In the early days of Islam, when the call of truth was met with hostility, a young man embraced the message of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was not just any man—he was among the chosen ten promised Paradise. His arrows would pierce through enemy lines, and his supplications would shake the heavens. His name? Sa’d ibn Abi Waqas رضي الله عنه, the first Muslim to shoot an arrow in defense of Islam.
What made him special? Why did the Prophet ﷺ pledge his parents' lives for him in battle? What role did he play in shaping the Islamic conquests? And why did he choose a life of solitude over power when others fought for leadership?
This is the story of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqas, the warrior, the statesman, and the beloved of the Prophet ﷺ.
Early Life and Embracing Islam
Sa’d’s full name was Sa’d ibn Malik ibn Wuhayb. His father, Malik, was also known as Abu Waqas, and his lineage connected him to the Quraysh through Zuhra ibn Kilab, making him a relative of the Prophet’s ﷺ mother, Aminah bint Wahb. His mother was Hamnatu bint Sufyan ibn Umayyah, linking him to the powerful tribe of Banu Umayyah.
At just 17 years old, Sa’d embraced Islam. He later said:
ما أسلم أحد في اليوم الذي أسلمت فيه، ولقد مكثت سبعة أيام وإني لثلث الإسلام
“No one embraced Islam on the same day I did. I remained a Muslim for seven days, and I was one-third of Islam.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 3727)
This statement reflects how early he entered the fold of Islam, even when believers had to conceal their faith.
His conversion, however, came at a great personal cost. His mother, enraged by his newfound faith, attempted to pressure him into renouncing Islam. She swore:
"لَتَدَعَنَّ دِيْنَكَ هَذَا، أَوْ لَا آكُلُ، وَلَا أَشْرَبُ حَتَّى أَمُوْتَ، فَتُعَيَّرَ بِي، فَيُقَالُ: يَا قَاتِلَ أُمِّهِ."
“You will either leave your religion, or I will neither eat nor drink until I die. Then, you will blamed for me and it will be said Oh killer of his mother!”
For days, she refused food and drink. But Sa’d remained steadfast, replying:
"والله لو كان لك مائة نفس فخرجت نفسا نفسا، ما تركت ديني هذا أبدًا، فإما أن تأكلي أو تدعي"
“By Allah, if you had a hundred souls and they left your body one by one, I would not leave my religion. Eat if you wish, or don’t eat.”
Allah ﷻ revealed an ayah in response to this incident:
وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا
(“And if they strive against you to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them…”) (Surah Luqman 31:15) (Siyar A'lām al-Nubalā:1/109)
This ayah became a guiding principle: Respect and kindness toward parents are obligatory, but obedience in matters of faith is only to Allah.
Sa’d, the First Archer of Islam
Sa’d was not just a warrior; he was a master archer. He proudly narrated:
"أنا لأول العرب رمى بسهم في سبيل الله"
“I was the first of Arabs to shoot an arrow in the path of Allah.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 3728)
During the early battles, his skill in archery was unmatched. The Prophet ﷺ recognized this and said to him:
"يا سعد ارم، فداك أبي وأمي"
“Oh! Sa’d! Shoot, May my father and mother be sacrificed for you.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 4059)
This was an honor that very few companions received, and it showed how highly the Prophet ﷺ regarded him.
One famous incident further demonstrated his precision. During a battle, a disbeliever who had brutally killed many Muslims was targeted by Sa’d. The Prophet ﷺ commanded him:
"ارم، فداك أبي وأمي"
“O Sa’d, Shoot, May my father and mother be sacrificed for you.”
Sa’d fired an arrow, striking the man in the forehead, causing him to fall and expose his private parts. The Prophet ﷺ laughed until his molar teeth were visible, a rare sight. (Muslim: 2412)
Sa’d’s arrows became legendary, playing a decisive role in many key battles.
The Role of Sa’d in Islamic Conquests
Sa’d was not only a warrior but also a commander. During the Battle of Qadisiyyah, he led the Muslim forces against the mighty Persian Empire. The battle was fierce, but under his leadership, the Muslims achieved a stunning victory, leading to the eventual conquest of Persia.
Later, he was also in command during the Battle of Jalula, where the Muslims once again triumphed. The fall of Madain, the Persian capital, was under his command. This was a historic moment—the once-great Persian Empire crumbled, and Islam spread into new lands.
Avoiding Political Conflicts
Despite his military successes, Sa’d was not interested in political power. During the disputes that arose after the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه, he refused to take sides in the battles of Jamal and Siffin.
When his son Umar ibn Sa’d confronted him and asked why he chose to remain away from leadership, Sa’d replied:
"إني سمعت رسول الله ﷺ يقول: إن الله يحب العبد التقي الغني الخفي"
“I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: ‘Indeed, Allah loves the righteous, self-sufficient, and unnoticed servant.’” (Muslim: 2965)
This shows his deep understanding of true leadership—it was not about power, but about serving Allah.
Sa’d and the Ten Promised Paradise
Sa’d was among the Ashara Mubashsharoon, the ten companions promised Jannah. He narrated:
"أشهد أني سمعت رسول الله ﷺ يقول: أبو بكر في الجنة، وعمر في الجنة، وعثمان في الجنة، وعلي في الجنة، وطلحة في الجنة، والزبير في الجنة، وعبد الرحمن بن عوف في الجنة، وسعد بن مالك في الجنة"
“I bear witness that I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: Abu Bakr is in Jannah, Umar is in Jannah, Uthman is in Jannah, Ali is in Jannah, Talha is in Jannah, Zubair is in Jannah, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf is in Jannah, and Sa’d ibn Malik is in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 3747)
The Death of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqas
After living a life of devotion, Sa’d passed away in 55 AH at the age of 82 in Al-Aqiq, seven miles from Madinah. His funeral was taken to Madinah, where he was buried.
Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها, the Prophet’s ﷺ wife, cried at his passing and said:
"بقية أصحاب رسول الله ﷺ"
“He was one of the last remaining companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.” (Siyar A'lām al-Nubalā: 1/123)
Indeed, with his passing, an era came to an end.
Conclusion: A Life of Legacy
Sa’d ibn Abi Waqas رضي الله عنه was a warrior, a master archer, a governor, and a deeply pious man. He fought for Islam, yet avoided the thirst for power. He was loved by the Prophet ﷺ, yet chose to live a simple life.
His story is a testament that true greatness lies not in status, but in sincerity and devotion to Allah. May Allah be pleased with him and grant us the strength to follow in his footsteps.
The stories of the Sahabah are more than history—they are timeless lessons that inspire and guide us. At AMAU Academy, we strive to make these lessons meaningful, connecting them to our everyday lives through the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Never stop seeking knowledge, reflecting on their legacy, and applying their wisdom—because true growth comes from learning and living with purpose.