Saad ibn Muadh (RA): The Judge in the Case of Banu Qurayzah

Saʿd ibn Muʿādh ibn an-Nuʿmān (RA) was a prominent leader of the Aws tribe of Madinah and one of the most noble figures among the Ansār — the Helpers who welcomed the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers after the Hijrah.

Born around 603 CE, Saʿd belonged to the clan of Banū ʿAbd al-Ashhal, part of the Aws tribe. Before Islam, he was known for his intelligence, generosity, and authority in tribal matters. He was tall, handsome, and had a commanding presence that earned him deep respect among his people.

The impact of Sa’d ibn Mua’dh on early Muslim ummah of Medina is very hard to summarize. He was a Muslim only for around six years but in this short period of time, he had contributed immensely to shaping of the initial history of islamic state of Madinah.

Acceptance of Islam

Saʿd ibn Muʿādh’s acceptance of Islam came through the efforts of Musʿab ibn ʿUmair (RA), whom the Prophet ﷺ had sent to Madinah before the Hijrah to teach Islam. When Musʿab(RA) began preaching, Saʿd was initially cautious, but upon listening to the Qur’an, his heart softened. He declared:

“If what you say is true, then how could anyone refuse to follow it?”

Saad ibn Muadh (RA) then embraced Islam publicly and returned to his clan saying,

“O Banū ʿAbd al-Ashhal! Neither man nor woman among you shall speak to me until you believe in Allah and His Messenger.”

By evening, every member of his tribe had accepted Islam. Thus, Saʿd ibn Muʿādh became the reason his entire clan entered Islam.

Role in the Prophet’s Arrival at Madinah

When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah in 622 CE, Saʿd ibn Muʿādh was among the first to welcome him and pledge his full support. He promised to protect the Prophet ﷺ as they would protect their own families.

His home became one of the centers for the early Muslim community in Madinah. His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering faith made him one of the Prophet’s closest advisors among the Ansār.

Bravery in Battle

Saʿd ibn Muʿādh (RA) fought valiantly in all the major battles of Islam.

Battle of Badr (2 AH)

At Badr, the first major confrontation with Quraysh, the Prophet ﷺ consulted the companions about whether to fight. Saʿd (RA) stood up and said:

“Proceed, O Messenger of Allah, with what you intend, for we are with you. If you were to cross the sea, we would cross it with you, and not a single one of us would stay behind. Perhaps Allah will show you through us what will bring you delight. So, proceed with the blessings of Allah”, these words spoken by Sa’d ibn Mu’adh right before battle of Badr, were pleasing for our Prophet PBUH.

His words reflected the unwavering support of the Ansār and greatly pleased the Prophet ﷺ.

Battle of Uhud (3 AH) and the Trench (5 AH)

At Uhud, Saʿd (RA) displayed remarkable courage, defending the Prophet ﷺ amidst chaos when many fled. During the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq), he was one of the commanders overseeing the defense of Madinah.

In that battle, Saʿd(RA) was struck by an arrow that severed a vein in his arm. The Prophet ﷺ personally ordered that a tent be set up for him inside the mosque so that he could be cared for nearby.

When Sa’d RA became injured during this battle, he asked Allah -’O Allah, if you have decreed any more wars with Quraysh then let me live to fight with them since they expelled our Prophet ﷺ from his land. And if You have decreed that the war between us and the Quraysh is over, then make it for me as martyrdom. Allah answered his prayer and kept him alive to judge Banu Qurayzah.

Judgment in the Case of Banū Qurayẓah

During the battle of Ahzab, Medina was surrounded by Quraish and Muslims were running out of supplies.

Muslims were digging a trench around Medina to protect it from attack while they were threatened from inside the Medina by the tribe of Banu Qurayzah. Sa’d RA was very close to Banu Qurayzah from the days of jahiliyah and this betrayal from them really shook him from inside.

They even attacked the women and children of Muslims within Medina.

After the confederate tribes were defeated in the Battle of the Trench, the tribe of Banū Qurayẓah, who had betrayed their pact with the Muslims, were besieged.

Banu Qurayzah insisted on a judge other than Prophet ﷺ so Prophet asked them if they would accept Sa’d ibn Mu’adh as their judge. They accepted him as judge thinking of their old ties with him, imagining that Sa’d RA would uphold old tribal ties more than his new religion.

The Prophet ﷺ appointed Saʿd ibn Muʿādh (RA) — respected by all sides — to judge their case.

The Prophet PBUH asked him, “O Sa’d, judge the Banu Qurayzah”. Sa’d (RA), wanting to uphold justice for the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims for the harm they had suffered at the hands of Banu Qurayzah, ruled that the men of the tribe be killed.

Sa’d RA himself was on his death bed at the time he gave this judgment.

The Prophet ﷺ affirmed his judgment, saying:

“You have judged according to the judgment of Allah from above the seven heavens.”-Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

This decision upheld justice and reflected Saʿd’s fairness and deep understanding of divine law.

His Death and the Shaking of the Throne

Saʿd’s wound reopened after the siege of Banū Qurayẓah, and he died from excessive bleeding in 5 AH (627 CE). When the Prophet ﷺ was informed, his eyes filled with tears. He attended Saʿd’s funeral, saying:

“The Throne of the Most Merciful shook at the death of Saʿd ibn Muʿādh.” -Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

His funeral was attended by many angels, and the Prophet ﷺ personally carried his body to the grave.During his janaza, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that Sa’ad’s body felt as if it were floating when they carried it. They lifted his body and felt no weight to it. The hypocrites mocked, saying it was because he had no substance. The Prophet ﷺ responded, stating that it was because angels were carrying him.

Legacy and Character

Saʿd ibn Muʿādh (RA) lived as a Muslim for only six years, yet his impact was immense. His unwavering faith, justice, and loyalty made him one of the most honored companions. His leadership united the Ansār, strengthened the Prophet’s ﷺ position in Madinah, and demonstrated what true belief and courage mean in Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ once said about him:

“This is the man for whom the Throne of Allah shook, the gates of heaven were opened, and seventy thousand angels attended his funeral.” -Sunan an-Nasā’ī

Conclusion

Saʿd ibn Muʿādh’s (RA) life was short but shining. From a tribal leader to a martyr whose death was mourned by the heavens, his story remains one of faith, honor, and sacrifice. His unwavering devotion to the Prophet ﷺ and his readiness to uphold justice even in the most trying moments made him a role model for believers until the end of time.

The Prophet ﷺ was gifted a silk garment, and his companions started touching it and admiring its softness. He said, “Are you amazed at the softness of this? The handkerchiefs of Sa’d ibn Mu’adh in Paradise are better than this, or softer” (Sahih al-Bukhari).