Men of Excellence
In today’s sermon, His Holiness (aba) continued mention of Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra).
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) took part in the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaibar and also in the treaty of Hudabiyyah and the Conquest of Mecca. He was a very skilled archer. Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) narrates that they had to endure extremely difficult circumstances, and at times, would hardly have anything to eat during these battles except for some thorny branches.
Sariyya [expedition] Ubaida bin Harith
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) was the first to shed blood in the cause of Islam and was the first to let an arrow fly in the way of Islam during the Sariyya of Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith. The Holy Prophet (sa) had sent a group of Muslims to find out about the conspiracies the Meccans were planning against the Muslims. Upon encountering a group of Meccans, there was a slight exchange in which arrows were launched from either side; but there was no fighting further to this.
Sariyya Abdullah bin Jahsh
His Holiness (aba) stated that Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) also took part in the Sariyya of Abdullah bin Jahsh. Again, the Holy Prophet (sa) desired to gain more knowledge of the secret planning of the Meccans in order to make the necessary precautions and protect Madinah. In fact, the Holy Prophet (sa) had not even told this party of eight where they were going and for what purpose, rather, he gave them a letter which he told them to open after having travelled for two days. Upon opening the letter they learned that the Holy Prophet (sa) desired for them to go to Nakhla and find out about the planning of the Meccans. On their way, Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) and another companion, Hazrat Utbah (ra), lost their camels and could not find them.
His Holiness (aba) referenced Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) in responding to the false light cast on this incident by Mr Margoliouth who asserts that they lost their camels on purpose, however every incident from their lives refutes such a notion as they were always present for the service of Islam.
The remaining group continued on and was confronted by a group of Meccans, at which point they attacked and killed one of them. The Holy Prophet (sa) was very displeased, as he had not sent them to fight, that too in one of the sacred months. The Meccans had demanded the return of the captives taken in this incident, however the Holy Prophet (sa) feared that something may happen to Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) and Hazrat Utbah (ra) who had yet to return. And so he said that until these two companions of his do not return, he will not release those captives
Rider of Islam
His Holiness (aba) said that during the Battle of Badr, despite being on foot, Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) fought very bravely – to the extent that he became known as Faris-ul-Islam, or the Rider of Islam.
Bravery in Battle of Uhud
His Holiness (aba) said that during the Battle of Uhud, the brother of Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) was fighting from the Meccan side and injured the Holy Prophet (sa) whereby he lost two of his teeth as well. Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) said that after this, he desired to kill his brother in battle with such fervor as he had never felt before. He only abandoned this pursuit when the Holy Prophet (sa) stopped him.
‘May my parents be sacrificed for you’
There is a narration stating that the Holy Prophet (sa) would hand Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) arrows during the Battle of Uhud and he would continue to launch them. It is also narrated that the Holy Prophet (sa) said to him, ‘May my parents be sacrificed for you, continue to launch arrows.’ It was an esteemed honour conferred by the Holy Prophet (sa) who said such words, which are narrated to have been said only to Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) or perhaps one other companion. It is said that Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) launched a thousand arrows during the Battle of Uhud.
A Lesson in Giving Alms
At the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) was one of the companions who signed the treaty as a witness. During the conquest of Mecca, Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) was holding one of the three flags of the Muhajireen. At the time of the farewell pilgrimage he fell ill. When the Holy Prophet (sa) went to visit him, it is narrated that Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) only had one daughter as a heir, and asked if he could give 2/3 of his wealth in alms. The Holy Prophet (sa) refused. He asked if he could give half of his wealth in alms which the Holy Prophet (sa) refused. When he asked if he could give 1/3, the Holy Prophet (sa) agreed saying that even 1/3 was plenty. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that it would be better to leave one’s children with wealth as opposed to leaving them in poverty lest they go around asking for money, and he said whatever he had spent would be accepted by God. The Holy Prophet (sa) also told him that he would live longer than him and that nations would benefit from him.
His Holiness (aba) presented further narrations on the subject of the amount of wealth that can be given in alms, citing a narration in which the Holy Prophet (sa) said that some give all their wealth in alms but then are left in an impoverished state, therefore alms are to be given from surplus wealth.
