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Qais bin Saad bin Ubadah Al-Saadi Al-Khazraji
A distinguished companion, descending from one of the ancient Arab lineages. His venerable father, Saad bin Ubadah, had a prominent position among the Companions, and was known as the leader of the Khazraj tribe.
Noble lineage:
The ancestry of the Qais boasts honor and deep roots within the Arab nobility. His father, Saad bin Ubadah, is considered a prominent figure in the history of Islam, leading the Khazraj tribe with distinction.
The generosity of his family:
The Qays family maintained traditions of generosity and hospitality, characteristics that were highly valued among the wealthy in the Arabian Peninsula at the time. They were known for a special practice where a specific individual, often standing on a raised platform, would invite guests to share their meals during the day or light a fire to guide travelers at night. The Qais family, especially his grandfather Dulaim bin Haritha, was famous for its wealth and hospitality, and was famous for providing lavish banquets.
Education:
Qais grew up in an environment of wealth and nobility. His family's wealth and generosity was complemented by his striking physical stature – tall and handsome. Since his childhood, the Ansar and the people of Medina looked at him as a leader. The prevailing phrase at that time was: “If you like ghee and meat, come to the feast of Dulaim bin Haritha,” referring to Qais’s great-grandfather.
Extraordinary father:
Saad bin Ubadah, father of Qais, was famous among the Ansar for his unparalleled commitment. While others received guests with one or two companions, Saad received them with eighty. This was evidence of his exceptional generosity and hospitality, which made him a respected figure among the Ansar.
distinguishing features:
Qais bin Saad bin Ubadah was known not only for his lineage, but also for his striking physical appearance. He was described as one of the tallest and most handsome people of his time, and became a symbol of nobility and grace.
Beautiful gestures:
The people of Medina had great respect for Qais and treated him as a leader even in his youth. One of his notable features is his lack of facial hair, which adds to his distinctive appearance. This is the respect for Qais that the Ansar expressed: If we could buy Qais a beard with our money, we would.
Before Islam, intelligence and generosity
Before his conversion to Islam, Qais used his intelligence to deal with people, and it was often beyond their ability to understand his quick wit. He was known for his sharp intelligence in the city and its suburbs. However, after converting to Islam, he learned to deal with people sincerely rather than cunningly, and put his clever tactics aside. Islam guided him to interact with people authentically, and to stay away from manipulative strategies. Qais says: If it were not for Islam, a plan would have been put in place that the Arabs could not bear.
Good manners and education:
Qais grew up in an environment that valued courage and generosity, and became a symbol of generosity and kindness. One time, an old woman complained of her poverty to Qais, so he ordered his servants to fill her house with bread, ghee, and dates. Qais fed people generously during his travels with the Prophet Muhammad, and when his supplies ran out, he would borrow and call out daily: “Come with meat and porridge.” His generosity extended to providing loans, and once he borrowed money to lend to those in need.
Trade and generosity:
Qais worked in a trade worth ninety thousand, and when he returned, he called the people of Medina and offered them loans. He lent forty thousand, and gave the rest in charity. Qais showed remarkable generosity, refusing to accept anything in return. He said: “We will not go back on anything we have been given.”
Military valor and compassion:
Qais participated in the Battle of Siffin with Ali bin Abi Talib against Muawiyah. He showed tremendous courage and leadership, and carried the banner of the Ansar. Despite the difficulties they faced in battle, Qais took it upon himself to slaughter camels to feed the hungry soldiers. His mercy appeared when he declared: “Whoever has a debt, it is his, and whoever has a deposit, it is his.” His actions demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Muslims.
Meeting with the Romans:
The Romans sent two men, one of whom they claimed was the strongest and the other the tallest, to test whether anyone in Qays' army was superior to them in strength or height. Qais chose Muhammad bin al-Hanafiyyah bin Ali for the challenge. The Romans were defeated in both tests, which indicates the strength and valor of the Muslims.
The role during the caliphate:
Qais played an important role during the caliphate, especially during the reign of Ali. However, during the caliphate of Muawiyah, he renounced the pledge of allegiance due to a deceptive move by Muawiyah. Qays withdrew from the military campaign against Muawiyah, realizing the potential danger in Muawiyah's cunning, and expressed his intention to ask for forgiveness.
Wisdom and prayer:
Qais, known for his wisdom, used to pray: “Oh God, grant me money and influence, for influence is only good with money.” He was a wise and strategic thinker, constantly evaluating situations. Once he dealt with a Roman envoy, he skillfully navigated a potential threat and stuck to his commitment to Muawiyah.
end of life:
Qais remained a prominent figure, and when he passed away, he witnessed the tidal changes in Islamic leadership and contributed greatly to various aspects of Islamic life. His legacy reflects a journey from interactions based on intelligence to honest and generous dealings guided by the principles of Islam.