Title: The Virtues of Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA): A Beacon of Valor and Faith
## **Title: The Virtues of Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA): A Beacon of Valor and Faith**
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### **Introduction**
Among the blessed companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, few shine as brightly in both battlefield glory and spiritual rank as **Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA)**. As one of the **Ashra Mubashsharah** — the ten companions given the glad tidings of Paradise during their lifetime — he was renowned for his bravery, sincerity, and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ. His life is a symbol of unwavering faith, military excellence, and divine favor.
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### **Early Life and Acceptance of Islam**
Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA), whose full name was **Saad ibn Malik ibn Wahib**, was from the noble tribe of **Quraysh**, the **Banu Zuhrah** clan — the same clan as **Amina bint Wahb**, the blessed mother of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This made him a close relative of the Prophet.
He was one of the earliest converts to Islam, embracing the new faith at the young age of 17.
> **Ibn Sa’d reports:**
> *“Saad was among the first seven to embrace Islam.” *
> 📚 *Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa’d*
He accepted Islam at the hands of **Abu Bakr (RA)** and remained steadfast despite the harsh persecution in Mecca.
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### **Unique Honor: First to Shed Blood for Islam**
Hazrat Saad (RA) was the **first person to shoot an arrow in defense of Islam**, during the early days in Mecca.
> The Prophet ﷺ said:
> **“Indeed, Saad was the first to shoot an arrow in the path of Allah.” **
> 📚 *Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3721*
He was also the **first** to be granted the honor of the Prophet ﷺ saying:
> **"May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O Saad!" **
> Hadith 2410, Sahih Muslim This powerful statement — "Fidaka Abi wa Ummi" — was never said for anyone else in this way.
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### **Devotion and Love for the Prophet ﷺ**
Hazrat Saad (RA) was among the closest companions of the Prophet ﷺ. His deep love and protection for the Messenger was unmatched. During the **Battle of Uhud**, when the Muslims were under immense pressure, Saad (RA) remained firm, shielding the Prophet ﷺ with his arrows.
He was encouraged by the Prophet, who personally gave him arrows and said, > **“Shoot, Saad! May my parents be sacrificed for you!” **
> 📚 *Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 4322*
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### **The Power of His Supplications (Du'as)**
Hazrat Saad (RA) was known as **Mustajab al-Da’wah** — *whose supplications are accepted*. The Prophet ﷺ made a special dua for him:
> **"O Allah! Direct Saad’s aim, and accept his supplications." **
> 📚 *Jami at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3751*
One famous incident narrates that a man falsely accused Saad (RA) during his governorship. Saad prayed against him, and the man was struck with a disease and died shortly after.
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### **Role in Battles: Bravery in Jihad**
Saad (RA) was a fearless warrior who participated in **all major battles**, including:
* Battle of Badr
* Battle of Uhud
* Battle of Khandaq
* The Hudaybiyyah Agreement * Conquest of Mecca
At Badr, he was among the leading archers. At Uhud, he stood firmly defending the Prophet ﷺ. His battlefield excellence earned him the title:
> **“The Lion of Islam”**
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### **Commander of the Battle of Qadisiyyah**
One of Hazrat Saad's (RA) greatest achievements came during the **Khilafat of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)**. He was appointed as the commander of the Muslim army against the **Sassanid Persian Empire** in the historic **Battle of Qadisiyyah (636 CE)**.
Despite suffering from illness, Saad (RA) led the battle from a reclining position, issuing commands and inspiring the army.
> **With his leadership, the Muslims crushed the Persian forces**, marking the beginning of Islam’s spread into Persia.
📚 *Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3*
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### **Founder of Kufa and Builder of Masjid Kufa**
After the conquest of Persia, Hazrat Umar (RA) appointed Saad (RA) as the **governor of Kufa** in Iraq. He established the city and built the **Masjid Kufa**, which became one of the greatest centers of Islamic learning in later centuries.
He ruled with justice, humility, and fairness. Non-Muslims and Muslims alike praised his honesty.
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### **Wealth and Simplicity**
Though blessed with wealth and success, Saad (RA) led a simple life. He avoided extravagance and focused on worship and humility.
> Someone once said, “You’re wealthy; why don’t you eat fine food?”
> He replied: **“I crave the hunger of the Hereafter more than the luxury of this world.” **
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### **Death and Legacy**
Hazrat Saad (RA) was the **last surviving veteran of the Battle of Badr**. He passed away in **55 AH (675 CE)** at the age of 83.
He requested to be buried in his old, worn-out **battle garments**, the same clothes he wore at the Battle of Badr.
> He was buried in **Jannat al-Baqi**, the sacred cemetery of Medina.
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### **Titles and Honors**
* **Ashra Mubashsharah** – One of ten promised Paradise
* **Sayyid al-Ramah** – Master Archer
*Al-Mujab ad-Da'wah – Whose prayers are granted * **Fateh-e-Qadisiyyah** – Victor of Qadisiyyah
Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, and Hudaybiyyah Sahabi ---
### **Poetic Tribute**
> **O Lion of Islam, with arrows that fly,**
> **You shielded the Prophet with love in your eye. **
> **When others faltered, you stood so bold,**
> **A warrior and a saint from long ago. **
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### **Image**
*Grave of Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA) — Guangzhou, China (Historical Attribution)*
> 📝 *Note: Though some traditions claim he was buried in China, the more authentic view is that he was buried in Jannat al-Baqi, Medina. *
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### **Authentic References (Hawalat)**
1. **Sahih Bukhari**, Hadith 3721, 4322
2. **Sahih Muslim**, Hadith 2410, 2475
3. **Jami at-Tirmidhi**, Hadith 3751
4. **Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra** by Ibn Sa’d
5. **Tarikh al-Tabari**, Vol. 3
6. Seera Ibn Hisham 7. **Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah** by Ibn Hajar
8. **Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya** by Ibn Kathir
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### **Conclusion**
Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA) was a man of unmatched devotion, courage, and faith. His life teaches us the value of sincere intention, unwavering belief, and dedication to the cause of Allah. From the deserts of Badr to the plains of Persia, his legacy continues to inspire millions across the globe.
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