Sa'd b. Harith al-Khuza'i
| Sa'd b. Harith al-Khuza'i | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sa'd b. Harith al-Khuza'i |
| Companion of | Imam Ali (a), Imam al-Hasan (a), Imam al-Hussain (a) |
| Death/Martyrdom | 61/680 |
| Cause ofDeath/Martyrdom | Martyred in the event of Ashura |
| Burial Place | Inside the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussain (a), Karbala |
| Activities | The commander of Shurtat al-Khamis in Kufa, the governor of Azerbaijan, participating in the Event of Ashura |
Sa'd b. Harith al-Khuza'i (Arabic: سَعد بن حارِث الخُزاعی) was martyred in the first attack in the Battle of Karbala. He was a loyal companion of Imam Ali who, after Imam's martyrdom became a companion of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain.
The Time of Imam Ali
Sa'd b. Harith held a wide range of positions during the life of Imam Ali. He was a servant of Ali b. Abi Talib, the governor of Azerbaijan for a while and the commander of Shurtat al-Khamis in Kufa. It is not known when Sa'd had these positions, but it can be inferred from historical books that he, like Qanbar, has been among the Companions of Imam Ali and Imam appointed him to different position. For example, Imam Ali appointed Sa'd as the inspector to the region under the control of Ziyad b. Abih where he had argument with Ziyad. Also, after the betrayal of Yazid b. Hajjiyya, the agent of Rey, Imam Ali imprisoned Yazid and appointed Sa'd to guard him.
Companion of Imam Ali's Sons
After the martyrdom of Imam Ali in 40/661, Sa'd remained loyal to Ahl al-Bayt. He became a companion of Imam Hassan and after his martyrdom, a companion of Imam al-Hussain. Sa'd accompanied Imam Hussain from Medina to Mecca and then to Karbala. According to historical reports, he showed great gallantry on the Day of Ashura. Samawi wrote that in al-Manaqib, Ibn Shahr Ashub has mentioned the name of Sa'd in the list of the martyrs of the first attack.
Being a Companion of the Prophet (s)
About Sa'd, it has been mentioned that he was among the companions of the Prophet, but it does not seem that this attribution is correct, since his name has not been mentioned in any sources.
Al-Tustari has cast doubts about him being from Khuza'a tribe and freed by Imam Ali.