Who was Sa'd ibn Mu'adh?

SA'D IBN MU'ADH (c. 590–627) was the prominent chief of the Banu Aws tribe in Medina and one of the most devoted companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Though he lived as a Muslim for only about six years, his profound faith and loyalty made him one of the most honored figures in early Islam.

Conversion to Islam

Prior to accepting Islam, Sa‘d was a highly respected and charismatic leader who commanded great authority among his people. Following the first pledge at Aqabah, he embraced Islam at the hands of the early Muslim missionary Mus‘ab ibn Umayr. Demonstrating absolute devotion, Sa‘d immediately approached his tribe and stated that he would not speak to any of them until they too accepted Islam. Consequently, his entire subtribe, the Banu Abdul-Ashhal, converted on that very day. 

Military Contributions

Sa‘d was a fiercely brave and steadfast warrior who fought alongside the Prophet Muhammad in the major foundational battles of Islam: 

• Battle of Badr: He fought courageously and acted as a dedicated protector of the Prophet's command post.
• Battle of the Trench: During the siege of Medina, Sa‘d was struck by an arrow that severed his brachial artery. 

The Banu Qurayza Judgment

Following the Battle of the Trench, the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza was accused of breaking the treaty with the Muslims by allying with the invading confederate armies. When they surrendered, they requested that Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh arbitrate their fate, given his prior historical alliance with them. Sa‘d decreed a ruling in accordance with Jewish law (the Torah), which resulted in the execution of the combatant men and the captivity of the women and children. 

Legacy and Death

Shortly after this judgment, the severe wound Sa‘d sustained at the Battle of the Trench reopened, leading to his premature death at the age of 37. His passing brought profound grief to the Prophet Muhammad. In Islamic tradition, his funeral was highly distinguished: 

• The Throne Shaking: The Prophet famously stated that the Divine Throne (of Allah) shook with joy at the arrival of Sa‘d's soul.
• Host of Angels: The Prophet also informed his companions that seventy thousand angels—who had never descended to earth before—attended Sa‘d's funeral to pray over him and carry his bier. 

He was buried in the historic Al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina.