Muhammad bin Umar said: (This is the lineage of) al-Bara' bin Malik bin al-Nadr bin Damdam bin Zayd bin Haram bin Jundub bin Amir bin Ghanm bin Adiyy bin al-Najjar. His mother was Umm Sulaym bint Milhan, and he was the full brother of Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him). He took part in the battles of Uhud, al-Khandaq and all the battles alongside the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). He was extremely brave and had a special standing in battle.

It is narrated from Ibn Sirin that Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote (to his governors): "Do not appoint al-Bara' bin Malik as commander (general) of any army of the Muslims, for he (in the matter of bravery) is one of the perils; he plunges ahead with the people (into such risks where there is fear of destruction). (That is, he is utterly fearless and extremely daring, and because of this very boldness he leads the army into very dangerous campaigns.)"