The Lion's Claws!

SA'D IBN ABI WAQQAAS

A continuous stream of incoming news worried the Commander of the Faithful `Umar lbn Al-khattab.

This news was about the deceitful attacks launched by the Persian forces against the Muslims at the Battle of Al-Jisr which cost the Muslims 4,000 lives in a single day and, moreover, about the Iraqis' renouncement of allegiance and their violation of agreed-upon convenants.

Therefore, he decided to personally lead the Muslim troops in a decisive fight against Persia.

In fact, he set out accompanied by some of his companions, leaving `Aliy lbn Abi Taalib (May Allah be pleased with him) behind to act as his deputy over Al-Madiinah.

However, he had hardly left Al-Madiinah when some of his companions found it wiser to ask him to return and appoint someone else for this task.

This view was adopted by `Abd Ar-Rahman Ibn `Awf, who saw it unwise to risk the caliph's life in such a way while Islam was going through its most decisive days.

`Umar ordered the Muslims to gather for public consultation. Congregational prayer was then announced and `Aliy Ibn Abi Taalib was sent for.

He went with some Madinites to where `Umar and his companions were waiting. At last, they accepted `Abd Ar-Rahman lbn `Awfs opinion.

The assembly decided that `Umar was to go back to Al-Madiinah and another Muslim leader be chosen to combat the Persians.

`Umar agreed to their decision, then asked his companions,

"Whom do you see fit to be sent to Iraq?"

They thought silently for a while. Then `Abd Ar-Rahman Ibn `Awf shouted,

"I've found him!"

`Umar said,

"Who is it?"

Abd Ar-Rahman said,

"The Lion's Claws: Sa'd Ibn Maalik Az-Zuhariy."

The Muslims supported his choice. `Umar then sent for Sa'd Ibn Maalik Az-Zuhariy, also known as Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqaas and appointed him governor of Iraq and Commander of the Army.

Who is that "Lion's Claws"? 

It is he who, whenever he turned to the Prophet while sitting among his Companions, was greeted cheerfully by the Prophet saying,

"He's my maternal uncle."

Can anyone tell me who his uncle was? He was Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqaas His grandfather was Uhaib Ibn Manaaf, the paternal uncle of Aaminah, the mother of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

He accepted Islam when he was 17 years old. He embraced Islam very early. When he talked about himself, he said,

"I witnessed a day in which I was third in Islam," which means that he was the third to embrace Islam.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke about the One God and about the new religion whose teachings he was to spread all around, and before using Daar Al-Arqam as a refuge for himself and the Companions in those early days, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqaas had already sworn the oath of allegiance to the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Historical and biographica l sources inform us that the conversion of Abu Bakr was the reason for Sa'd's embracing Islam.

He may have been one of those who announced their belief in Islam after Abu Bakr convinced them.

This group included Uthmaan lbn `Afaan, Az-Zubair Ibn Al-'Awaam, Abd Ar- Rahman Ibn `Awf and Allah Ibn Ubaid Allah.

However, that does not omit the possibility that his conversion had taken

place secretly and he had believed even earlier.

Sa'd lbn Abi Waqqaas had many noble qualities which he could be proud of. However, he never arrogantly mentioned any of these merits, except for two great privileges.

First, he was the first to throw a spear in the cause of Allah and the first to be struck by one. Second, he was the only one for whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) hoped his parents might be his ransom.

That happened when the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him on the day of Uhud,

"Throw, Sa'd. May my father and mother be your ransom."

Yes, indeed, he always mentioned proudly these two noble blessings. Thanking Allah, he always said,

"By Allah, I am the first Arab to throw a spear in the cause of Allah."

Aliy lbn Abi Taalib said,

"I have never heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) hoping that his parents may be made someone's ransom except Sa'd. On the day of Uhud I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say,

"Throw Sa'd. May my father and mother be your ransom.""

Sa'd was considered to be one of the most courageous Arab and Muslim horsemen. He possessed two weapons, his lance and his prayer.

Whenever he pierced an enemy with his lance he hurt him; whenever he invoked Allah He answered. He and the Companions always saw that this was due to the Prophet's prayer in favor of him.

One day, when the Prophet saw him doing something which made him glad and delighted, he made the following plea:

"O Allah, make his spear hit unerringly and answer his prayer."

It was in this way that he became famous among his companions for his prayer, which was like a sharp sword.

He knew that about himself; therefore, he never cursed a person. Sa'd would just trust Allah to do with him as He liked.

