Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA)

The First to Shoot an Arrow for Islam and a Blessed Commander

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا ۖ وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا

"We have enjoined on man goodness to his parents. But if they pressure you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, do not obey them."

— Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:8 — revealed in the context of Sa'd's trial with his mother

Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) was one of the earliest converts to Islam and one of the ten blessed companions to whom the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave the glad tidings of Paradise during their lifetime — the Al-Asharah Al-Mubasharah. He is celebrated for his extraordinary bravery, his strategic military genius, and his unique honour as the companion whose supplication was answered by Allah in a special way. He holds the distinction of being the first person ever to shoot an arrow in defence of Islam.

★ Quick Facts

Full Name	Sa'd ibn Malik ibn Uhayb
Kunyah	Abu Ishaq
Tribe	Banu Zuhrah (Quraysh)
Born	c. 595 CE, Makkah
Accepted Islam	Very early (around age 17)
Died	674 CE (55 AH), Madinah
Known For	First to shoot an arrow for Islam; Conqueror of Persia

Early Life

Sa'd (RA) grew up in a noble Quraysh family and was known from a young age for his strong character, discipline, and exceptional skill in archery. These qualities would later serve Islam in remarkable ways on the battlefield and beyond.

A Test of Faith — Acceptance of Islam

Sa'd (RA) accepted Islam at around seventeen years of age, making him one of the earliest Muslims. His conversion was immediately met with fierce opposition from his own mother, who refused to eat or drink in an attempt to pressure him into abandoning his faith. The trial was heartbreaking — Sa'd loved his mother deeply — but his commitment to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ could not be shaken.

★ Did You Know?

The Prophet ﷺ made a special du'a for Sa'd (RA): "O Allah, answer his supplication." Because of this, Sa'd (RA) became famous throughout Islamic history as the companion whose du'a was accepted. People would come to him in times of need, asking him to make du'a on their behalf, such was the reputation Allah gave him. He was also the maternal uncle of the Prophet ﷺ through the tribe of Banu Zuhrah.

Life with the Prophet ﷺ

Sa'd (RA) was present at every major battle alongside the Prophet ﷺ, distinguishing himself through bravery and skill. At the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet ﷺ said to him: "Shoot, Sa'd — may my mother and father be your ransom!" — one of the highest expressions of honour the Prophet ﷺ ever gave to a companion.

Battle of Badr — Among the earliest fighters for Islam
Battle of Uhud — First companion to shoot an arrow in defence of Islam
Battle of Khandaq — Fought bravely in the defence of Madinah
Conquest of Makkah — Present at the historic opening of Makkah

Military Leadership — The Conquest of Persia

During the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), Sa'd (RA) was appointed commander of the Muslim army sent to confront the mighty Persian Empire. He led the historic Battle of al-Qadisiyyah — one of the most decisive battles in Islamic history — resulting in a stunning victory for the Muslims and the opening of Persia to Islam. This conquest transformed the Muslim world and changed the course of history.

"Sa'd is one of the ten whom the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned while he was pleased with them, and he gave them glad tidings of Paradise."

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah

Greatest Qualities

Extraordinary courage and skill in battle
Absolute firmness in faith even under family pressure
Strategic military leadership and vision
Deep trust in Allah expressed through sincere du'a
Unwavering loyalty to Islam from his youth until his last breath

Lessons We Learn

True faith may sometimes require standing firm even against family pressure
Sincere du'a, made with a clean heart, can become a lifelong blessing
Early commitment to Islam from youth brings lasting honour in this life and the next
Victory comes through trust in Allah — not through numbers or worldly strength

Legacy

Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) is remembered as one of the great military leaders and most loyal companions of the Prophet ﷺ. His role in opening Persia to Islam was a defining moment in Islamic history. He was among those given the greatest honour a believer could receive in this world — the Prophet's ﷺ own testimony that he would enter Paradise. His life stands as a timeless reminder that sincere belief and trust in Allah lead to victory and eternal honour.

رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ وَأَرْضَاهُ

"May Allah be pleased with him and may he be pleased with Allah."

May Allah grant us the courage, firmness, and accepted du'a of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA). Ameen.