(Friday Sermon - June 5, 2020 )

Background

Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ belonged to the Banu Harith clan of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. His father’s name was Rabi‘ bin Amr and mother’s name was Huzaila bint Inabah. Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) had two wives – Umrah bint Hazam and Habiba bint Zaid. Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ had two daughters; one of the daughters name was Umm-e-Sa‘d – which has also been reported as Umm-e-Saeed – however, her real name was Jameelah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 395, Vol. 8, p. 303, Umm-e-Ammarah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2017) (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 20, p. 216, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 2003)

Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ was able to read and write even during the Jahaliyyah period [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam], when not many could do so. Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) was one of the chieftains of the Banu Harith and Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) bin Rawahah was also one of the chieftains of this tribe along with him. Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) was present during the occasions of the first and second Pledge at Aqabah. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 214, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2016)

After the migration to Medina, the Holy Prophet^(sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) and Hazrat Abdur Rahman^(ra) bin Auf.

In a narration of Sahih Bukhari, Hazrat Abdur Rahman^(ra) bin Auf relates that when he arrived in Medina, the Holy Prophet^(sa) established a bond of brotherhood between him and Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘. Upon this, Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ stated, “I am the wealthiest amongst the Ansar, therefore I shall give you half of my wealth and whichever of my two wives you like, I will separate from her for you. Once her iddat [a fixed period of time before a woman can remarry] has passed, you can marry her.” Hazrat Abdur Rahman^(ra) bin Auf replied to Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ that he did not require anything and all he needed to know from him was whether there was a marketplace where people could trade. Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) informed him that there was a marketplace of the Banu Qaynuqah.

Subsequently, early next morning, Hazrat Abdur Rahman^(ra) went there and purchased cheese and clarified butter. Similarly, he went to the marketplace every morning.

Importance of Walima

Not long had passed that once, Hazrat Abdur Rahman^(ra) came before the Holy Prophet^(sa) and had a mark of saffron on him. In those days, they would mark saffron to serve as a sign that one had just got married. In any case, the Holy Prophet^(sa) asked if he had married and he replied in the affirmative. The Holy Prophet^(sa) enquired who he got married to and he replied that it was with a women belonging to the Ansar. The Holy Prophet^(sa) then asked how much dowry he had given and he stated that he gave gold the size of a nugget or he said a nugget of gold. Upon this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) stated that he should hold a walima [a ceremony after the consummation of marriage], even if it be by sacrificing a single sheep. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Buyu‘, Bab Ma Ja‘a fi Qaulillah Azza wa Jall Fa idha Qadayta al-Salata …, Hadith 2048)

In other words, he was told to arrange for a walima according to his means.

Participation in Battles and Martyrdom

Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud and was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. On the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophet^(sa) stated, “Who will bring me news of Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘?” “I will”, someone submitted. And so, this individual went forth and began searching for him among those who had been slain.

Upon seeing this individual, Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) asked him how he was and he replied, “I have been sent by the Messenger^(sa) of Allah so I can inform him about your condition.” Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) stated, “Convey my Salam [i.e. greeting of peace] to the Holy Prophet^(sa) and inform the Holy Prophet^(sa) that I have received 12 spear wounds and those who engaged in battle with me have been condemned to the hellfire,” in other words, whoever came up against him was killed. “And tell my people that if the Holy Prophet^(sa) is martyred while a single one of them is still alive, then remember that they shall have no excuse to offer before God Almighty.”

It is stated that it was Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b who went to enquire about the condition of Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra). According to another narration, it states that Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) told Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b, “Let my people know that Sa‘d bin Rabi‘ says that they ought to fear Allah the Almighty and the pledge they took at the hands of the Messenger^(sa) of Allah on the night of Aqabah. By God, they shall have no excuse before God if the eyes of even one of them still flickers (i.e. if any one of them was still alive) and the enemy was to reach the Holy Prophet^(sa).”

Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b narrates that he was still by the side of Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) when he passed away. His body was covered in wounds and when he returned and presented himself before the Holy Prophet^(sa) and informed him of the conversation he had and the condition he was in, the Holy Prophet^(sa) stated, “May Allah the Almighty have mercy upon him. In his lifetime and even after his demise, he continued to serve Allah and His Messenger^(sa).”

Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ and Hazrat Kharjah^(ra) bin Zaid were buried in one grave. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 396, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2017) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 4, pp. 432-433, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2016)

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) mentions the account of Hazrat Sa‘d’s^(ra) martyrdom in the following manner:

“Now the Holy Prophet^(sa) had also descended into the battlefield and the work of tending to the bodies of the martyrs was underway. At the time, the sight that was before the Muslims was one to bring forth tears of blood” i.e. after the battle had finished, despite his own injuries, the Holy Prophet^(sa) went around the battlefield and advised on how to take care of the bodies of the martyrs and organise the burials. Nonetheless, the scene before the Muslims was one of horror, so much so that it can be said it would bring forth tears of blood. “70 Muslims were laying in the field of battle smothered in dust and blood and they displayed a horrific scene of the barbaric Arab tradition known as muthlah.”

Not only had they been martyred, but their limbs had been cut and their bodies had been disfigured [by the disbelievers].

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) further writes:

“Among the casualties, there were only six Muhajireen and the rest were all from the Ansar. The number of men slain from among the Quraish was 23. When the Holy Prophet^(sa) came to the body of his paternal uncle and foster brother, Hamza^(ra) bin Abdil Muttalib, he was stunned because Hind, the barbaric wife of Abu Sufyan, had severely spoiled his dead body. For some time, the Holy Prophet^(sa) stood there silently and signs of grief and anger were evident upon his countenance. For a moment’s time, the Holy Prophet^(sa) even thought to himself that until these bloodthirsty beasts of Mecca were not given a taste of their own medicine, perhaps they would never come to their senses, but then the Holy Prophet^(sa) refrained from this idea and exhibited patience. As a matter of fact, after this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) prohibited the custom of muthlah”, to disfigure corpses “in Islam forever and said that the enemy may do as it pleases, but the Muslims should in any case refrain from such a barbaric practice and follow a course of virtue and benevolence.

“Safia bint Abdil Muttalib^(ra), the paternal aunt of the Holy Prophet^(sa), loved her brother Hamza^(ra) very dearly. Upon hearing news of the defeat of the Muslims, she had also come out of Medina. The Holy Prophet^(sa) instructed her son, Zubair bin al-Awwam^(ra) not to show his mother the body of his maternal uncle; but how could a sister’s love allow her to sit at rest?” Her son told her not to see the body of Hazrat Hamza^(ra) as it had been severely disfigured. “‘Let me see the body of Hamza^(ra),’ she insisted. ‘I promise to demonstrate patience and shall not utter a word of complaint or lament.’ Hence, she went and upon seeing the body of her brother said:

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْن 

[To Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return].

After this, she did not say a word.”

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) further writes:

“The Quraish had more or less meted out the same barbaric treatment to the bodies of other Companions as well. Hence, the body of Abdullah bin Jahsh^(ra), the paternal cousin of the Holy Prophet^(sa) had also been severely disfigured. As the Holy Prophet^(sa) would move from one body to the other, signs of pain and anguish would become more and more evident upon his countenance. It was perhaps at this occasion when the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘Someone go and enquire about the state of Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘, chief of the Ansar. Is he alive or has he been martyred? During battle I saw that he was perilously surrounded by the lances of the enemy.’ Upon the instruction of the Holy Prophet^(sa), Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b, a Companion from among the Ansar began to search for Sa‘d^(ra) here and there on the battlefield, but to no avail. Finally, he began to exclaim in a loud voice and called out the name of Sa‘d^(ra) again and again, but no sign of him could be found. Losing hope, he was about to return when he suddenly thought that he should call out with the name of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and perhaps in this manner, a clue may be found.” Initially, he only called him out by name, but then thought that perhaps he could call out saying that the Holy Prophet^(sa) had sent him.

“As such, he began to call out, ‘Where is Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘? The Messenger^(sa) of Allah has sent me to him.’ At the sound of this, an electric current surged through the half-dead body of Sa‘d^(ra); suddenly becoming alert, but in a very soft voice, he responded, ‘Who is it? I am here.’ When Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b peered into the distance, amongst a pile of dead bodies, he caught sight of Sa‘d^(ra), who at the time was in his final breaths, giving up his life. Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b said, ‘The Holy Prophet^(sa) has sent me so that I may inform him of your condition.’ Sa‘d^(ra) responded, ‘Submit my greetings of peace to the Messenger^(sa) of Allah, and tell him, “May Allah grant you the spiritual reward, which is given to all the Prophets of God due to the sacrifice and sincerity of their followers to a greater extent than all the other Prophets and grant you the delight of your eyes.” Convey my greetings of peace to my Muslim brethren as well and tell my people that if the slightest injury is inflicted upon the Holy Prophet^(sa) while even a breath of life remains within them, then remember that they shall have no excuse before God.’ After these words, Sa‘d^(ra) gave his life.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), pp. 500-501)

Hazrat Musleh Maud^(ra) has also mentioned this account in his own words and states:

“There is an incident that took place on the occasion of the Battle of Uhud. After the battle, the Holy Prophet^(sa) sent Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b to go and enquire about the state of those who had been wounded. Whilst searching for the wounded, Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b reached Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘, who had been severely injured and was almost breathing his last. Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b asked him if he had any message he would like him to convey to his relatives and dear ones. Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) smiled and said, ‘I was waiting for a Muslim to come, who I could deliver my message to. Place your hand in mine and promise me that you will certainly convey my message.’ The message he then gave was as follows, ‘Convey my salam to my Muslim brothers and tell my people and my relatives that the Messenger^(sa) of Allah is the greatest trust bestowed upon us by God Almighty and we ought to protect this trust with our very lives. I must now depart from this world and hand over this trust to you. Let it not be that you show weakness in this regard.’”

