Men of Excellence
Friday Sermon delivered at Masjid Mubarak, Islamabad, Tilford, UK
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness(aba) said that he had been making mention of Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) and would continue today.
An Example of Service to Islam
His Holiness(aba) continued to mention that there was a war ongoing. At the time, there was a prisoner in the custody of Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) who was being held for the crime of drinking alcohol. (There were no purpose built prisons as such, rather the guilty party would be held in a room with a guard outside). He heard that there was a war ongoing and would express his regret upon the fact that he was not able to help the Muslims in battle. One day, Hazrat Sa’d’s(ra) wife was passing by and heard him expressing this regret. She went into the room and released him on the condition that he would be going to help the Muslims in battle. And so, he went to the battleground, and helped the Muslims advance in battle through his brave efforts against the enemy. Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) recognised him and later said that he would punish whoever had released him. Hazrat Sa’d’s(ra) wife told him that it was her and that she had done this because he was fearless in battle and would attack the enemy head on – that she had done this for the sake of Islam – and that he may do as he pleased as a consequence.
His Holiness(aba) mentioned that Hazrat Musleh Mau’ud(ra) presented this incident during an address to the ladies of the Jama’at in order to exhibit the sacrifices and services of women.
His Holiness(aba) said that after garnering victory in Qadisiyyah, the Muslims also garnered victory in Babylon – a city in present day Iraq – a city which is mentioned in the Qur’an with reference to Harut and Marut and is modern day Kufa. This is the same place that Nimrod imprisoned Abraham(as).
Fulfilment of a Prophecy of the Holy Prophet(sa)
His Holiness(aba) then made mention of how the Muslims conquered Midian, crossing the Tigris river and as a result of their victory, obtaining the grand white castles of Kisra (Chosroes). Thus, the prophecy which the Holy Prophet(sa) made during the Battle of the Ditch regarding Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) – that he had seen the white castles of Midian falling – came true. Seeing this, Hazrat Sa’d(ra) recited the following verses:
How many were the gardens and the springs that they left behind! And the cornfields and the noble places! And the comforts wherein they took delight! Thus it was destined to be. And We made another people inherit these things. (44:26-29)
His Holiness(aba) stated that when Hazrat Sa’d(ra) wrote to Hazrat Umar(ra) to continue, Hazrat Umar(ra) responded by saying that this much was fine and that he should work on organising and implementing a system in the conquered area. Thus, Hazrat Sa’d(ra) began establishing and progressing the society and civilisation of Midian. Hazrat Sa’d(ra) further established Kufa, a city outside Midian, where the various Arab tribes could reside, and also built a grand mosque there.
False Allegation Against Hazrat Sa’d(ra)
His Holiness(aba) mentioned that once some people made false complaints against the way in which Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) led the prayers. Hazrat Umar(ra) investigated the matter, and upon inquiring from him, Hazrat Sa’d(ra) responded by saying that he led the prayer exactly as he had seen the Holy Prophet(sa) leading the prayer. When Hazrat Umar(ra) sent some men to Kufa to investigate, they went to all the mosques where Hazrat Sa’d(ra) used to lead prayer, all whom appreciated the way in which he led prayers. It would then come to be known, that a small faction had levelled this false allegation. Some also levelled the false allegation that he would not go out to war with them. Hazrat Sa’d(ra) was hurt by these allegations, saying that he had been the first to launch an arrow for the sake of Islam, yet such things were being said against him.
His Holiness(aba) related that Hazrat Sa’d(ra) was a member of the board from whom the Khalifa after him was to be selected, as they were those whom the Holy Prophet(sa) had given the glad tidings of heaven.
Hazrat Sa’d’s(ra) Support for Hazrat Ali(ra)
His Holiness(aba) mentioned that whether it was during the disorder or dissension which started during the Caliphate of Hazrat Uthman(ra), or the the battle between Hazrat Ali(ra) and Mu’awiyah during which Mu’awiyah asked him for help against Hazrat Ali(ra), Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqas(ra) stood to defend the Caliphate and defended Hazrat Uthman(ra) and Hazrat Ali(ra).