Battle of Qadsiyya
His Holiness (aba) related a narration which states that once while hunting, the Holy Prophet (sa) placed his hand on Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) and prayed ‘O God, let his aim never miss.’ Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) also had a great hand in garnering victory for Islam in various parts of Iraq. When an army was to go out to fight against the army of Kisra [Chosroes] during the time of Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) was elected to lead the Muslim army. Hazrat Umar (ra) lauded him by saying that ‘He is a brave man and excellent archer.’ He led an army of nearly 30, 000 to Qadsiyya. First according to the instructions of Hazrat Umar (ra), the Muslims invited the king Yazdegerd and the disbelievers to Islam. However he responded by saying that they were a lowly nation and a lowly people who were like wild beasts, and offered that he would give them enough food and clothes by which they would live comfortable lives, and in turn should leave him alone to continue on usurping lands and borders. However the Muslims responded that though they had once been as he described, God blessed them with His grace, and they were in no need for such worldly allures. This angered Yazdegerd who said that now there most certainly would be a battle. In the coming years, Islam would garner victory in Iran.
His Holiness (aba) noted that this change which was brought about in them had been due to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the profound impact it had on the hearts of such people who once had no inclination towards God.
His Holiness (aba) said that further mention of Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) would continue in the following Sermon.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness (aba) said that he would offer the funeral prayer in absentia for the following members:
Bushra Akram Sahiba wife of Muhammad Akram Bajwa Sahib, the Nazir Ta`limul Qur’an and Waqfe Arzi in Rabwah, Pakistan. She passed away on 25 March. She is survived by two sons and two daughters. She spent 15 years in Liberia with her husband, where she also served as the President of the Ladies’ Association. Though she was stricken with malaria and typhoid many times during the 15 years, she proved a faithful companion to her husband and also rendered great services of her own. Her progeny is now very attached to the Community as a result of her efforts. May Allah accept her prayers for her progeny and have mercy upon her soul.
Iqbal Ahmad Nasir who passed away on 14th July. His son serves as a Missionary in Burkina Faso. He was the son of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). He was an active member of the Community, serving in various capacities including Finance Secretary. His efforts enabled many to join the fold of the Community. He is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters. When he visited Burkina Faso, though he did not know the local language, the love and affection he showed when meeting everyone would win them over. May Allah have mercy on his soul.
Ghulam Fatima Fahmida Sahiba wife of Muhammad Ibrahim Sahib of Azad Kashmir. She passed away on 18 July after a long illness. Her progeny has proven to be very righteous as a result of her upbringing. She herself was very regular in waking up at night to offer voluntary prayers. She was very patient; her husband was imprisoned twice, once without being informed, and his funeral prayer in absentia was even offered. By the grace of Allah he would later be released. However she exhibited great patience at every step. She is survived by her husband, four sons and two daughter. Three of her sons are life-devotees. May Allah have mercy on her soul and enable her progeny to keep her virtues alive.
Muhammad Ahmad Anwar Sahib Hyderabadi who passed away on 20 May. He had the honor of giving the call to prayer atop the Minaratul Masih in Qadian. He served in Ta`limul Islam High School, also served in Gambia and various other places. He served as the vice-president of Darul Qaza, the arbitrary board in Germany. May Allah have mercy on his soul.
Saleem Hassan Al Jabi of Syria who passed away on 30 June. He accepted Ahmadiyyat after seeing the Promised Messiah (as) in a dream and pledging allegiance at his hand in the dream. Later, after seeing a picture of the Promised Messiah (as) he officially accepted Ahmadiyyat. He always taught his children to remain attached to the Community and to Khilafat. He always advised against any sort of innovation and urged his children to propagate the message of the true Islam. Many entered the fold of this Community due to his efforts. He had a great deal of love for Khilafat, and wished that whenever the time of his demise came, it should be in the midst of Khilafat. He translated books into Arabic as well. His Holiness (aba) noted the humility and sincerity he showed when he came to meet him. May Allah enable his progeny to keep his virtues alive.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions