Sa’eed bin Zayd (RA) was among the closest persons to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (RA) was among the ten people who were promised paradise in their lives by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (RA) had not even crossed the age of twenty, when he accepted the teachings of Islam. He (RA) was one of the earliest people who converted to Islam. He (RA) played a vital role in the betterment of Islam during its advent.
Married to Fatima, sister of Hazrat Umar (RA) who was also his uncle as well as his cousin, Sa’eed bin Zayd (RA) faced many hardships and cruelties by the people of Makah. He (RA) played the role of secretary of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and used to record the Quranic verses during the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (RA) was a very pious man and followed the teachings of Islam throughout his life. He (RA) took part in many battles and fought valiantly. He (RA) always used to remain in front of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as a shield in the battles to protect him (SAW) from any kind of harm. He (RA) disliked taking positions in high command and did not like to take oaths. According to a famous incident recorded in history, he (RA) gave up on his righteous claim in order to swear an oath upon the holy book. He is also famous for refusing the offer for the position of governor, as he preferred to spend his life as a soldier and live only for the cause of Islam.
During the lifetime of Muhammad
In his early carrer, he served as the secretary of the Prophet and recorded the verses of the Quran which were revealed to the Prophet.[3] History record that Sa’eed bin Zayd was a pious man and he never did anything throughout his life against the teachings of Muhammad. It is a said that ‘Sa’eed always covered Muhammad keeping himself ahead and in front of him in battle and always stood behind him in prayers. He took part in a number of battles, even after the death of Muhammad, for the sake of Islam, and fought very bravely.
He participated in all of the battles in which Muhammad participated personally with the exception of the battle of Badr.Muhammad had sent Talha and Sa’eed bin Zayd to get information on the movement of the Quraysh army. They missed the Quraysh army and by the time they returned, the battle had been won by the Muslims. However, both of them were given their share of the war trophies of the battle.
During the time of the Caliphs
Sa’eed bin Zayd was offered the office of a Governor on account of his courage and administrative abilities, but he did not accept it.
Once he was appointed Governor of Damascus without his consent. He wrote to Abu ‘Ubayda, “I am unable to offer such a sacrifice. You will perform Jihad while I will be deprived of it. Please send someone else to replace me as soon as you receive this letter. I am coming to you soon.” Later, he fought as an ordinary soldier in all the battles which were waged for the cause of Islam.
He is said to have passed the rest of his life in perfect peace and did not ever incline towards the mundane pleasures of life.
He disliked taking oaths. Once he had to attend a court of law in connection with a suit. The judge asked him to speak on oath. He withdrew his case and abandoned his claim. His submission to faith, his fear of Allah, and his services for the cause of Islam, earned him the glad tidings from Muhammad during his lifetime that he would enter the Eternal Gardens in the life hereafter.
Author: Shazia Jilani
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