The Mother of Sa'd b. Muaz After Uhud

Upon returning from the Battle of Uhud (3 AH/625 CE), the Prophet Muhammad encountered the women of the Ansar in the streets of Medina. Sa'd b. Muaz's mother, Kebse bint Ubeyd, was waiting on the road to receive the news of her son's martyrdom. According to reports, when the Prophet approached her, she first asked not about her son or her relatives, but about the health of the Prophet. When she learned that the Prophet was alive and well, she said: 'Every calamity is a blessing; what sorrow if the Messenger of Allah is alive!' This statement perfectly illustrates the companion's understanding of faith and her value hierarchy. The martyrdom of sons and the loss of loved ones is extremely painful; however, the fact that the Prophet is alive and healthy provides sufficient strength and motivation to endure this pain. [Source: Ibn Hisam, es-Sire, III, 100; Vakidi, el-Megazi, I, 292-293]