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He was blessed with success and accomplishment. Once the Prophet (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) 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 (PBUH).
- 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 (PBUH). 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.