Distinguished by Prophet Muhammad
Sa'ad b Abi Waqas belonged to the section of the Quraish to which the mother of the Holy Prophet belonged. Sa'ad became a convert to Islam at the age of seventeen. He participated in all the expeditions undertaken by the Holy Prophet. He had the distinction for shooting the first arrow in the cause of Islam. He was the only person to whom the Holy Prophet said, "May my parents be your ransom". He was very close to the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet held him in high esteem. He was one of the ten distinguished Muslims, whom the Holy Prophet gave the tidings of paradise in their lifetime.

Victor of Qadisiyia
Sa'ad b Abi Waqas rose into prominence when Umar appointed him as the Commander of the Muslim forces at the battle of Qadisiyia. The battle was won by the Muslims and Sa'ad b Abi Waqas earned the title of "Victor of Qadisiyia." Thereafter the Muslims under Saad b Abi Waqas captured Al Madain the capital of the Persians in Iraq. Sa'ad b Abi Waqas made Al Madain his headquarter for some time. V9hen the city of Kufa was built Sa'ad b Abi Waqas was made the Governor of Kufa, and he shifted there. Sa'ad b Abi Waqas built a splendid palace for himself at Kufa modeled on the Tak-i-Khusro palace at Al Madain. When this was brought to the notice of Umar as Caliph, he administered a rebuke to Sa'ad for his indulgence in luxury. He deputed Muhammad b Musalama to make an inquiry on the spot and report about the way of living of the Governor. Muhammad had the palace built by Sa'ad b Abi Waqas demolished. He reported that Sa'ad b Abi Waqas indulged in a luxurious way of living. Umar deposed Sa'ad b Abi Waqas from the Governorship of Kufa in 640 C.E.