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Indeed, all those horrible legions, will Sa'd meet with his mere 30,000 warriors, equipped only with
spears, nothing more. However, their hearts were filled with the will of the new faith with all it
represents: belief, vigor, and a rare, dazzling, longing aspiration for death and martyrdom.
The two armies met in combat. No, they did not meet yet. Sa'd is still there waiting for the advice
and instructions of the Commander of the Faithful. Finally `Umar's message arrives, ordering him to
move towards Al-Qaadisiyah, the gate to Persia. `Umar's words represented light and guidance: O Sa'd
lbn Wahiib, do not be deluded if it is said, You are the Prophet's uncle and his Companion. Know that
there is no relationship between Allah and anyone except through obedience to Him. All people, the
noble ones as well as the lowly, all are equal in front of Allah. Allah is their God and they are His
servants. The relationship between them is one of rivalry for preference by means of their well being,
whereas they can only get what is in Allah's hands by means of obedience to Him. Remember the
Prophet's (PBUH) positions which he stuck to from the time he was sent to us until he left our world.
Hold to them; it is an order.
Then he said to him, Send me information about all your circumstances. Where have you reached
and how? What is your enemy's position in respect to yours? Let your messages make me as if I am
actually seeing you.
Sa'd wrote to the Commander of the Faithful describing everything. He almost showed him each
soldier's position and state. Sa'd reached Al-Qaadissiyah. The Persians gathered their army as they never
had before and appointed as their leader one of the most famous and dangerous commanders, Rustum.
Sa'd writes to Umar the Commander of the Faithful, who replies: Don't be upset by what you hear
from them, nor what they show you. Seek Allah's help and put your trust in Him. Send them people of
insight, good judgment, and patience to call him to follow Allah's path, and write me every day.
Sa'd writes again to the Commander of the Faithful saying, Rustum camped with his troops at
Saabaat. He has brought his horses and elephants and marched towards us. Umar replies to calm him.
Sa'd is a smart, brave horseman, the Prophet's uncle, one of the first converts, and hero of different
wars and raids. No sword or lance of his ever failed to reach its target. He stands at the head of his army
in one of the greatest historical battles as if he were an ordinary soldier, not deluded by power nor acting
arrogantly because of leadership. His self-esteem could tempt him to rely completely on his own
capacities; but despite that he always turns to the Commander of the Faithful in Al-Madiinah. Although
miles and miles separate them, he sends him a message each day, exchanging viewpoints, advice, and
opinions while the great battle is still to come.
That was because Sa'd knew that `Umar in Al-Madiinah never decided alone, but consulted the
Muslims and the Prophet's Companions around him. Despite the war circumstances, Sa'd did not want to
deprive himself or his army of the blessings and benefits of public consultation, especially if `Umar, a
man with great inspiration, was among the consultants.
Sa'd carried out `Umar's will and sent Rustum, the Persian leader, a number of his companions to
call him to follow Islam and Allah's path.
The conversation between them and the Persian leader lasted long. Finally they ended their talk by
telling him, "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to
monotheism, from the narrowness of life to its freedom, from ruler's injustice to Islam's fairness.
Whoever accepts our offer, we will leave him alone and will refrain from hurting him. Whoever fights
us, we will fight him until we fulfil Allan's promise."
Then Rustum asked, "What is Allah's promise which He made to you?"
The Companion answered, "Paradise for our martyrs and victory for the living ones."