Hundred Great Muslims

SA'AD IBN WAKKAS
Hazrat Sa'ad ibn Wakkas, one of the oldest and most trusted companions
of the Prophet of Islam, was the conqueror of Iraq and Persia. He was a great
Arab General, who embraced Islam at the early age of 17. He was one of the ten
Companions of the Prophet who were promised Paradise during their lifetime.
Hazrat Sa'ad was a famous warrior and General who took leading part in
the battles of Badr and Uhd and also in the campaigns that followed. When
Muthanna who assumed command of Muslim forces at AI Hira (Iraq) after the
departure of Khalid bin Waleed to Syria, asked for reinforcements in order to
meet the threat of the ever-increasing Persian hordes. the Second Caliph of Islam
himself wanted to assume the command. A large force gathered at Madina and
Umar wanted to march at their head. Great enthusiasm prevailed there. But he
was dissuaded by his Companions, who insisted that the central authority
should remain in the Capital. At last Sa'ad ibn Wakkas was selected to assume
the Chief command. The entire campaign in Iraq was planned by the Caliph
himself, who was daily informed of the developments in the military situation.
Sa'ad ibn Wakkas, the trusted Companion of the Prophet and highly
respected by Muslims. advanced with a force of 20 thousand Muslims. His army
contained about 400 Companions of the Prophet and their 700 sons. Sa'ad
advanced towards Kadessia, where the formidable Persian forces under their
famous General Rustam were encamped and were harassing the neighbouring
Muslim dominions. Here, in the Summer of 637 A.C.. a memorable battle was
fought, which was hotly contested lasting for several days. The Muslim soldiers
fought like real heroes, and displayed great feats of bravery which unnerved and
discomfited the enemy. Illness prevented Sa'ad from taking part in the battle
personally, but a shrewd and skilful soldier as he was, very ably he directed the
whole operations from a house top, situated by the side of the battle-field.
The Muslims, for the first time, encountered an array of elephant and the
Arab horses could hardly be controlled while facing these black giants. The
Muslim army had been suffering heavily. Seeing this, Sa'ad ordered a charge with
lances on the elephants. Accordingly, the Arabs made a fierce charge on the
elephants with pointed lances and pushed them back and made them flee from
the battle-field in panic.
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