A Narrator of Long Life
Sahl ibn Sa’d al-Sa’idi was an Ansari of Banu Sa’ida and one of the most prolific narrators among the Companions — it is he who relates the Prophet’s ﷺ word to Ali at Khaybar, that if Allah guided but one soul through him it was better for him than red camels. 1 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 1 · pp. 133 — Kandhlawi — Sahl ibn Sa'd narrates the Prophet's words to Ali at Khaybar, 'better than red camels'.
Zeal in Old Age
He lived to great age and lost his sight. When some men once chatted idly in his hadith gathering, he grew indignant and swore he would leave them for the battlefield — and when his student objected that he was too old to ride or wield a weapon, Sahl answered that he would stand in the ranks so that a stray arrow or stone might strike him and grant him martyrdom. 2 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 3 · pp. 250–251 — Kandhlawi — the aged, blind Sahl longs to stand in the battle ranks for the hope of martyrdom. He was among the last of the Companions to remain in Madinah, dying there in great old age.
Life Timeline
Born in Madinah
Of Banu Sa'ida, the Khazraj.
A prolific narrator of hadith
Longs for martyrdom though blind and frail
Dies in Madinah
Among the last of the Companions in the city.
References
- Hayatus Sahaba — Kandhlawi — the aged Sahl ibn Sa'd longs to stand in battle for martyrdom Vol 3 · pp. 250–251
- Hayatus Sahaba — Kandhlawi — Sahl narrates the Prophet's ﷺ words to Ali at Khaybar, 'better for you than red camels' Vol 1 · pp. 133