After narrating this account, Hazrat Musleh Maud^(ra) stated:

“Ponder, at such a time when one feels as if they are about to die, one entertains all kinds of thoughts in their heart. He thinks about the circumstances his wife would have to face or who will tend to the needs of his children etc. However, this companion did not convey any such message of this kind and simply said that he is departing this world whilst he was striving to protect the Holy Prophet^(sa) and they ought to do the same and follow after him. To protect the Holy Prophet^(sa) was the greatest task.”

Hazrat Musleh Maud^(ra) continues:

“It was this very strength of faith that enabled them [i.e. the Muslims] to bring about a revolution in the world and topple the rule of the Romans and Persians. The Roman emperor was astonished as to who these people were. Likewise, Chosroes wrote to one of his generals and told him that if he could not even defeat the Arabs, then he should return and instead, sit at home wearing his bangles. He also stated to his general that the Arabs were such people that would eat ordure and yet he could not even stop them. In other words, he considered them to be extremely lowly people who would have nothing to eat and would instead eat ordure. In reply, the general stated that they did not appear as mere mortals, but rather were like a force that would come galloping over the swords and spears such was their passion and vigour and therefore, how could they defeat them?” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 7, p. 338)

Lofty Status

On one occasion, Umm-e-Sa‘d, the daughter of Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘ came to see Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra), who laid down one of his own cloths for her [to sit]. Hazrat Umar^(ra) asked Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) who she was. Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) replied, “She is the daughter of the one who was better than you and I.” Hazrat Umar^(ra) enquired, “O Khalifat-ur-Rasul [Caliph of the Messenger^(sa)]! Who was that person?” Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) replied, “He is the one who passed away in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and received his place in paradise, whereas you and I are still here today.” (Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, p. 315, Sa‘d bin al-Rabi‘, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2001)

The Holy Prophet^(sa) and Women’s Rights

Wife of Hazrat Sa‘d(ra) bin Rabi‘ & verses regarding inheritance

Hazrat Jabir^(ra) bin Abdullah relates that the wife of Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘, along with her two daughters, came to see the Holy Prophet^(sa) and said, “O Messenger^(sa) of Allah! These two are the daughters of Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘, who fought alongside you in the Battle of Uhud and was martyred. Their paternal uncle has taken all their inheritance”; their uncle had taken all the wealth that was left by Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘, leaving them with nothing. “Furthermore, their Nikah [Islamic marriage] cannot take place until they have some money.” The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, “Allah the Almighty will reveal His verdict regarding this matter.”

Subsequently the verses regarding inheritance [of a deceased person] were revealed. The Holy Prophet^(sa) then called their uncle and instructed him to give one third of the wealth of Sa‘d^(ra) to his daughters and to give one eighth to their mother and the remainder will be his share. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitabul Fara’id, Bab Maa Ja’a fi Mirath al-Banaat, Hadith 2092)

Whilst making reference to this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) has shed light on this in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“Sa‘d^(ra) was an affluent man and possessed a distinct status within his tribe. He did not have any male offspring, only two daughters and a wife. Until now, no new injunctions regarding the division of inheritance had been revealed to the Holy Prophet^(sa). As such, inheritance was divided among the Companions according to ancient custom, whereby if the deceased did not have any male offspring, his paternal relatives would take possession of the inheritance and the widow and daughters would be left empty-handed. Therefore, upon the martyrdom of Sa‘d^(ra) bin Rabi‘, his brother took possession of all the inheritance and his widow and daughters were left completely without support. Troubled by this distress, the widow of Sa‘d^(ra) presented herself before the Holy Prophet^(sa) along with her two daughters and expressed her grief whilst relating the entire account. This painful account hurt the pure disposition of the Holy Prophet^(sa), but since no injunctions had been revealed to the Holy Prophet^(sa) from God in this respect, the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘Wait for some time and a verdict shall be given according to the injunctions which are revealed by God.’

“As such, the Holy Prophet^(sa) supplicated to God and it was not long before a few of the verses regarding inheritance were revealed to the Holy Prophet^(sa), which have also been vouchsafed in Surah al-Nisa of the Holy Quran.

“At this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) called the brother of Sa‘d^(ra) and instructed him to give two-thirds of the inheritance to the daughters of Sa‘d^(ra), one-eighth to his sister-in-law and to keep whatever remained thereafter. From then on, new laws on the division of inheritance were instituted, whereby a wife is entitled to one-eighth of her husband’s inheritance if he has children and one-fourth if he does not have any children and a daughter is entitled to a portion equivalent to half of her brother’s from the inheritance of her father and if she has no brothers, then two-thirds or half (depending on the circumstances); and a mother is entitled to a sixth portion of the inheritance of her son if he has children and a third if her son does not have any children. Similarly, the portions of other heirs were also fixed and, in this way, the natural right of a woman, which had been snatched from her, was returned.”