Know the Companions #6 - Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqaas رضي الله عنه

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

HIS NAME

He is Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas رضي الله عنه. [He is also known as Sa`d bin Maalik]. The Ameer, Abu Is-haaq (his kunya), al-Makkee; one of the 10 who were given the glad tidings of the Jannah; one of the first-ones, the foremost to embrace Islaam; one of those who witnessed Badr and al-Hudaibiyah; the first one to shoot an arrow in Allaah’s cause; and one of the six members of the Shura (the council which was elected by `Umar رضي الله عنه).

Abi Waqqaas is the kunya of Sa`d’s father.  Abi Waqqaas’ real name is Maalik bin Uhaib bin `Abd Manaaf bin Zahrah bin Kalaab bin Murrah bin Ka`b bin Luai. (Sometimes a book will refer to Sa`d using his father’s kunya as “Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas” and others will refer to him with his father’s real name as “Sa`d bin Maalik” and this causes confusion to the reader. But whatever name is used, it is one and the same person).

The ancestry of Sa`d and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم meets at Kalaab bin Murrah.

Sa`eed bin Musayyib reported from Sa`d that the said: “O Messenger of Allaah, who am I?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Sa`d bin Maalik bin Uhaib bin `Abd Manaaf, and whoever says other than this, upon him is the curse of Allaah.” [reported by al-Haithamee in Majma` al-Zawaaid (9/156)]

Ibn Sa`d said: Sa`d’s mother was Hamnah bint Sufyaan bin Umayyah bin `Abd Shams bin `Abd Manaf and she did not accept Islaam.

Sha`bee reported from Jaabir that he said: We were with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم when he embraced Sa`d bin Maalik and said: “This is my maternal uncle.”

The Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم mother was Zahriyah (i.e. from the tribe of Zahrah). She was Aaminah bint Wahab bin `Abd Manaf; the cousin (the daughter of the uncle) of Abi Waqqaas.

HIS PHYSICAL FEATURES

`Aishah bint Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas said: My father was a short man, who waddled while walking.

AMONGST THE FOREMOST TO EMBRACE ISLAAM & A FIRM BELIEVER

Ibn Mandah said: Sa`d embraced Islaam when he was only 17 years old.

Narrated `Aamir bin Sa`d from his father: No doubt, (for some time) I stood for one-third of the Muslims. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3520)]

Narrated Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas: No man embraced Islam before the day on which I embraced Islam, and no doubt, I remained for seven days as one third of the then extant Muslims. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3521)]

Narrated Sa`d: I was one of (the first) seven (who had embraced Islam) with Allaah's Apostle and we had nothing to eat then, except the leaves of the Habala or Hubula tree, so that our stool used to be similar to that of sheep. Now the tribe of Bani Asad wants to teach me Islam; I would be a loser and all my efforts would be in vain (if I learn Islam anew from them). [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5412)]

Ibn Hajr said: The apparent meaning of his (Sa`d’s) saying: “No man embraced Islam before the day on which I embraced Islam”, is that there was no one before him who had embraced Islaam; but there is a difference on these wordings. And as for his saying “I stood for one-third of the Muslims” is because of what had reached him. The reason is that in the beginning, whoever embraced Islaam used to keep it a secret. Therefore by the other two, he meant Khadeejah and Abu Bakr or it could be the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and Abu Bakr, as Khadijah had already embraced Islaam and he was only specifying the men. As has already been mentioned in the Hadeeth of `Ammaar that when he embraced Islaam he said: “I saw Allaah's Apostle , and the only converts (to Islaam) with him, were five slaves and Abu Bakr.” And this opposes the Hadeeth of Sa`d. So, these two Hadeeth are reconciled when the 5 slaves mentioned as well as Ali رضي الله عنه are omitted.

