The chain mail and lamellar armor worn by the Middle Eastern archers became the standard military dress for them and served them well for centuries. The mail shirt became a valued possession and was handed down from one generation to the next.

When the prophet Mohammed began his unification of Arabia his armies were principally infantry where archers were a major element. Subsequent to his death in 632 AD his father in-law took over the leadership of his army and continued the objective of converting the whole world to Islam.