Saeed bin Al-Aas (rtam), known also as Abu Abdur-Rahman Al-Madani, was related to the Prophet (sa) through his grandfather, Abd Manaf. His father, Al-Aas, was a bitter enemy of Islam, who never ignored any opportunity to harm the Muslims. Al-Aas was killed in the Battle of Badr by Ali bin Abi Talib (rtam).
Saeed bin Al-Aas (rtam) was only a child during the life of the Prophet (sa), for he was born in the year of the Hijrah. Even though his father opposed Islam, Saeed’s (rtam) soul was naturally disposed towards the love for the truth. While still a child, he fled to Madinah in order to be close to the Prophet (sa) and learn from him.
The Messenger (sa) could see with his deep insight that this boy would be a man of importance, nobility and leadership.
It is reported on the authority of Ibn Umar that a woman came to the Messenger of Allah (sa) and said: “I wanted to give this cloak to the most generous of the Arabs.” He (sa) replied: “Give it to this boy,” by whom he meant Saeed bin Al-Aas (rtam). (Tahdhib Al-Kamal, vol. 10)
The Prophet’s (sa) insight proved to be true, for Saeed (rtam) grew up to be an exceedingly generous person, who would never refuse anyone’s request. Ibn Uyainah said: “If anyone asked something of Saeed bin Al-Aas and he did not have anything, he would say: ‘Write a record of your request to be paid by me, when revenue comes in.’” (Tahdhib Al-Kamal, vol. 10)
Besides his beautiful generosity, Saeed bin Al-Aas (rtam) was also known as a courageous military leader, whom Caliph Abu Bakr (rtam) entrusted to lead the Muslim armies at a very tender age. Muawiyah (rtam) was asked: “Whom do you think should be Caliph after you?” He replied: “The most noble of Quraish is Saeed bin Al-Aas.” (Siyar Alam An-Nubala, vol. 2)
Adapted from “Child Companions around the Prophet (sa)” published by “Darussalam”.