As for his saying: “I was one of (the first) seven (who had embraced Islam) with Allaah's Apostle”, in it there is an indication that he was among the earliest ones to embrace Islaam. And Ibn Abi Khaithumah reported that the seven mentioned here are Abu Bakr, `Uthmaan, `Alee, Zaid bin Haarithah, Zubair, `Abdul-Rahmaan bin `Auf and Sa`d Ibn Abi Waqqaas. The 4 men embraced Islaam because of the Da`wah of Abu Bakr to them in the beginning of the Prophet-hood. As for `Alee and Zaid bin Haarithah, then they had accepted Islaam directly from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. [Ibn Hajr in Fath al-Baaree]

Imaam Muslim recorded in his Saheeh that Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas who said: "There was a group of six of us gathered with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. The idolaters said, `Tell these people to leave (the gathering) so that they will not offend us.' There was myself, Ibn Mas`ood, a man from Hudayl, Bilal and two other men whose names I have forgotten. Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم thought to himself about whatever Allaah willed he should think about, then Allaah revealed: {And turn not away those who invoke their Lord, morning and afternoon.} [Surah al-An`aam (6): 52] [Saheeh Muslim (2413)]

Aby Yu`laa reported in his “Musnad” on the authority of Abi `Uthmaan that Sa`d said: “This ayah was revealed about me: {but if they (the parents) strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.}” Sa`d said: “I was good to my mother. But when I embraced Islaam, she said: “O Sa`d! What is this new religion that you have invented? You better turn away from this religion of yours or otherwise, I won’t eat or drink till I die.” She rebuked me saying that they (the people) will call me: “The killer of his mother.” I said: “O mother! Do not do this. Nothing can make me turn away from this religion.” So a day and night passed and she did not eat nor drink. So (the next morning) she woke up, and started doing the same. When I saw this, I said: “O my mother! By Allaah! Know that even if you had a hundred souls; and were each soul to depart one at a time, I would not turn away from my religion. If you wish, you may eat, if you don’t, then do not eat.” When she saw my stance, she ate.” [Tafseer Ibn Katheer (31):15]

THE ONE FOR WHOM THE PROPHET PRAYED FOR & THE ONE WHO’S SUPPLICATIONS WERE ANSWERED

Sa`d bin Maalik said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Allaah! Respond to Sa`d when he supplicates to you.” [Tirmidhee (3751), Authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

`Ikrimah reported on the authority of Ibn `Abbaas that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said on the day of Uhud: “O Allaah! Respond to (the supplications of) Sa`d” three times.

It was said to Sa`d when was your supplication answered? He said on the day of Badr I was shooting and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was next to me. I would put an arrow in the bow and would supplicate: “O Allaah! Shake the earth beneath their feet, and pour fear into their heats, and do such and such to them.” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Allaah! Respond to Sa`d’s (prayer)” [al-Haithamee in Majma` al-Zawaaid (9/156)]

Hasheem narrated on the authority of Abi Muslim, on the authority of Mus`ab bin Sa`d that a man was insulting `Alee. Sa`d forbade him from doing so, but the man did not stop. So Sa`d invoked Allaah against him. Soon afterwards, a camel came and crushed the man till he died.

This incident has been narrated through many routes. It was reported by Ibn Abi al_Dunyaa in “Mujaabee al-Da`wah” (The one whose prayers are accepted). And similarly it was reported by al-Zubair bin Bakaar, as well as by Abu Kurayb.

And Ibn Jad`aan reported on the authority of Ibn al-Musayyib that a man was insulting `Alee, Talhah and al-Zubair. Sa`d forbade him and said: “Do not speak bad against by brothers.” But the man refused. So Sa`d stood and prayed 2 Raka`aat and supplicated (against the man). A camel came in the midst of the people (in search for the man). Then It attacked the man, and started kicking him till he died. And I (Ibn al-Musayyib) saw people following Sa`d saying to him: “Glad tidings to you O Abu Is-haaq! Your supplication has been asnwered.”

