The First to Answer
When Umar appealed three days running for volunteers for the Iraq front and no senior Companion stood, Abu Ubayd was the first to rise. Umar appointed him commander over senior Sahaba for his swiftness, saying: “Leadership goes to whoever runs to it first.” 1 Al-Farooq · pp. 109–140 — Shibli Numani — Abu Ubayd's volunteering and appointment after Umar's three-day Iraq call.
Victories and the Bridge
He defeated Jaban at Namariq and Narsi afterwards. At the Battle of the Bridge (Jasr) over the Euphrates, the Persians brought their elephants against him. He was struck down by Bahman’s elephant and trampled to martyrdom. 2 History of Islam · Vol 1 · pp. 322 — Najeebabadi — Abu Ubayd martyred at the Bridge of the Euphrates, trampled by Bahman's elephant.
He was the father of al-Mukhtar. 3 Al-Farooq · pp. 109–140 — Shibli Numani — Abu Ubayd father of al-Mukhtar.
Life Timeline
First to volunteer after Umar's three-day Iraq-front call; appointed commander
Defeats Jaban at Namariq and Narsi
Martyred trampled by Bahman's elephant
References
- Al-Farooq — Shibli Numani — Abu Ubayd's volunteering, appointment, and martyrdom at the Bridge pp. 109–140
- History of Islam — Najeebabadi — Abu Ubayd's volunteering after the three-day silence; Battle of the Bridge / Jasr; trampled by Bahman's elephant Vol 1 · pp. 322