Mujahid: Saud ibn Abi Waqqas

Saud ibn Abi Waqqas was one of the first to accept Islam. He was among the most important Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When Saud’s mother heard the news that he had accepted Islam, she came up to him and said, "O Saud! What is this religion that you have embraced which has taken you away from the religion of your mother and father…?" 

Muslims in battle

Saud’s mother threatened to die of hunger unless he reverted back to polytheism. It was then the Qur’anic verses in Sura 31:14-15 were revealed to the Prophet (PBUH).      

Saud went and said to her, “O mother! In spite of my strong love for you, my love for Allah and His Messenger is indeed stronger. By Allah, if you had a thousand souls and each one departs one after another, I would not abandon this religion for anything.” When she saw Saud’s determination not to abandon Islam, she relented unwillingly and began to eat and drink.

In the early days of Islam, the Muslims were on their way to the hills of Mecca to meet the Messenger in secret. A group of idolaters observed them and began to fight them. Saud beat one of them on the head with an animal bone and so the first blood was shed in the defense of Islam.    

Saud migrated to Medina along with other first converts to Islam. He fought at the Battle of Badr, the first battle of Muslims against the polytheists.

At the Battle of Uhud, Saud was chosen as an archer together with Zayd. Saud was among those who fought in defense of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after some Muslims had deserted their positions. Saud was one of the ten who received the glad tidings of Paradise.

During Umar’s Caliphate, Saud was the commander of the Muslim forces that waged war with the Persian Empire. The Battle of al-Qadisiyyah was regarded as the decisive battle in the Islamic Conquest of Persia.  

Saud was appointed as governor of Kufa and Nejd by the Caliph Omar and later by Othman (May Allah be pleased with them).

............................................

Written by: Ibrahim Nazim

22 December 2009, Tuesday

5 MuHarram 1431