The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 508
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 508 not improve, and it was during this particular time that the account of Banū Quraiẓah took place as well, due to which he was made to endure extreme hardship and fatigue, and his illness deteriorated even further. During these very days, one night, Sa‘d ra supplicated with great emotion: “O My Lord! You know well the intense desire in my heart to partake in Jihād to defend Your religion in the face of that nation who has rejected Your Messenger and exiled him from his homeland. O My Master! I perceive that war has now come to an end between the Quraish and ourselves. However, if in Your estimation there is still more conflict, then grant me enough respite that I may strive in Your cause through Jihād against them; but if our fighting them has come to an end, I no longer desire to live, let me die a martyr. ” It is narrated that the very same night, the wound of Sa‘d ra tore open and there was so much blood loss that it began to flow out of the tent. When people rushed into the tent with concern, the condition of Sa‘d ra had seriously deteriorated. Finally, in this very state, Sa‘d ra breathed his last. 1 The Holy Prophet sa was deeply saddened by the demise of Sa‘d ra. Undoubtedly, in light of the circumstances of that era, the demise of Sa‘d ra was a loss which could not be compensated. Sa‘d ra almost possessed the same status among the Ansār which Abū Bakr Ṣiddīq ra possessed among the Muhājirīn. In his sincerity, in his sacrifice, in his service of Islām, in his love for the Holy Prophet sa , this individual possessed such a lofty rank, which is attained on by a few. His every movement demonstrated that love for Islām and the Founder of Islām was the nurture of his soul. Since he was the chief of his tribe, his example had a very deep and practical influence on the Ansār. It was only natural for the Holy Prophet sa to feel saddened upon the demise of such a worthy spiritual son. However, the Holy Prophet sa exhibited the highest level of patience and bowed his head before Divine Will with obedience and submission. When the funeral procession of Sa‘d ra was being lead to the graveyard, due to her love, his elderly mother lamented over him in somewhat of a loud voice. In this mourning, according to the custom of that time, various qualities of Sa‘d ra were mentioned. When the Holy Prophet sa heard the sounds of this lamentation, although he did not approve of the custom of lamentation in 1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Maghāzī, Bābu Marja‘in-Nabiyyi sa Minal-Aḥzābi. . . . . , Ḥadīth No. 4122