Al-Muthanna ibn Haritha

Al-Muthanna ibn Haritha, as a tribal chief, initiated the first Muslim military campaigns into Sasanian Iraq. He led successful raids against Persian garrisons, paving the way for the larger Muslim conquest of Iraq.

Al-Muthanna commanded the Muslim forces at the Battle of the Bridge against the Sasanian army. The Muslims suffered a heavy defeat, and al-Muthanna was wounded. This setback temporarily halted the Muslim advance into Iraq.

Al-Muthanna rallied the Muslim forces after the defeat at the Bridge and won a decisive victory at the Battle of Buwaib against the Sasanians. This victory restored Muslim momentum and led to the eventual conquest of Iraq.