Hadhrat Sa`d's (Radhiyallaho anho) epistle to Rustam

In the Iraq expedition, Hadhrat `Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) wanted to lead the army himself. There were, on several days, deliberations separately among the common people and among the chiefs, whether Amir-ul-Mominin should lead the expedition or stay in Madinah to direct the operations and arrange reinforcements from the headquarters. The common people were in favor of the former, and the chiefs in favor of the latter alternative. Somebody mentioned the name of Hadhrat Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas (Radhiyallaho anho) as a substitute for Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) to command the expedition.

Both the groups agreed, and it was decided that Hadh-rat Sa`d (Radhiyallaho anho) should lead the expedition and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) should stay behind in Madinah. Hadhrat Sa`d (Radhiyallaho anho) was very brave and considered to be one of the heroes of Arabia. Iraq was a part of the Persian Empire and Yazdjard was the Emperor at that time. He sent for one of his best generals named Rustam and charged him with the task of checking the Muslim advance. Rustarn tried to avoid going to the front, because of the fear of the Muslims, and requested the Emperor again and again to keep him hack, saying:

"I shall make arrangements for the despatch of re-inforcements and shall be of use to your Majesty at the time of counsel."

But the Emperor did not agree, and he had to go to the battlefield.

When Fladhrat Sa'd (Radhiyallaho anho) was ah Jut to leave Madinah, Fladhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) gave him the following instructions:

"O, Sa`d! Let this fact not beguile you that you are one of the trusted companions of the Prophet (Sallallaho wasallam) and that people call you his uncle. Allah does not repel evil with evil, but He repels evil with good. Allah has no relation with His creation. All men, high and low, are equal before Him, for all are His creation and He is their sole Lord. One can win His favours only through devotion to His service. Remember that the Sunnat of the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is the only correct way of doing things. You are going on a very heavy task. This you can discharge only by following the truth. Inculcate good habits in yourself and your companions. Choose fear of Allah as your chief asset, for this will lead you to His obedience and prevent you from His disobedience. Obedience to Allah's command is the lot of those alone who hate this world and love the Hereafter."

Sa`d (Radhiyallaho anho) faced the heavy odds with full confidence in Allah. When both the armies were ready to fight, he sent an epistle to Rustam, which read:

"Rustam! there are people with me to whom death (in the path of Allah) is more attractive than is wine to the people in your army."

Ask the people who are addicted to liquor, how much they love to taste it. The Sahabah loved to meet death in the Path of Allah even more. This was the chief cause of their success.