Umair Ibn Sa'd
You may remember Sa'iid Ibn 'Aamir, the one steady worshipper who was forced by Umair Ibn Al Khattab (RA) to accept the governorship of Syria and who renounced worldly pleasures-Umar Ibn Sa'd could greatly compare. Umair Ibn Sa'd was a brother of his, more like a twin brother in terms of piety and elevation and greatness of soul.
His father was Sa'id, the reciter (RA). Sa'id stayed loyal too his oath till he passed away in the Battle of Al-Qaadisiyah. He brought his son with him to the Prophet (SAWS) to swear the oath of allegiance and to embrace Islam.
One would never see him in the front rows -- except for in the rows of prayer --he stationed himself in the front row to be granted the reward of the highest in faith -- and in the rows of Jihad, he hastened to the front row, hoping to be on of the martyrs.
Umair Ibn Sa'd was a man of righteousness and piety. Allah (SWT) blessed him with his companions' love for him. He was the delight of their eyes and the darling of their hearts. This was because of his strong , firm believe, his pure soul, his calm nature, the scent of his good qualities, and his beaming appearance. All that made him the joy and pleasure of all those who met and saw him.
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Umar Ibn Al Khattab , the commander of faith (RA), chose his governors very cautiously. He always chose them from among the pious, honest, and truthful: those who escaped from power and authority and would not accept it unless forced by the Commander of the Faithful to do so. Umair Ibn Sa'd was chosen to be a governor over Homs. Umair tried to free himself of that task but was forced to. Umair asked Allah (SWT) for proper guidance and went to carry out his duty and task.
In Homs, a whole year passed and no land tax reached Medinah, nor did a single message reach the Commander of the Faithful. The Commander of the Faithful called his scribe and said , "Write to Umair ordering him to come here".
One day the roads of Al-Madinah witnessed a dusty, shaggy man, covered by the hardship of travel and hardly pulling his feet out from the hot sandy ground due to his long suffering and the tremendous effort he spent. On his left shoulder there was a sack and a wooden bowl. On his right shoulder there was a small waterskin filled with water. He supported his thing , weak, tired body with a stick. He turned to Umar's assembly with very slow, heavy steps. "O Commander of the faithful, Peace be upon you."
Umar replied. Deeply afflicted by the scene of his weakness and overexertion. He asked him, "What's wrong with you, Umair?"
Umair said "Can't you see I'm healthy, possessing a pure conscience and possessing the whole world?"
Umar asked, "What do you have with you?"
Umair replied, "I've a sack in which I carry my food, a bowl in which I eat, My utensils for my ablution and drink, and a stick to lean on and fight an enemy if he crosses my way. By Allah, the whole world is an obedient slave of my belongings."
Umar asked, "Did you come walking on foot?"
Umair said, "Yes."
Umar asked, "Didn't you find anyone who would give you an animal to ride on?"
Umair said, "They didn't offer and I didn't ask them."
Umar asked, "What did you do with what we charged you with?"
Umair said, "I went to the country to which you sent me. There I gathered all its virtuous inhabitants and made them in charge of levying the taxes, so when they did that I put the money there where it belongs. If anything had remained I would have sent it to you."
Umar said, "Didn't you bring us anything"
Umair said, "No."
Hereby, Umar shouted, amazed and happy, "Reappoint Umair." But Umair replied with complete composure, "Those were old days. I won't work for you or for anyone else!" Umar (RA) always wished to have men like Umair to assist him in ruling the Muslims.
Umair was fairly described by his companions as being "The Matchless", When this man was destined to face the test of power and authority, his piety was not afflicted. But it became more elevated, raised beaming and bright.
When he was Governor of Homs, he drew a picture of the tasks of a Muslim ruler. "Islam is a well-fortified wall and a firm gate. As for the wall, that's justice; ;and the gate is truth. If the wall is torn down an the gate is destroyed, then Islam loses its protective strength. Islam remains well-fortified as long as its reign is mighty. The might of its reign cannot be realized by killing with swords or by slashing with whips; rather my the fulfillment of truth and justice!"