ONE OF THE TEN WHO RECEIVED THE GLAD TIDINGS OF THE JANNAH

`Abdul Rahmaan ibn al-Akhnas said that when he was in the Masjid, a man cursed `Alee رضي الله عنه. So Sa`eed ibn Zayd got up and said: I bear witness to the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم that I heard him say: “Ten persons will go to Paradise: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم will go to Paradise, Abu Bakr will go to Paradise, `Umar will go to Paradise, `Uthmaan will go to Paradise, `Alee will go to Paradise, Talhah will go to Paradise, al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam will go to Paradise, Sa`d ibn Maalik will go to Paradise, and `Abdul Rahmaan ibn `Awf will go to Paradise.” If I wish, I can mention the tenth. The People asked: Who is he? So he kept silence. The again asked: Who is he: He replied: He is “Sa`eed ibn Zayd”. [Abu Dawood (4649) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Rayaah ibn al-Harith said: I was sitting with someone (in the narration of Ahmad, it was mentioned that he was Mugheerah bin Shu`aib) in the Masjid of Koofah while the people of Koofah were with him. Then Sa`eed ibn Zayd ibn `Amr ibn Nufayl came and he (Mugheerah) welcomed him, greeted him, and seated him near his foot on the throne. Then a man of the inhabitants of Koofah, called Qays ibn `Alqamah, came. He (Mugheerah) received him and (the man) began to abuse him. Sa`eed asked: Whom is this man abusing? He replied: He is cursing `Alee. He said: Don't I see that the companions of the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم are being abused, but you (Mugheerah) neither stop it nor do anything about it? I heard the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم say--and I need not say for him anything which he did not say, and then he would ask me tomorrow when I see him –“Abu Bakr will go to Paradise and `Umar will go to Paradise `Uthmaan will go to Paradise, `Alee will go to Paradise, Talhah will go to Paradise, al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam will go to Paradise, Sa`d ibn Maalik will go to Paradise, and `Abdul Rahmaan ibn `Awf will go to Paradise.” If I wish, I can mention the tenth. The People asked: Who is he? So he kept silence. The again asked: Who is he: He replied: He is Sa`eed ibn Zayd.  He then said: The company of one of the man whose face has been covered with dust while in the companionship of the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم is better than the actions of one of you for a whole life time even if he is granted the life-span of Noah. [Abu Dawood (4650), Tirmidhee (3748), Ibn Majah (110) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee. Also authenticated by Shaikh Ahmad Shaakir in Musnad of Imaam Ahmad (3/108)]

Narrated `Abdul Rahmaan ibn `Awf: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Abu Bakr will go to Paradise, `Umar will go to Paradise, `Uthmaan will go to Paradise, `Alee will go to paradise. Talhah will go to Paradise, al-Zubayr will go to Paradise, `Abdul Rahmaan ibn Awf will go to Paradise, Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqaas will go to Paradise, Sa`eed ibn Zayd will go to Paradise, and Abu `Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah will go to Paradise.” [Tirmidhee (3747) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Abu Yu`laa mentioned in his “Musnad” with his chain from Nafi` that Ibn `Umar said: “We were sitting with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he said: “From this gate will enter upon you a person who is from the people of Paradise.” Thereupon Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqaas appeared.” [also reported by al-`Uqailee in “al-Dhu`afaa al-Kabeer (2/289) and it is weak]

On the authority of Abi Saleh al-Ghifaaree that `Abdullaah bin `Amr said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “One of the person from the people will be the first one to enter from this door.” Thereupon Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas entered.” [Musnad Ahmad (12/26), graded weak by Shaikh Ahmad Shaakir]

Anas bin Maalik said: “We were sitting with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, he said: “Now a person from the people of Paradise will appear to you.” Thereupon Sa`d appeared.”