An example of that is what `Aamir Ibn Sa'd once narrated: Sa'd once saw a man insulting `Aliy, Talhah and Az-Zubair. He forbade him, but he didn't stop. Sa'd then said,

"Then I will invoke Allah against you."

The man said,

"You're threatening me as if you were a Prophet."

Sa'd went away, performed his ablution and prayed two rak'ahs. Then he lifted his hands up and said,

"O Allah, if You know that that man has insulted people who have already been granted by You that which is the best and his cursing of them has annoyed You, then make an example out of him."

Only a short while had passed, when a stray camel went out of a house. Nothing could stay it till it entered a crowd as if searching for something.

Then it attacked the man, and he fell between its legs. It continued to kick the man down till he died.

If this phenomenon was to prove something, then it proved primarily the purity of his soul, the honesty of his faith, and the depth of his sincerity.

He always sought to support his piety by halaal food; with great insistence he always refused to take doubtful money.

Sa'd lived until he became one of the wealthiest Muslims. When he died, he left a great fortune behind.

Although the abundance of money and its legitimacy are rarely to be found together, they certainly were combined in the hands of Sa'd.

Thus Allah granted him a great amount of halaal money. He (may Allah be pleased with him) was a great figure in the act of charity, as much as he was a great figure in the act of righteously choosing the sources of his money.

His ability to collect purely halaal money was equal to, if not second to, his ability to donate it in the cause of Allah.

He became ill during the Farewell Pilgrimage, when he was accompanying the Prophet (peace be upon him), who visited him.

Sa`d asked him (peace be upon him),

"O Messenger of Allah, I own a lot of money and there is nobody to inherit from me except one daughter. May I contribute two thirds of my money as alms?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "No."

Then he said, "Then half of it?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "No."

Then he said, "Then a third?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"Yes, and the third is too much. To leave your heirs wealthy is better than to leave them having to be dependent on someone.

If you spend any money in the cause of Allah you'll be rewarded for it, even the bite you put in your wife's mouth."

Sa'd did not remain the father of one daughter because he was later on blessed with other children. Sa'd used to cry a lot out of piety.

Whenever he listened to the Prophet (peace be upon him) preaching or advising, his tears rolled down abundantly, so that his tears nearly filled his lap.

He was blessed with success and accomplishment. Once the Prophet (peace be upon him) was sitting with the Companions when his eyes gazed on the horizon while listening to what was being revealed secretly and whisperingly.

Then he looked at his Companions' faces and said,

"A man who belongs to Paradise will soon appear."

The Companions turned in all directions trying to learn, who this successful person may be. After a while, Sa'd arrived.

Later on, Abd Allah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-'Aas asked him persistently to tell him the worship or deed which made him eligible for such a reward.

Sa'd told him,

"Nothing more than what we all do or worship, except that I don't carry any spite or hatred towards any Muslim."

This is the "Lion's Claws" as `Abd Ar-Rahman Ibn Awf had described him. This is the man whom `Umar chose for the great day of the Battle of Al- Qaadisiyah.

The Commander of the Faithful had insight into all his glittering merits when he chose him for the most difficult task confronting Islam and the Muslims:

- His prayers were heard and answered; if he asked Allah for victory, he would be granted it.

- His food was pure, his tongue was pure, his conscience was pure.

- He was a man who belonged to Paradise, as the Messenger (peace be upon him) prophesied.

- He was the horseman on the Day of Badr, the horseman on the Day of Uhud and in every battle he experienced with the Prophet (peace be upon him).

- And another thing, which `Umar would not forget nor underestimate the value and importance among the characteristics which should be present in anyone facing major tasks, was the strength and firmness of his faith.

-`Umar did not forget what happened between Sa'd and his mother when he converted to Islam and followed the Prophet (peace be upon him).

At that time, all attempts to hinder and obstruct him from the cause of Allah had failed. His mother used a device which none doubted would conquer Sa'd's soul and drive him back to his people's idols.

She announced her abstention from food and drink until Sa'd returned to his

ancestors' and kin's religion. She actually carried on her hunger strike with death defying determination and had almost approached death.

Despite all that, Sa'd did not care. He would not sell his faith and religion for anything, even if it were his mother's life.

Hoping that his heart would yield upon seeing her, some relatives took Sa'd to his mother, who was almost dying. Sa'd went to her. The scene was so impressive, even mountain rocks would yield and melt.

However, his belief in Allah and His Messenger proved to be stronger than rocks and iron. He came with his face nearer and shouted so that she could hear him.

