and later generations: the finest of the Emigrants and Helpers were those who loved him above others, respected his rights and defended him against anyone who sought to harm him.

For example, the Helpers had two leaders: Saʿd ibn Muʿādh and Saʿd ibn ʿUbādah, of whom Saʿd ibn Muʿādh was the more virtuous.

An authentic report from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, relates:

“At Saʿd’s death, the Throne of the Most Merciful shook with joy at the arrival of his soul, and the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, carried him on his shoulders” (1).

When he passed judgment on Banū Qurayzah, undeterred by anyone’s blame in upholding Allah’s cause, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to him:

“You have indeed judged them according to Allah’s judgment from above seven heavens” (2).

It is well known that he and his cousin Usayd ibn Hudayr were (3) among the staunchest supporters of Abū Bakr and his daughter against those responsible for the slander. When the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, entered Mecca on the day of its conquest, Abū Bakr led the Emigrants on his right, while Usayd ibn Hudayr led the Helpers on his left. Saʿd ibn Muʿādh had already died in the aftermath of the Battle of the Trench, after passing judgment on Banū Qurayzah.

When the verse concerning dry ablution was revealed, Usayd ibn Hudayr said:

“This is not the first blessing you have brought, O household of Abū Bakr. Nothing that you dislike (4) has ever befallen you without Allah providing you relief through it and making it a blessing for the Muslims.”