`Aaisah bint Sa`d reported that her father said: “The food was served in front of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Allaah! Supply with this food to the slave whom You love and who loves You.” Thereupon Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas appeared. [Al-Bazzaar (4/46/1210) and Shaikh Al-Albaanee said in al-Saheehah (3317) the chain of this narration is Jayyid (good)]

HIS ZUHD (ASCETICISM)

Narrated `Aamer bin Sa`d that Sa'd was in the fold of his camels and his son `Umar came to him. When Sa'd saw him he said: I seek refuge with Allaah from the mischief of this rider. And as he got down he said to him: You are busy with your camels and your sheep and you have abandoned people who are contending with one another for kingdom. Sa'd struck his chest and said: Keep quite. I heard Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Allaah loves the servant who is God-conscious and is free from want and is hidden (from the view of people)”. [Saheeh Muslim (2965)]

Imaam Ahmad reported in his “Musnad” on the authority of Abi Umamah who said: “We were sitting with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم so remembered and spoke about the things which soften the heart. Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqaas started weeping excessively and said: “I wish I were dead.” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Sa`d! You express your desire to die in my presence?” And he repeated that three times. The he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Sa`d! If you were created for the Jannah, then your long life or (the increase in) your good deeds, are only beneficial for you.” [Graded as “Dha`eef by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh (1557)]

HIS ADHERENCE TO THE SUNNAH

Narrated Jabir bin Samurah: `Umar said to Sa`d, "The people complained against you in everything, even in prayer." Sa`d replied: "Really I used to prolong the first two Rak`at and shorten the last two and I will never shorten the prayer in which I follow Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم." 'Umar said, "You are telling the truth and that is what I think about you." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (737) and Muslim (453), Abu Dawood (803]

Narrated Jabir bin Samurah: The People of Koofah complained against Sa'd to 'Umar and the latter dismissed him and appointed 'Ammar as their chief . They lodged many complaints against Sa'd and even they alleged that he did not pray properly. 'Umar sent for him and said, "O Aba Is-haaq! These people claim that you do not pray properly." Abu Is-haaq said, "By Allaah, I used to pray with them a prayer similar to that of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم and I never reduced anything of it. I used to prolong the first two Rakat of 'Isha prayer and shorten the last two Rakat." 'Umar said, "O Aba Is-haaq, this was what I thought about you." And then he sent one or more persons with him to Koofah so as to ask the people about him. So they went there and did not leave any Masjid without asking about him. All the people praised him till they came to the Masjid of the tribe of Bani 'Abs; one of the men called Usama bin Qatada with a surname of Aba Sa'da stood up and said, "As you have put us under an oath; I am bound to tell you that Sa'd never went himself with the army and never distributed (the war booty) equally and never did justice in legal verdicts." (On hearing it) Sa'd said, "I pray to Allaah for three things: O Allaah! If this slave of yours is a liar and got up for showing off, give him a long life, increase his poverty and put him to trials." (And so it happened). Later on when that person was asked how he was, he used to reply that he was an old man in trial as the result of Sa'd's curse. 'Abdul Malik, the sub narrator, said that he had seen him afterwards and his eyebrows were overhanging his eyes owing to old age and he used to tease and assault the small girls in the way. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (722)]

Shareek reported from Abi Is-haaq that he said: the companions who were very strict are four: `Umar, `Alee, al-Zubair, and Sa`d.

HIS KNOWLEDGE

Muhammad bin Sa`d reported from his father that he said: "I passed by `Uthmaan bin `Affan رضي الله عنه in the Masjid, and greeted him. He stared at me but did not return my Salam. I went to `Umar bin Al-Khattab and said: `O Commander of the faithful, has something happened in Islam?' I said that twice. He said, `No, why do you ask' I said, `I passed by `Uthmaan a short while ago in the Masjid and greeted him, and he stared at me but he did not return my Salam.' `Umar sent for `Uthmaan and asked him, `Why did you not return your brother's Salam' He said, `That is not true.' Sa`d said, `Yes it is.' It reached the point where they both swore oaths. Then `Uthmaan remembered and said, `Yes, you are right, I seek the forgiveness of Allaah and I repent to Him. You passed by me a short while ago but I was preoccupied with thoughts of something I had heard from the Messenger of Allaah , which I never think of but a veil comes down over my eyes and my heart.' Sa`d said: `And I will tell you what it was. The Messenger of Allaah told us the first part of the supplication then a bedouin came and kept him busy, then the Messenger of Allaah got up and I followed him. When I felt worried that he would enter his house, I stamped my feet. I turned to the Messenger of Allaah, who said, “Who is this? (Is it) Abu Is-haaq?” I said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allaah.'' He said, “What is the matter?” I said, "Nothing, by Allaah, except that you told us the first part of the supplication, then this bedouin came and kept you busy.'' He said, “Yes, the supplicaiton of Dhun-Nun when he was in the belly of the fish: لا إله إلا أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظالمين {There is no worthy of being worshiped but You, Glorified be You! Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers.} No Muslim ever prays to his Lord with these words for anything, but He will answer his prayer.” [Musnad Ahmad (3/36) and Authenticated by Shaikh Ahmad Shaakir. It was also recorded by Al-Tirmidhee (3505) but without the conversation between Sa`d and `Uthmaan and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


