Saad Abi Waqqas RA

 Saidina ‘Umar RA himself wanted to lead the army in the Iraq expedition. There were several days of discussions separately among the common people and among the leaders, whether Amir-ul-Mukminin should lead the expedition or stay in Madinah to direct the operations and arrange reinforcements from the headquarters. The common people were in favour of the former, and the leaders in favour of the latter alternative. Somebody mentioned the name of Saidinat Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqaas as a replacement for Saidina Umar RA to command the expedition. Both the groups agreed and it was decided that Hadhrat Sa’ad should lead the expedition and Hadhrat Umar would stay behind in Madinah. Saidina Sa’ad was very brave and considered to be one of the heroes of Arabia. Iraq was a part of the Persian Empire and Yazdjard was the Emperor at that time. He sent for one of his best generals named Rustam and ordered him to stop the Muslim advance. Rustam tried to avoid going to the battlefront because of his fear of the Muslims. He requested the Emperor again and again to keep him back, saying: “I shall make arrangements to send off reinforcements and shall be of use to your Majesty at the time of counsel.” The Emperor did not agree and he had to go to the battlefield. When Saidina Sa’ad was about to leave Madinah, Saidina Umar RA gave him the following instructions: “O, Sa’ad! Let this fact not deceive you that you are one of the trusted companions of Nabi j and that people call you his uncle. Allah does not prevent evil with evil, but He prevents evil with good. Allah has no relationship with His creation. readmore: