Sa`ad ibn Abī Waqqās (R) was an early convert to Islam and one of the important companions of Muhammad (saw). He was born in 39 BH in makkah. He was from the Banū Zuhrah clan of the Quraysh tribe. His parents were Malik bin Uhaib and Hamnah bint Sufyan bin Ummaya.
He was the first one to shoot an arrow in the cause of Allah. He fought in the battle of Badr with his young brother Umayr, who cried to accompany the Muslim army, as he was only in his early teens. Sa`d returned to al-Madīnah alone; Umayr was one of the fourteen Muslims who martyred in the battle.
At the battle of Uhud, Sa`d(R) was among those who fought in defense of Muhammad after some Muslims had deserted their positions. One night after the battle the prophet could not sleep and was in fear of something.He wanted someone to guard him. Then Sa’d(R) came and said :” I sense fear in you so I will protect you.” So the Prophet made duaa for him and slept peacefully.
One story I would like to share is about how steadfast he was to islam. He was the 3rd to accept isalm, but his mother applied EXTREME pressure on him to not accept islam. She wanted him to follow the religion of the forefathers. When he did NOT obey her, she vowed not to eat or drink anything until he submitts to her. She did not eat or drink anything for many days and fainted 3 times, BUT he as not prepared to foresake islam.
Sa`d(R) also fought under `Umar's command against the Sāsānian army in the Battle of al-Qādisiyyah. He was later appointed governor of al-Kūfah and Najd during the caliphate of `Umar. Iraq and Fars (Iran) was conquered under his command.
He died in 55 AH in Medina at the time of Amir Mu’awiyah (RA). His body was brought to Medinah and he was buried in Jannat-ul-baq’ee. He was the last of the Asharrah Mubasharah to die.