Narrated `Abdullaah bin `Umar: Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas said, “The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم passed wet hands over his Khuffs.” `Abdullaah bin `Umar asked `Umar (ibn al-Khattaab) about it. `Umar replied in the affirmative and added, "Whenever Sa'd narrates a Hadith from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, there is no need to ask anyone else about it." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (202)]

Those who narrated from him were Ibn `Abbaas, `Aishah, Ibn `Abbaas, Al-Saaib bin Yazeed, his own chidren: `Aamir, `Umar, Muhammad, Mus`ab, Ibraheem, `Aishah. Others who narrated from him are Qais bin Abi Haazim, Sa`eed bin al-Musayyib, Abu `Uthmaan al-Nahdee, `Amr bin Maimoon, Ahnaf bin al-Qais, `Alqamah bin al-Qais, Mujaahid, `Urwah bin al-Zubair, and many others.

THE FIRST TO SHOOT FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAAH

Narrated Qais: I heard Sa`d saying: "I was the first amongst the Arabs who shot an arrow for Allaah's Cause. We used to fight along with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, while we had nothing to eat except the leaves of trees so that one's excrete would look like the excrete balls of camel or a sheep, containing nothing to mix them together. Today Banu Asad’s tribe blames me for not having understood Islam. I would be a loser if my deeds were in vain." Those people complained about Sa`d to 'Umar, claiming that he did not offer his prayers perfectly. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3522), Muslim (2966)]

Yunus bin Bakeer narrated from `Uthmaan bin `Abdul-Rahmaan al-Waqqaasee that Al-Zuhree said: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had sent an army, in which Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas was also present, to a place in Hijaaz known as Rabigh, which was closer to al-Juhfaa. The Mushriks surrounded the Muslims. So, Sa`d chased them away by (shooting) his arrows. And this was the first fighting in Islaam.

THE HONORED ONE

Narrated `Alee: I have never heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioning both his father and mother for anybody other than Sa`d. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2905, 6184), Muslim (2411, 2412)]

Narrated `Alee: I never saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "Let my parents sacrifice their lives for you," to any man after Sad. I heard him saying (to him), "Throw (the arrows)! Let my parents sacrifice their lives for you." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4059)]

Narrated Sa`eed ibn al-Musayyib that Sa`d said: On the day of the battle of Uhud the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned for me both his parents (i.e. saying, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you.") [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3519/3725, 4056)]

On the authority of `Alee bin Zayd that al-Hasan said: When there was turmoil amongst the people. A man came and asked for the best amongst the companions. He would not ask anyone except that he was pointed towards Sa`d bin Maalik.

Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqaas said: "Four ayaats were revealed about me. The first was when my mother swore she would neither eat nor drink until I left Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Allaah Almighty revealed, {But if they try to make you associate something with Me about which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. Keep company with them correctly and courteously in this world.} [Surah Luqmaan (31): 15] The second was when I took a sword that I admired and said, 'Messenger of Allaah, give me this!' Then the ayah was revealed: {They will ask you about booty.} [Surah al-Anfaal (8):1] The third was when I was ill and the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم came to me and I said, 'Messenger of Allaah, I want to divide my property. Can I will away a half?' He said, 'No.' 'A third?' I asked. He was silent and so after that it was allowed to will away a third. The fourth was when I had been drinking wine with some of the Ansaar. One of them hit my nose with the jawbone of a camel. I went to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and Allaah Almighty revealed the prohibition of wine." [Adab al-Murad of Imaam al-Bukhaaree (24) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