"You know, by Allah, mother, if you had 100 souls coming out one after the other I wouldn't abandon my faith in return for anything. Then eat if you like or don't eat!"

His mother changed her mind. A divine revelation greeted Sa`d's position and supported it.

"But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not..." (31 : 15).

Is he not, indeed, the Lion in his claws? Therefore the Commander of the Faithful should hand him the standard of Al Qaadisiyah and throw him against the Persians, who recruited more than 100,000 trained warriors equipped with the most dangerous weapons the earth had ever witnessed, led on that day

by the most intelligent and cunning warlords.

Indeed, all those horrible legions, will Sa'd meet with his mere 30,000 warriors, equipped only with spears, nothing more. However, their hearts were filled with the will of the new faith with all it represents:

belief, vigor, and a rare, dazzling, longing aspiration for death and martyrdom.

The two armies met in combat. No, they did not meet yet.

Sa'd is still there waiting for the advice and instructions of the Commander of the Faithful. Finally `Umar's message arrives, ordering him to move towards Al-Qaadisiyah, the gate to Persia.

`Umar's words represented light and guidance:

O Sa'd lbn Wahiib, do not be deluded if it is said, You are the Prophet's uncle and his Companion. Know that there is no relationship between Allah and anyone except through obedience to Him.

All people, the noble ones as well as the lowly, all are equal in front of Allah. Allah is their God and they are His servants.

The relationship between them is one of rivalry for preference by means of their well being, whereas they can only get what is in Allah's hands by means of obedience to Him.

Remember the Prophet's (peace be upon him) positions which he stuck to from the time he was sent to us until he left our world. Hold to them; it is an order.

Then he said to him, Send me information about all your circumstances. Where have you reached and how?

What is your enemy's position in respect to yours? Let your messages make me as if I am actually seeing you.

Sa'd wrote to the Commander of the Faithful describing everything. He almost showed him each soldier's position and state. Sa'd reached Al-Qaadissiyah.

The Persians gathered their army as they never had before and appointed as their leader one of the most famous and dangerous commanders, Rustum.

Sa'd writes to Umar the Commander of the Faithful, who replies: Don't be upset by what you hear from them, nor what they show you.

Seek Allah's help and put your trust in Him. Send them people of insight, good judgment, and patience to call him to follow Allah's path, and write me every day.

Sa'd writes again to the Commander of the Faithful saying, Rustum camped with his troops at Saabaat. He has brought his horses and elephants and marched towards us. Umar replies to calm him.

Sa'd is a smart, brave horseman, the Prophet's uncle, one of the first converts, and hero of different wars and raids.

No sword or lance of his ever failed to reach its target. He stands at the head of his army in one of the greatest historical battles as if he were an ordinary soldier, not deluded by power nor acting arrogantly because of leadership.

His self-esteem could tempt him to rely completely on his own capacities; but despite that he always turns to the Commander of the Faithful in Al-Madiinah.

Although miles and miles separate them, he sends him a message each day, exchanging viewpoints, advice, and opinions while the great battle is still to come.

That was because Sa'd knew that `Umar in Al-Madiinah never decided alone, but consulted the Muslims and the Prophet's Companions around him.

Despite the war circumstances, Sa'd did not want to deprive himself or his army of the blessings and benefits of public consultation, especially if `Umar, a man with great inspiration, was among the consultants.

Sa'd carried out `Umar's will and sent Rustum, the Persian leader, a number of his companions to call him to follow Islam and Allah's path.

The conversation between them and the Persian leader lasted long. Finally they ended their talk by telling him,

"Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to its freedom, from ruler's injustice to Islam's fairness.

Whoever accepts our offer, we will leave him alone and will refrain from hurting him. Whoever fights us, we will fight him until we fulfil Allan's promise."

Then Rustum asked,

"What is Allah's promise which He made to you?"

The Companion answered,

"Paradise for our martyrs and victory for the living ones."

The delegation returned to Sa'd, leader of the Muslims, to tell him that it was war. Sa'd's eyes were hereby filled with tears.

He had wished so much that the war would be delayed for some time. On that

day his illness became more severe, and he had to suffer its heavy burden.

The abscesses spread all over his body, to the extent that he could not sit, let alone ride his horse to take part in an extremely fierce and violent battle.

If the war had just been waged before his illness or had it been delayed till he was cured and healthy again, then he would have proved himself brave.

But now. . . No, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had taught them never to say "If" because "If' means weakness. A strong believer is neither helpless nor weak.

