Demise of the Head Chieftain of the Ansār and Reality of the Bounties of Paradise

The wound which Ḥaḍrat Sa‘d bin Mu‘ādh(ra), chief of the Aus tribe, had sustained on the occasion of the Ghazwah of the Ditch, did not manage to fully heal despite tireless medical attention. His wound would continue to tear after healing to some extent. Since he was an exceptionally sincere Companion and the Holy Prophet(sa) was especially concerned for his medical treatment, on the way back from the Ghazwah of the Ditch, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed that he should be kept in a tent in the courtyard of the Mosque, so that the Holy Prophet(sa) could easily check up on his progress. Thus, he was entrusted to the care of a Muslim lady by the name of Rufaidah, who possessed expertise in medical treatment and nursing, and would generally setup a camp in the veranda of the Mosque in order to treat Muslims who had been wounded.1 However, despite this extraordinary attention, the condition of Sa‘d(ra) did not improve, and it was during this particular time that the account of Banū Quraiẓah took place as well, due to which he was made to endure extreme hardship and fatigue, and his illness deteriorated even further. During these very days, one night, Sa‘d(ra) supplicated with great emotion:

“O My Lord! You know well the intense desire in my heart to partake in Jihād to defend Your religion in the face of that nation who has rejected Your Messenger and exiled him from his homeland. O My Master! I perceive that war has now come to an end between the Quraish and ourselves. However, if in Your estimation there is still more conflict, then grant me enough respite that I may strive in Your cause through Jihād against them; but if our fighting them has come to an end, I no longer desire to live, let me die a martyr.”

It is narrated that the very same night, the wound of Sa‘d(ra) tore open and there was so much blood loss that it began to flow out of the tent. When people rushed into the tent with concern, the condition of Sa‘d(ra) had seriously deteriorated. Finally, in this very state, Sa‘d(ra) breathed his last.2

The Holy Prophet(sa) was deeply saddened by the demise of Sa‘d(ra). Undoubtedly, in light of the circumstances of that era, the demise of Sa‘d(ra) was a loss which could not be compensated. Sa‘d(ra) almost possessed the same status among the Ansār which Abū Bakr Ṣiddīq(ra) possessed among the Muhājirīn. In his sincerity, in his sacrifice, in his service of Islām, in his love for the Holy Prophet(sa), this individual possessed such a lofty rank, which is attained on by a few. His every movement demonstrated that love for Islām and the Founder of Islām was the nurture of his soul. Since he was the chief of his tribe, his example had a very deep and practical influence on the Ansār. It was only natural for the Holy Prophet(sa) to feel saddened upon the demise of such a worthy spiritual son. However, the Holy Prophet(sa) exhibited the highest level of patience and bowed his head before Divine Will with obedience and submission.

When the funeral procession of Sa‘d(ra) was being lead to the graveyard, due to her love, his elderly mother lamented over him in somewhat of a loud voice. In this mourning, according to the custom of that time, various qualities of Sa‘d(ra) were mentioned. When the Holy Prophet(sa) heard the sounds of this lamentation, although he did not approve of the custom of lamentation in principle, he said, “Women who lament often utter a great deal of falsehood, but at this time, whatever the mother of Sa‘d has said is true,” i.e., whatever qualities have been attributed to Sa‘d(ra) are correct.3 After this, the Holy Prophet(sa) lead the funeral prayer and accompanied the procession himself for the burial. The Holy Prophet(sa) remained there until the burial was complete and finally returned after he had prayed over the grave.4

It was perhaps during this time that on one occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) said:

“Upon the demise of Sa‘d, the throne of the Gracious God shook.”5

This means that the mercy of God happily welcomed the soul of Sa‘d(ra) in the world of the hereafter. On one occasion, when the Holy Prophet(sa) received some pieces of silk cloth from somewhere as a gift, a few Companions spoke of their soft and gentle texture with great amazement, and considered them to be out of the ordinary. The Holy Prophet(sa) responded, “Do you marvel at the softness of these cloths? By God, the mantles of Sa‘d in paradise are far more soft and valuable than these.”6