Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Khaithamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) was among the high-ranking Ansaar of Madeenah Munawwarah. His father, Sayyiduna Khaithamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as well as his son, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), were also Sahaabah. Thus, three generations had the privilege of being the companions of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!
On the occasion when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) took the second pledge of ‘Aqabah from the Ansaar, he requested that from among the seventy who were present, twelve leaders should come forward. Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was sent as the representative of the Banu ‘Amr bin ‘Auf clan. In fact, his son, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), also accompanied him for this pledge and was seated behind him on his conveyance. (Al-Isaabah vol. 3, pg. 47)
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) migrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madeenah Munawwarah, he first stopped in Quba for a few days. While in Quba, he resided at the home of Sayyiduna Kulthoom bin Hidm (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). However, he would see to people and address them in the house of this very Sahaabi – Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Khaithamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma). (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 292)
In the second year after hijrah, when the Muslims were setting out to attack the caravan of the Quraish, which resulted in the Battle of Badr, Sayyiduna Khaithamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) told his son, Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “One of us has to remain behind, so give me preference with coming out and you remain behind with our womenfolk.” However, Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) (respectfully) refused saying, “Had it been (regarding) something other than Jannah, I would have given you preference to do it. (But,) I am desirous of gaining martyrdom in this course of mine (i.e. in joining this expedition).”
Since both of them were yearning to participate in the expedition and neither of them was ready to relinquish their right, they resolved the situation by drawing lots. Allah Ta‘ala willed it such that the name of the son, Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), came out. He thus left with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his dream of martyrdom came to fruition. He was either killed at the hands of ‘Amr bin ‘Abdi Wudd or Tu‘aimah bin ‘Adiyy. (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 291 and Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 3, pg. 482)
On the occasion of the Battle of Uhud, the father, Sayyiduna Khaithamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I had missed out on the Battle of Badr whereas I was so desirous of (participating in) it that I (even) drew lots of going out with my son. However, his name came out and he was (ultimately) granted martyrdom. But I had seen him in a dream last night in an extremely handsome form, moving about through the fruit and rivers of Jannah. (Whilst moving about,) he was saying, ‘Come and join us in Jannah, for I have found what my Rabb had promised me to be true.’ O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! By Allah, I am very eager to join him in Jannah, so ask Allah to grant me martyrdom and his (i.e. my son’s) companionship in Jannah.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made du‘aa for him and he was subsequently martyred in this very battle. (Subulul Huda war Rashaad vol. vol. 4, pg. 219)
Lessons:
1. The desire for martyrdom was engrained in the heart of each and every Sahaabi as is evident from the books of history. This fervent desire is not an unfathomable fact when one truly understands the value and reward of martyrdom. In actual fact, this desire stemmed from their deep love for Allah Ta‘ala and their desire for the life of the Hereafter. Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) possessed the desire for martyrdom to such an extent that, although he respected his father and addressed him in a very polite way, he was not prepared to forego his right of going out with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) due to the possibility of attaining martyrdom. Moreover, his father also had the very same desire and was also blessed with this high rank shortly thereafter.
2. When a person has a sincere intention and true desire to do a good action, and he thereafter supports it with du‘aa and the corresponding effort, Allah Ta‘ala assists him and makes his dream a reality – no matter how difficult or farfetched it may seem. Allah Ta‘ala says in the Quraan Majeed, “Those who strive for Our cause, We will definitely guide them to Our paths (i.e. make them successful in their endeavours).” (Surah ‘Ankaboot v69) Both father and son had an unwavering aspiration for martyrdom and they took the correct steps in acquiring it; therefore, Allah Ta‘ala blessed them with this great achievement.
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