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SA'IID IBN `AAMIR

Greatness Under Worn-out Garments

Does any of us know this man or have any of us ever heard his name before? Most probably, the

majority of us, if not all, have not heard his name mentioned before. I imagine that you wonder, who is

Sa'iid Ibn `Aamir? Well, you are about to embark on a journey back in time so as to find out all that there

is to be known about this "happy" ("Sa'iid" means "happy ") man, so fasten your seat belts.

In short, Sa'iid was one of the outstanding Companions of the Prophet (PBUH), notwithstanding the

fact that his name was seldom, if ever, mentioned. He was one of the most distinguished unknown pious

Companions. It was natural that he, like all Muslims, would accompany the Prophet (PBUH) in all his

expeditions and battles, for as a believer, he could not lag or turn his back on Allah's Prophet (PBUH) in

peace or war time. Shortly before the Conquest of Khaibar, Sa'iid submitted himself to Islam. Ever since

he embraced Islam and gave his allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH)), he consecrated his life, existence,

and destiny to the service of Islam. All the great virtues of obedience, asceticism, dignity, humbleness,

piety, and pride thrived harmoniously inside this pure and kind man.

In our attempt to unveil his greatness, we must bear in mind that, in most cases, appearance contrasts

with reality. If we are to judge him by his outer looks, we will not do him justice, for he was definitely

ill-favored as regards his appearance. He had dusty uncombed hair. Nothing in his looks or appearance

distinguished him from poor Muslims. If we are to judge his reality by his appearance, we will see

nothing impressive or breath-taking. But if we dive deep into his inner self beyond his outer appearance,

we will see greatness in the full meaning of the word. His greatness stood aloof from the splendor and

ornament of life. Yet, it lurked there beyond his modest appearance and worn-out garments. Have you

ever seen a pearl hidden inside its shell? Well, he was much like this hidden pearl.

When the Commander of the Faithful `Umar Than Al- Khattaab dismissed Mu'aawiyah from his

position as governor of Homs in Syria, he exerted himself in searching for someone who was qualified to

take over his position.

Undoubtedly, `Umar's standards of choice of governors and assistants were highly cautious,

meticulous, and scrutinizing. He believed that if a governor committed a sin, error, or violation, two

people would be asked to account for it before Allah: `Umar and the governor, even if this governor were

in the farthest corner of the earth. His standards of estimation and evaluation of governors were highly

subtle, alert, and perceiving. Centuries before the advent of Islam, Homs was a big city that witnessed,

one after the other, the dawn and eclipse of many civilizations. besides, it was a vital trade center. The

attractions of the vast city turned it into a place of seduction and temptation. In `Umar's opinion only an

ascetic, devout, and repentant worshiper would be able to resist and renounce its attractions.

`Umar suddenly realized that Sa'iid Ibn `Aamir was the man he was looking for and cried out,

"Sa'iid Ibn `Aamir is the right man for this mission." He summoned him. Sa'iid was offered the

governorship by the Commander of the Faithful, but he refused saying, "Do not expose me to Fitnah

(trials and affliction)." `Umar then cried out, "By Allah, I will not let you turn me down. Do you lay the

burdens of your trusteeship and the caliphate upon my shoulders, then you refuse to help me out? "

Instantly, Sa'iid was convinced of the logic of `Umar's words. Indeed, it was not fair to abandon or avoid

their obligation towards their trusteeship and towards the caliphate and lay them on `Umar's shoulders.

Moreover, if people like Sa'iid Ibn `Aamir renounced the responsibility of rule, then `Umar would

definitely have a hard time to find a man who was highly pious and righteous enough to be entrusted

with such a mission.