Thereupon The Lion's Claws stood up to preach to his soldiers. He began his speech citing the following glorious verse:

"And We have written in the Zaboor (given to David) after the Torahe (given to Moses): "My righteous servants shall inherit the earth"" (21: 105).

Having finished his speech Sa'd led his troops in the Dhuhr Prayer, then turned towards his soldiers and proclaimed four times,

"Allahu akbar (Allah is the Greatest)! Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar!"

The echo was to be heard all over the universe. Then he stretched out his arm like an unerring arrow pointing to the enemy and shouted to his soldiers,

"Let's start this battle accompanied by Allah's blessings."

With pains hard to bear, he ascended to the balcony of his residence, which he used as a dwelling and a headquarters. On the balcony he sat on a pillow and leaned upon his chest.

His door was left open, which meant that by the least Persian attack against his residence he would be captured, alive or dead, but he was far from being afraid or terrified.

His abscesses were bleeding and hurting him severely, but he had something else to think about. Sitting on his balcony, he was shouting, calling, and commanding.

First to those in one flank to step forward towards the right, and then to those in another flank to fill out the empty spot on the left. . .

Mughiirah, look forward! Jurair follow them! Nu'maan, hit! Ash`ath attack and you also, Qa'qaa'. Forward, forward, Prophet's Companions!

His determined and hopeful sound turned each individual soldier into an army of its own. The Persian soldiers fell like flies and with them fell the worship of fire and paganism.

After seeing the death of their commander and their best soldiers, the defeated, scattered remnants rapidly escaped.

The Muslim army pursued them until they reached Nahawind then Al-Madaa'in. There they fought to carry with them at the end the emperor's throne and crown as war booty.

At the Battle of Al-Madaa'in, Sa'd could stand the test and prove himself brave. The Battle of Al- Madaa'in took place two years after the Battle of Al-Qaadissiyah, a period during which a lot of continuous armed dashes took place between the Muslims and the Persians.

Finally, the scattered remnants of the Persian army gathered at Al-Madaa'in itself, ready for a decisive and final scene.

Sa'd realized that time was on his enemy's side; therefore, he decided to deprive them of this advantage, but how could he do that?

The Tigris River in its flood season stood in the middle between him and Al-Madaa'in. Thereby, an event took place by which Sa'd succeeded to prove that he indeed deserved `Abd Ar-Rahman lbn `Awfs description of him as the Lion's Claws.

Sa'd's faith and determination stood glittering in the face of danger, mocking and making fun of the impossible with admirable bravery.

Sa`d ordered his army to cross the Tigris River. He ordered them to search for a safe, secure ford in the river which would enable their crossing. Finally they found a place, but the fording was not free of extreme risks.

Before the army started to cross, the leader Sa'd wisely realized the necessity to safeguard their arrival spot on the opposite bank, where the enemy was camping.

Therefore he prepared two detachments, the first of which was called The Detachment of Terror. Its leader was `Aasim Ibn `Amr.

The second was called The Detachment of the Dumb, led by Al Qa'qaa' lbn `Amr. The soldiers of these two detachments had to encounter many horrible situations to clear a safe place on the opposite bank for the army which wo uld subsequently cross.

They fulfilled their task with amazing skill. Sa'd's success on that day will always be a cause for the perplexity of historians.

Sa'd himself was amazed by his own success. It also amazed his companion and escort Salmaan Al-Faarisiy, who shook his head in astonishment and said,

" Islam is indeed new. By Allah, seas have been subdued by them and the land has been subdued by them. In the name of the One in Whose hands Salmaan's soul lies, they will leave it in a group, as they entered it in a group."

Indeed, that is exactly what happened. As they penetrated the Tigris River in a group, so they left it in a group without losing one single soldier, nor annoying a single horse.

It happened that a wooden cup fell from one of the warriors, who felt sorry to be the only one to lose something. He called his companions to help to get it out and a high wave pushed it to where someone could pick it up!

Some historical sources described the magnificence of such a scene as the fording of the river:

Sa'd ordered the Muslims to say,

"Allah is enough for us and He is the best to trust in."

Then he penetrated the Tigris with his horse, and the people penetrated behind him. No one stayed behind. They walked as if they were walking on a land surface until they filled the whole area between the two banks.

The water surface could not seen due to the numerous troops of cavalry and infantry. People went on talking while walking in the water as if they were on land, as a result of their feeling of security and tranquility, their trust in

Allah's judgment and His victory, His promise and His support.

