates himself from the army, and takes an unfrequented route to Mecca with a small escort.
Khalid reaches Mecca in time to perform the 'Hajj'.
After performing the pilgrimage secretly and fulfilling his vow, Khalid and his party ride back to Al Hirah.
Before the last contingent of the main army from Firaz has entered Hirah, Khalid is also there, as if he had been all the time with the rear guard.
Although Khalid had taken pains to ensure that he was not recognized at Mecca, news is nevertheless carried to Abu Bakr that leaving his charge in Iraq, Khalid had visited Mecca incognito.
When Khalid reaches Al Hirah, he receives a letter from Abu Bakr asking him not to indulge in such adventure again.