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Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Rabee’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a distinguished Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). He belonged to the Khazraj tribe of Madeenah Munawwarah and was among those who pledged allegiance to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) during the pledge of ‘Aqabah. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also appointed him as one of the twelve leaders of the Ansaar. (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 293)

When the Muhaajireen arrived in Madeenah Munawwarah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) established the bond of brotherhood among the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). He paired Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Rabee’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) with Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) honoured this brotherhood with exceptional generosity, going far beyond what anyone could have expected.

Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said to his muhaajir brother, Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “I am among the wealthiest of the Ansaar. I will divide my wealth between us, giving you half of it. I have two wives, choose whichever of them you prefer, and I will divorce her. When her ‘iddah ends, you may marry her. Also choose whichever of my two gardens you wish.”

Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “May Allah bless you in your family and in your wealth. I have no need for your wife or your garden. I did not accept Islam for this!” Instead, he asked Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to direct him to the marketplace so that he could engage in trade and earn through his own effort. (Saheeh Bukhaari #2048, #2049 & #3781 and Al-Mu’jamul Kabeer #5407)

A few years later, during the Battle of Uhud, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “Who will bring me news of Sa’d bin Rabee’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), for I had seen twelve spears aimed at him?” One Sahaabi responded, “I will, O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)”. (According to various narrations, a few Sahaabah carried out this task, viz. Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka’b, Sayyiduna Zaid bin Thaabit and Sayyiduna Muhammad bin Maslamah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum]).

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instructed, “If you see him, convey my salaams to him, and tell him that the Messenger of Allah is inquiring about him.”

The Sahaabi moved among the martyrs calling out Sayyiduna Sa’d’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) name repeatedly. Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), however, did not respond immediately, being in the throes of death. When the Sahaabi said, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has sent me to you”, Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) faintly replied, “I am among the deceased”.

Eventually, the Sahaabi reached Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), who lay in the throes of death. His body bore seventy wounds from spears, swords, and arrows. The Sahaabi conveyed to him the message of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), passing on his salaams and inquiring about his condition.

Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “Peace be upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and upon you as well. Convey to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam): ‘O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! May Allah reward you, on our behalf, with the best reward He has ever granted a Nabi for his Ummah. I perceive the fragrance of Jannah!’” He further stated, “I have been speared twelve times.”

He then instructed the Sahaabi to inform his people, the Ansaar (radhiyallahu ‘anhum): “There is no excuse before Allah for any of you if harm reaches Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) while there is an eye among you that still blinks (i.e. remains alive)!” After delivering these words, Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) breathed his last.

The Sahaabi returned and informed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) of what had occurred. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) praised Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), saying: “May Allah have mercy upon him. He wished well for Allah and His Messenger, both in life and death.” (Muwatta Imaam Maalik #1691, Mustadrak Haakim #4906, Sharhuz Zurqaani vol. 2, pg. 445 and Usdul Ghabah vol. 2 pg. 294)

Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) left behind two daughters. (Sunan Abi Dawood #2892) On one occasion, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) visited Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who had spread out a cloth for a young girl to sit on. The girl was one of Sayyiduna Sa’d’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) daughters. When Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked about her identity, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “She is the daughter of a man who was better than both of us.” When Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked him who he was referring to, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “A man who passed away during the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and had prepared his abode in Jannah, while you and I remained (in this world).” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaa-id #15685 and Mustadrak Haakim #6553)

In another narration, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) further praised Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), stating, “He was among the leaders (appointed by Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]) on the day of ‘Aqabah, participated in the Battle of Badr, and was martyred at Uhud.” (Seerah Ibni Hishaam vol. 3, pg. 95)

Lessons:

1. Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) always wished well and remained loyal to Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). This was clearly reflected in his actions. While alive, he was prepared to give away his most precious possessions to uphold the brotherhood established by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Even on his deathbed, his primary concern was the well-being of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). His concern for Deen and everything related to it prevailed over any concern for his own well-being. We too must value our Deen, making it our greatest priority and willingly sacrificing for its sake.

2. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) fought valiantly, shedding their blood so that the Deen of Allah Ta‘ala may rise and flourish. They will be resurrected on the Day of Qiyaamah with their bodies bearing the marks of their sacrifice, thereby attaining the highest ranks in Jannah. Even in this world, martyrs are granted glimpses of the bounties of Jannah, as exemplified by Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The temporary suffering of this world is insignificant compared to the rewards Allah Ta‘ala bestows upon the martyrs.

3. Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Rabee’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) earned the praise and du‘aa of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) through his sacrifice and fervour for Deen. One who sacrifices sincerely for the cause of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) becomes deserving of the pleasure of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).