Biography Saiid Ibn Aamar| سیرت سعید ابن عامر رضی اللہ عنہ

Biography Saiid Ibn Aamar سیرت سعید ابن عامر رضی اللہ عنہ
SAIID 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 backon 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 insidethis pure and kind man.

In our attempt to unveil his greatness, we must bear in mind that, inmost cases, appearance contrasts with reality. If we are to judge him byhis outer looks, we will not do him justice, for he was definitely ill-favoredas regards his appearance. He had dusty uncombed hair. Nothing in his looksor appearance distinguished him from poor Muslims. If we are to judge hisreality by his appearance, we will see nothing impressive or breath-taking.But if we dive deep into his inner self beyond his outer appearance, wewill see greatness in the full meaning of the word. His greatness stoodaloof from the splendor and ornament of life. Yet, it lurked there beyondhis modest appearance and worn-out garments. Have you ever seen a pearlhidden 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 werein the farthest corner of the earth. His standards of estimation and evaluation of governors were highly subtle, alert, and perceiving. Centuries beforethe 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 andaffliction)." `Umar then cried out, "By Allah, I will not let you turn medown. Do you lay the burdens of your trusteeship and the caliphate upon myshoulders, 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.

Hence, Sa'iid traveled with his wife to Syria. They were newly wed. Ever since his bride was a little girl, she had been an exquisitely bloomingbeauty. `Umar gave him a considerable sum of money at the time of his departure.