`Amr bin Maimoon reported that when `Umar was attacked (and he was on his death bed), he made a council of 6 men to appoint the caliph and said: “Whomever you choose, will be the caliph after me. If Sa`d is chosen (then it is good). But if someone else is chosen as a caliph, then he should seek Sa`d’s help; for verily I did not remove him from his post in al-Koofah for any weakness in him or treachery.

A BRAVE WARRIOR & A GOOD SHOOTER

Ibn Mas`ood said: I saw Sa`d fighting on the Day of Badr like a knight among men. [Reported by al-Shawkaanee in Manaaqib al-Sahaabah (187) and its chain is good]

Narrated `Aishah: One night the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was unable to sleep and said, "Would that a righteous man from my companions guarded me tonight." Suddenly we heard the clatter of arms, whereupon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Who is it?" It was said, "I am Sa`d, O Allaah's Apostle! I have come to guard you." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then slept so soundly that we heard him snoring. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (7231), Muslim (2410)]

`Aamir bin Sa`d reported from his father that he said: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم refused to let `Umair bin Abi Waqqaas to participate in the battle of Badr, because he was still young (to participate). So `Umair started weeping, so the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم allowed him, and he was made in charge to carry his صلى الله عليه وسلم sword. I participated in Badr and there was not a single hair (i.e. beard or mustache) on my face.

Narrated Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم took out a quiver (of arrows) for me on the day of Uhud and said, "Throw (arrows); let my father and mother be sacrificed for you." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4055)]

`Aamir bin Sa`d reported on the authority of his father that Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم gathered for him, on the day of Uhud, his parents when a polytheist had set a fire to (i.e. attacked fiercely) the Muslims. Thereupon Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said to him: “Shoot an arrow, may my mother and father be taken as ransom for you.” I drew an arrow and I shot a featherless arrow at him, aiming at his side, he fell down and his private parts were exposed. Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم laughed that I saw his front teeth.” [Saheeh Muslim 5932]

`Abdullaah bin Mus`ab reported from Moosa bin `Uqbah on the authority of Ibn Shihaab who said: Sa`d killed (many) with his arrows on the Day of Uhud. He shot it and killed (the first one). So they retaliated and started shooting at him. So Sa`d took another arrow and shot at them, and killed another one. They again retaliated. He shot it the third time and again killed another one. The people were amazed by what he had done. [The chain of this narration is broken]

Ibn al-Musayyib said: He was a good shooter. And I heard him saying: “Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم gathered for me his parents on the day of Uhud.” [Part of it is mentioned in Al-Bukhaaree. Al-Haafidh Ibn `Asaakir mentioned this from 10 different routes (chain of narrations). And he (Ibn `Asaakir) reported the Hadeeth of Ibn Abi Khaalid on the authority of Qais from 17 different routes with the similar wordings. And he also reported the Hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn Shaddaad on the authority of `Alee that he said: “I have never heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioning both his father and mother for anybody other than Sa`d” from 16 different routes.]

Narrated Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas: I saw Allaah's Apostle on the day of the battle of Uhud accompanied by two men fighting on his behalf. They were dressed in white and were fighting as bravely as possible. I had never seen them before, nor did I see them later on. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4054), Muslim (2306)]

Narrated `Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood: “I, `Ammaar, and Sa`d became partners (and share) in what we would receive on the day of Badr. Sa`d then brought two prisoners, but I and `Ammaar did not bring anything. [Abu Dawood (3388), Nasa’ee (4711), Ibn Majah (453), and declared weak by Shaikh al-Albaanee as the chain of narration is broken]

