One of the Karaamaat of 'Umar

It was narrated that ‘Amr Ibn al-Haarith said: “Whilst ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab was on the minbar delivering the khutbah on a Friday, he stopped preaching, then he said: ‘O Saariyah, the mountain!’ two or three times. Then he carried on with his khutbah. Those who were present of the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘He has gone mad; he was delivering the khutbah then he said, ‘O Saariyah, the mountain!’ ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn ‘Awf, with whom ‘Umar used to feel comfortable, entered upon him and said: 'The main reason I would blame you concerning them is that you have given the people cause to talk about you, because whilst you were delivering the khutbah you suddenly shouted, ‘O Saariyah, the mountain!' What was that?’

‘Umar said: ‘By Allah, I could not help it. I saw them fighting near a mountain, with the enemy attacking from in front and from behind them, and I could not help but say, 0 Saariyah, the mountain! So that they could run to the mountain.' They waited until the messenger came with a letter (from Saariyah) which said: 'The enemy caught up with us on Friday and we fought them from the time of Fajr prayer until the time for Jumu’ah prayer came, and the sun had passed the meridian. Then we heard someone calling out, ‘O Saariyah, the mountain!’ twice. So we climbed the mountain and started to inflict casualties on the enemy until Allaah caused them to be defeated and killed.’ Then those who had criticised him said: ‘Leave this man alone, for he receives divine help.’”[1]

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[1] Narrated by Abu Nu'aym in Dalaa'il an-Nubuwwah, p. 210; lbn Hajar in al-Isaabah, 3/4; Abu Ja'far at-Tabari in ar-Riyaad an-Nadirah fi Manaaqib al-'Asharah, 2/ 15, Maktabat Muhammad Najeeb edn., 1372; he said: its isnaad is hasan.

The Status of Sa'd bin Mu'aadh

Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim recorded that Anas bin Maalik reported that a Jubbah (cloak) made of thick silken cloth was presented to the Prophet by Ukaydir Dawmah.  So, the people were pleased to see it. Then the Prophet said, “The handkerchiefs of Sa‘d bin Mu‘aadh in Paradise are better than this.”[1] Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim also recorded that al-Baraa’ reported that a silken cloth was given as a present to the Prophet. His companions started touching it and admiring its softness. Then the Prophet said, “Are you admiring its softness?”  The handkerchiefs of Sa‘d bin Mu‘aadh (in Paradise) are better and softer than it.”[2]

The mention of Sa‘d bin Mu‘aadh here in particular is not surprising, because his status among the Ansaar is like the status of Aboo Bakr as-Siddeeq among the emigrants. The throne of Allaah shook on account of his death. He was never afraid of the blame of the blamers in Allaah’s way and Allaah ended his life through martyrdom. He preferred the pleasure of Allaah and His Messenger over the pleasure of his people, clan and allies. And the judgment he passed conformed to the judgment of Allaah above the seventh heavens. Angel Jibreel announced his death to the Prophet the day he died. Therefore, he deserves to have handkerchiefs with which he would wipe his hands in Paradise better than the garments of kings.

Source: Haadee al-Arwaah ilaa Bilaad al-Afraah by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

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[1] Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (3247) and Muslim (2469)

[2] Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (3249) and Muslim (2468)