When Umar appointed him to be Iraq's governor, he set out to build Kufa and established the foundations of Islam in wide broad lands.

One day the inhabitants of Kufa complained to the Commander of the Faithful about Sa'd. They lost control over their flimsy, restless temper and made a funny claim saying,

"Sa'd can't pray well."

Sa`d laughed loudly and said,

"By Allah, I prayed with them exactly as the Prophet's prayer was. I prolonged the first two rak`ahs and shortened the last two."

When `Umar ordered him back to Al-Madiinah, he did not get annoyed. On the contrary, he responded to `Umar's call immediately.

After some time, `Umar determined to return him to Kufa, but Sa'd responded laughing,

"Do You order me to return to people who claim that I don't perform my prayers well?"

He preferred to stay in Al-Madiinah. When the Commander of the Faithful `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) was attacked, he chose six of the Prophet's Companions to be responsible for choosing the next caliph.

`Umar said that he chose six of those with whom the Prophet was pleased before he died. Sa'd lbn Abi Waqqaas was one of them.

But it seems from `Umar's last words that if he would have chosen one of the Companions for the caliphate, it would have been Sa'd.

He said to his companions, advising and commending,

"If Sa'd is to become caliph, that's good; but if someone else is to be caliph, then he has to seek Sa'd's help."

Sa'd lived long. He secluded himself during the period of civil strife following the death of the third Caliph, `Uthmaan. Furthermore, he ordered his whole family and children not to tell him any news about what was happening.

Once, everyone was anxious to know his position, when his nephew Haashim Ibn `Utbah lbn Abi Waqqaas said to him,

"O uncle, here are 100,000 swords which consider you the more entitled to that matter (i.e. the caliphate)." 

Sa'd responded,

"I want out of the 100,000 swords, just one sword that if it hits a believer it won't do anything, but if it hits a disbeliever it cuts through."

His nephew realized what he meant and left him in his isolation and security.

When the dispute ended in favor of Mu'aawiyah, who took over the reins of government, he asked Sa'd,

"Why didn't you fight with us?"

He answered,

"A dark cloud passed over me. I told it, Shoo! Shoo! I stopped my riding camel until it passed away."

Mu'aawiyah said,

"Shoo! Shoo can not be found in the glorious Book of Allah, but Allah said

"And if two parties or groups among the believers fall into fighting,

then make peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah" (49 : 9).

And you did not take anyone's side. You weren't with the unjust against the just, nor were you with the just against the unjust."

Hereupon Sa'd responded,

"I wouldn't have fought a man (he meant `Aliy Ibn Abi Taalib) to whom

the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"You have towards me the same position Haaruun (Aaron) had towards Muusaa (Moses), except that there isn't any Prophet coming after me.""

One day in A.H. 54, having exceeded the age of 80, he was at his house in Al-`Aqiiq preparing to meet Allah.

His son spoke of his final moments:

His head was upon my lap, he was passing away. I cried, but he said,

"What makes You cry, my son? Allah will never torture me. I belong to Paradise!"

The firmness of his faith could not be weakened even by the quaking fear of death. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had passed him the good news and he believed firmly in the Prophet's honesty; therefore what was

there to be afraid of?

"Allah will never torture me. I belong to Paradise!"

However, he wanted to meet Allah carrying the most magnificent and most wonderful memory, a memory which joined him with his religion and his Prophet (peace be upon him).

Therefore, he pointed to his coffer. They opened it and got out an old, torn, threadbare gown. He ordered his kin to shroud him in that gown saying,

"I met the disbelievers at the Battle of Badr wearing it. I've saved it for this day."

Indeed, this threadbare gown was not just a gown. It was the banner waving over a long great life. Our hero lived it honestly, bravely, and faithfully.

The body of the last Muhaajiruun was buried in Al- Madiinah, safely laid beside a group of great Companions who preceded him to Allah.

Their exhausted bodies had finally found a secure shelter in the ground of Al-Baqii`. Farewell, Sa'd. Farewell Sa'd, the hero of Al-Qaadissiyah, conquerer of Al-Madaa'in, extinguisher forever of the worshipped fire of Persia!

The story of the lion’s claws teaches us about the strength of faith in overcoming adversity.

Stories of courage and faith, such as the Lion's Claws, inspire us to live with conviction. To strengthen your understanding, explore the meaning of Iman (faith).

Reflecting on such stories reminds us of the belief in Aakhirah (Hereafter) and how actions in this world affect the next.

For more inspiring lessons, read the wise words shared by the Prophet's companions and scholars.