Al-Haithamee narrated “Al-Majma` al-Zawaaid” that Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas said: “On the day of Uhud, al-Miqdaad sad to me, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is calling you. I asked him, where is he? And he pointed out to me (the direction). I went to him as if I was in no pain (from the wounds). He صلى الله عليه وسلم said to me: “O Sa`d! Where were you?” and made me sit in front of him. I started shooting the arrows and was saying: “O Allaah! I am shooting these arrows at your enemies.” And the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was saying: “O Allaah! Respond to the supplications of Sa`d. O Allaah! (Guide his) shooting to hit (the target). O Sa`d my father and mother be ransom for you.” So, whenever I was shooting the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would say: “O Allaah! (Guide his) shooting to hit (the target), and answer supplications of Sa`d.” Until when I ran out of the arrows, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم passed me his quiver full of arrows. And he gave me an arrow which had no feathers, and it was more accurate than the others. Al-Zuhree said: On that day, Sa`d had shot a thousand arrows. [al-Haithamee in “Majma` al-Zawaaid (6/116) but this narration is weak as in it there is `Uthmaan bin `Abdul Rahmaan al-Waqqaasee and he is abandoned)

Is-haaq bin Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqaas reported from his father that he said: “During the battle of Uhud, `Abdullaah came to me and said, “Won’t you come (with me) so that we supplicate to Allaah تعالى?” So we moved aside and I prayed, “O Lord! When we meet the enemy tomorrow, let me meet a man of great strength and of enormous fury. I fight him and he fights me. Then grant me victory over him that I might kill him and acquire spoils from him.” To my prayer, `Abdullaah said “Aameen” and then he prayed: “O my Lord! Let me meet a man of great strength and enormous fury. I fight him and he fights me. He shall take me and cut off my nose and ears and when I meet You on the morrow You will say, "For what were your nose and ear cut off?" And I would reply, "For Your sake and for the sake of Your Prophet." And then You would say, “You have spoken the truth…” Sad continues the story: “The prayer of `Abdullaah ibn Jahsh was better than mine. I saw him at the end of the day. He was killed and mutilated and his nose and his ear were hung on a thread. [Reported by al-Haithamee in “Majma` al-Zawaaid” (9/304) and said the men (in the chain of narration) is of al-Saheeh, and al-`Iraaqee in “Takhreej al-Ihyaa” (5/47) said its chain is Jayyid (good)]

From the virtues of Sa`d is that `Iraaq was conquered under his command. And he was the leader of the army on day of the battle of al-Qadisiyyah, and Allaah aided His religion. He was also the leader of the people on the day of Jaloolaa’ and they were victorious.

Khaleefah bin Khayaatt said: The battle of al-Qaadisiyyah took place in the year 15 Hijri, and Sa`d was was their leader. And in the year 21 Hijri, the people of Koofah complained about Sa`d to `Umar bin al-Khattaab. So, `Umar removed him from his post.

Al-Laith bin Sa`d said: The conquest of Jaloolaa’ was in the year 19 Hijri. The victory was achieved under the leadership of Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas.

The Magians were killed miserably in the battle of Jaloolaa’. The war booty which was acquired was 30,000,000 dirhams.

Abu Waail said: I heard that Jaloolaa’ was one of the biggest conquests.

HIS STANCE DURING THE TIME OF THE FITNAH

Abu Na`eem reports that Husain bin Khaarijah said: When `Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was martyred, and the fitnah (the fighting between the factions of `Alee and Mu`aawiyah) had confused me (as to whose side I should choose). So I prayed: “O Allaah show me the truth so that I stick to it.” In my dream I was shown the World and the Hereafter, and between them there was a wall. I crossed the wall, I saw a man, and there were some people, and they said: “We are the Angels.” I asked: “Where are the martyrs?” They asked me to ascend. I ascended till I saw Muhammad and Ibraaheem عليهم الصلاة والسلام. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to Ibraaheem: “Seek forgiveness for my Ummah.” He said: “You don’t know what they have done after you. They have spilled blood their blood and killed their Imaam (i.e. `Uthmaan). Do they not do what my Khaleel (friend) Sa`d has done?” So, when I woke up, I approached Sa`d and narrated to him my dream and he was very happy and said: “Destroyed is he who is not the Khaleel of Ibraaheem عليه السلام.” So I asked him: “Which faction are you with?” He said: “I am with none of them.” I asked him: “What do you advise me?” He said: “Do you have any sheep?” I said: “No.” He said: “Go buy some sheep and be with them (i.e. be in the wilderness grazing them).”

