Sad bin Abi Waqqas (R) The Lion in the Deen

Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas رضي الله عنه is one of the most outstanding figures in Islamic history, and his life story is full of adventure and struggle for the sake of Islam.

He was among the earliest converts in Makkah — one of the first handful of people on earth to believe. He was also the Prophet's ﷺ uncle through his mother's family, and the Prophet ﷺ used to greet him warmly by mentioning that kinship.

His valor and skill in battle, combined with genuine religious devotion, led to him being called The Lion in the Deen. He is remembered as the first man to shoot an arrow in the cause of Islam, and as one of the ten given the glad tidings of Paradise.

His greatest service came later. Commanding the Muslim armies in the conquest of Persia, he won the victory at Al-Qadisiyyah that opened the way for the people of Iraq and Iran to enter Islam.

About the Golden Series

The Golden Series of the Prophet's Companions tells the life of one Companion per book, in language written for young readers and for families reading together. Each account is drawn from authentic Islamic sources and told as a story rather than a lesson — which is why children finish them.

The series works well for Islamic schools and weekend academies, for home libraries, and as a reading reward or gift. Because each title stands alone, a family can start anywhere and collect the rest over time. The complete Golden Series set is also available as a boxed package.

More in the Golden Series

Each title in the series covers one Companion in the same short, readable format. Eighteen are currently available:

• Salman Al-Farisi — In Quest of Truth
• Abu Dhar Al-Gifari — Struggle for Equality
• Abdullah bin 'Umar — The Jurist
• 'Amr bin Al-'Aas — The Conqueror of Egypt
• Abu Bakr As-Siddiq — The First Caliph
• 'Ali bin Abi Talib — The Fourth Caliph
• Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah — The Nation's Trustworthy
• Az-Zubair bin Al-'Awwam — The Disciple
• Khabbab bin Al-Aratt — The Teacher
• 'Umar bin Al-Khattab — The Second Caliph
• 'Uthman bin 'Affan — The Third Caliph
• Bilal bin Rabah — The Mu'adhdhin
• Jabir bin Abdullah — The Example of Sacrifice
• Khalid bin Al-Waleed — The Sword of Allah
• Sa'd bin Mu'adh — The True Supporter of Islam
• Suhaib Ar-Roomi — The Example of Sacrifice
• Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah — The Living Martyr

Related Reading

• Heroes of Islam — over 70 short biographies in a single volume
• Commanders of the Muslim Army — the commanders of the early Muslim armies
• The Precious Pearls — the ten Companions promised Paradise