Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās (RA): The Lion of Islam
Saʿd ibn Mālik ibn Wahib, better known as Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās (رضي الله عنه), was born in Makkah around 595 CE into the noble Banū Zuhrah clan of Quraysh — the same tribe as Āminah bint Wahb, the mother of the Prophet ﷺ. This made him a distant relative of the Prophet ﷺ.
Historical and biographical sources inform us that the conversion of Abu Bakr RA was the reason for Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās (RA)’s embracing Islam. He may have been one of those who announced their belief in Islam after Abu Bakr convinced them. This group included Uthmaan lbn Afaan, Az-Zubair Ibn Al-‘Awaam, Abd ArRahman Ibn Awf and Allah Ibn Ubaid Allah, may Allah be pleased with them all. He was 17 years of age at the time and among the first ten people to accept Islam.
When he accepted Islam, his mother, Ḥamnah bint Sufyān, was furious and tried to force him to renounce his new faith by starving herself. Out of deep love for her, Saʿd was torn. However, his belief in Allah and His Messenger proved to be stronger than rocks and iron.He said, “You know, by Allah, mother, if you had 100 souls coming out one after the other I wouldn’t abandon my faith in return for anything. Then eat if you
like or don’t eat!”
The verse of Quran was revealed for his case:
“We have commanded people to honour their parents. But if they urge you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, then do not obey them.“
(Qur’an 29:8)
He stood firm, demonstrating his unshakable faith even in the face of family pressure.
Participation in the Early Battles
Saʿd (RA) was among the first Muslims to migrate to Madinah. He participated in all major battles alongside the Prophet ﷺ and was known for his exceptional archery. During the Battle of Badr, the Prophet ﷺ gave him the honor of being the first man to shoot an arrow in defense of Islam.
“I was the first to shed blood in the cause of Allah.”
(al-Bukhārī, 3854; Muslim, 2411)
At Uḥud, he fought with extraordinary courage, staying close to the Prophet ﷺ when others retreated. The Prophet ﷺ personally handed him arrows and prayed:
“Shoot, O Saʿd! May my father and mother be sacrificed for you!”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 4055; Muslim, 2411)
This phrase — “Fidāka abī wa ummī” — was never said by the Prophet ﷺ for anyone else except Saʿd (RA).
Sa’d was considered to be one of the most courageous Arab and Muslim horsemen. He possessed
two weapons, his lance and his prayer. Whenever he pierced an enemy with his lance he hurt him;
whenever he invoked Allah He answered.
He also participated in the battles of Khandaq, Khaybar, and Hunayn, and was part of the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah and the Conquest of Makkah.
Military Leadership: The Battle of Qādisiyyah
During the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA), Saʿd was appointed as the commander of the Muslim army against the Persian Empire — one of the most powerful empires of the time. He was known as the Lion’s Claws among the companions.
In 636 CE (14 AH), Saʿd led the Muslim forces at the Battle of Qādisiyyah, one of the most decisive victories in Islamic history. Despite suffering from illness during the battle, he led from his bed, directing the army with calm precision. His leadership resulted in the crushing defeat of the Persian army and the death of their general, Rustam Farrukhzād.
After Qādisiyyah, Saʿd (RA) continued his campaign and captured al-Madā’in (Ctesiphon), the Persian capital. He implemented the first organized Islamic system of governance in conquered territories, ensuring justice and fair treatment of the local populations.
ʿUmar (RA) was so impressed with Saʿd’s leadership that he said:
“By Allah, Saʿd is fit for both worldly and religious affairs.”
Governorship of Kūfah
After the victory, Saʿd was appointed governor of Kūfah. His administration was known for justice and simplicity. However, some factions later raised complaints against him — none of which were proven true. When ʿUmar (RA) investigated personally, he found Saʿd blameless and said:
“I have never found any fault in Saʿd. He is among those whom I love dearly.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 7558)
When ʿUmar was mortally wounded, he nominated Saʿd among the six-member council (shūrā) to choose the next Caliph, saying:
“If Saʿd becomes the ruler, he is worthy of it; and if someone else is chosen, let them seek help from Saʿd, for I did not remove him for any fault.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 3700)
His Character and Piety
Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was known for his humility, devotion, and duʿāʾ that was often accepted by Allah. The Prophet ﷺ once said:
“O Allah, answer his supplication when he calls upon You.”– Al-Tirmidhī
His prayers were indeed powerful but he never used it against anyone, except on one occasion he saw a man insulting Ali, Talha and Zubair, may Allah be pleased with them all. He forbade him, but he didn’t stop. Sa’d then said, ” Then I will invoke Allah against you.” The man said, “You’re threatening me as if you were a Prophet.
Sa’d went away, performed his ablution and prayed two rak’ahs. Then he lifted his hands up and said, “O Allah, if You know that that man has insulted people who have already been granted by You that which is the best and his cursing of them has annoyed You, then make an example out of him.” Only a short while had passed, when a stray camel went out of a house. Nothing could stay it till it entered a crowd as if searching for something. Then it attacked the man, and he fell between its legs. It continued to kick the man down till he died.
Saʿd was one of the ten companions promised Paradise by the Prophet ﷺ, who said:
“Abū Bakr is in Paradise, ʿUmar is in Paradise, ʿUthmān is in Paradise, ʿAlī is in Paradise, Ṭalḥah is in Paradise, al-Zubayr is in Paradise, ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf is in Paradise, Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās is in Paradise, Saʿīd ibn Zayd is in Paradise, and Abū ʿUbaydah ibn al-Jarrāḥ is in Paradise.”
(al-Tirmidhī, 3747; Aḥmad, 1/193)
Final Years and Death
After stepping down from public life, Saʿd retired to ʿAqiq, a valley near Madinah. He lived quietly, devoting himself to worship and family.
He passed away in 55 AH (675 CE), during the caliphate of Muʿāwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān (RA), at about 80 years old. He was the last of the Muhājirūn to die.
His body was brought to Madinah, where ʿĀʾishah (RA) offered the funeral prayer in her house, and he was buried in al-Baqīʿ cemetery. (Ibn Saʿd, vol. 3, p. 147; al-Dhahabī, Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubalāʾ, vol. 1, p. 99)
Legacy
Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) combined the virtues of courage, faith, and wisdom. He was the first to shed blood for Islam, the commander who defeated the Persian Empire, and a man whose supplications were always answered. His life embodies the Qur’anic principle:
“Indeed, Allah will defend those who believe.”
(Qur’an 22:38)
When he was asked persistently for the worship or deed which made him eligible for such a reward. Sa’d told him, “Nothing more than what we all do or worship, except that I don’t carry any spite or hatred towards any Muslim.”
Through his steadfastness, leadership, and devotion, Saʿd helped lay the foundations of the early Muslim state — a legacy that continues to inspire believers to this day.