On the authority of `Alee bin Zayd that al-Hasan said: When there was turmoil amongst the people. A man came and asked for the best amongst the companions. He would not ask anyone except that he was pointed towards Sa`d bin Maalik.

Al-Dhahabee said: Sa`d stayed away from the Fitnah. He did not participate in the battles of the Jamal, nor the Siffeen, and neither of al-Tahkeem. He was worthy of being their leader, a man of great honor رضي الله عنه.

HIS DEATH

Narrated `Aamir bin Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas: That his father said, "In the year of the last Hajj of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم I became seriously ill and the Prophet used to visit me inquiring about my health. I told him, 'I am reduced to this state because of illness and I am wealthy and have no inheritors except a daughter. Should I give two-thirds of my property in charity?' He said, 'No.' I asked, 'Half?' He said, 'No.' then he added, 'One-third, and even one-third is much. You'd better leave your inheritors wealthy rather than leaving them poor, begging others. You will get a reward for whatever you spend for Allaah's sake, even for what you put in your wife's mouth.' I said, 'O Allaah's Apostle! Will I be left alone after my companions have gone?' He said, 'If you are left behind, whatever good deeds you will do will upgrade you and raise you high. And perhaps you will have a long life so that some people will be benefited by you while others will be harmed by you. O Allaah! Complete the emigration of my companions and do not turn them renegades.' But Allash's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم felt sorry for poor Sa`d bin Khaulah as he died in Makkah." (but Sa`d bin Abi Waqqas lived long after the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.)

Narrated Sa'd: “I became seriously ill at Makkah and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came to visit me. I said, "O Allaah's Apostle! I shall leave behind me a good fortune, but my heir is my only daughter; shall I bequeath two thirds of my property to be spent in charity and leave one third (for my heir)?" He said, "No." I said, "Shall I bequeath half and leave half?" He said, "No." I said, "Shall I bequeath one third and leave two thirds?" He said, "One third is alright, though even one third is too much." Then he placed his hand on his forehead and passed it over my face and abdomen and said, "O Allaah! Cure Sa'd and complete his emigration." I feel as if I have been feeling the coldness of his hand on my liver ever since. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5659)]

Al-Zuhree said: When death approached Sa`d, he asked that his woolen dress be brought to him. He said: I met (fought) the Mushriks on the day of Badr wearing this dress, and I had hidden it for this day.

On the authority of al-Nouman bin Raashid from al-Zuhree that `Aamer bin Sa`d said: Sa`d was the last of the Muhaajirs (Imigrants) to die.

Ibn Mandah said: Sa`d embraced Islaam when he was only 17 years old. He was short, and used to waddle while walking. He died in al-`aqeeq in his home, about 70 miles from al-Madeenah, in the year 55 Hijri. He was buried in al-Baqee, and Marwaan bin al-Hakam led his funeral prayer.  He was the last of the ten (who received the glad tidings) to die in the year 55 Hijri. He was 83 years old, others say he was 82.

He has narrated a good number of Ahaadeeth. In “Musnad of Baqee bin Mukhlad”, there are 270 Ahaadeeth reported from Sa`d. From that, a total of 38 Ahaadeeth are reported in al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim together reported 15 Ahaadeeth. While al-Bukhaaree individually recorded 5 Ahaadeeth; Muslim individually reported 18 Ahaadeeth.

References:

الإصابة في تمييز الصحابة – لإبن الحجر الأسقلاني

أسد الغابة في معرفة الصحابة – لإبن الأثير

الاستيعاب في معرفة الأصحاب - لإبن عبد البر

سير اعلام النبلاء – إمام الذهبي