His Holiness(aba) narrated an incident, in which Amir Mu’awiyah asked Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) as to why he didn’t help him against Hazrat Ali(ra). He replied that it was because of the three things which the Holy Prophet(sa) had said to Ali(ra), of which if he (Hazrat Sa’d(ra)) were to ever receive even one, it would be greater than any wealth. The First was that once when going out on an expedition, the Holy Prophet(sa) left Hazrat Ali(ra) in-charge. When Hazrat Ali(ra) asked the Holy Prophet(sa) why he was leaving him behind, the Holy Prophet(sa) told him that he had the same relationship with him, as Aaron(as) did with Moses(as), except that he (Hazrat Ali(ra)) did not possess prophethood. The second was during the Battle of the Ditch, at which time the Holy Prophet(sa) said that he would give the Islamic flag to such a person who loves God and His Messenger (sa) and they love him. At that time, Hazrat Ali(ra) was experiencing an ailment of the eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) rubbed some of his saliva in his eyes, and then handed him the flag. The Muslims garnered victory in that battle.
Demise of Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra)
His Holiness(aba) related an incident that the son of Hazrat Sa’d bin Waqqas(ra) expressed his sadness and fear of his father departing. Hazrat Sa’d(ra) comforted him, saying that he had been promised heaven, and that God does not let the efforts of a believer go to waste. Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas(ra) passed away in 55 AH. Some of the wives of the Holy Prophet(sa) also took part in the funeral. He was buried in Jannatul Baqi. He expressed his desire in his will to be buried in the same manner as the Holy Prophet(sa), He was the last of the men from the Muhajireen to pass away. He also expressed his desire to be buried in the same garments he wore on the day of the Battle of Badr.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness(aba) then said that he would lead the funeral prayers of the following members:
Safdar Ali Gujjar Sahib who passed away on 25th July. He was a volunteer at Masjid Fazl. He worked as a volunteer in the Ziafat [hospitality] department for 30 years. He also worked in the packing and posting of Al Fazal International newspaper. He was completely devoted to Khilafat, such that His Holiness(aba) mentioned that he was an example. He was a Punjabi poet, with an excellent voice, and would also recite poems at Jalsa Salana which people would greatly appreciate. He was always thankful to God for whatever he had. He considered it an honour to serve the faith. If ever he came to know that someone was going through a difficult time, he would encourage everyone in his home to pray for them. His Holiness(aba) said that from the many letters he received about him, it seems that he had a very loving relationship with everyone he met, which is very rare. Furthermore, everyone has written that he would always speak about Khilafat. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with the greatest love and affection and grant his family patience and forbearance. His Holiness(aba) commented that though he was a volunteer, he worked more than a life-devotee would, and still tended to his family and their needs.
Iffat Nasser Sahiba, wife of Naseer Ahmad Khan Sahib who passed away on 3rd May. She has left behind a daughter and two sons. One of her grandsons, Baseer Khan is a life-devotee who is doing excellent work in MTA. Her children wrote to His Holiness(aba) that she was regular in the voluntary pre-dawn prayer and in reciting the Holy Qur’an. She served as a local women’s president in an area of Pakistan for 28 years. She strove to ensure that people lived harmoniously together. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah have mercy on her soul and enable her progeny to fulfill her pure desires.
Abdur Rahim Saqi Sahib who passed away on 31st March. He was a volunteer in the General Secretary UK’s office. He served the Jama’at in various capacities, including finance secretary and Amir of Takht Hazara. He was made to face great persecution in Pakistan at the hands of clerics – his shops were looted and his home set on fire, due to which he suffered a great deal. Upon migrating to UK, he worked as a volunteer. He was extremely punctual. He would recite three parts of the Holy Qur’an on a daily basis. In total, he was blessed to serve as a volunteer for about 60 years. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah elevate his station in heaven and grant patience to his family.
Syed Ahmad Sekal Sahib who passed away on 12 April. He was a volunteer in the dispatch section of the Private Secretary’s office. He was regular in offering prayers, he loved Khilafat and he was very humble. His Holiness(aba) also mentioned that he noticed him to be very humble and desired for his progeny to be the same. His desire was to continue serving until his last days. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah have mercy on the deceased and accept his prayers in favor of his progeny.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions.