Caliph Al-farooq Hazrat Umar ibn Al Khattab (RA) - Page 15

imbindas · #**141** Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Umar the Great , and his Justice

imbindas · #**142** Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Umar the Great ; and the SUN

Once there was intense hot weather in Madinah. The angry sun was radiating intense heat. Men, women, children all were crying for intense sunshine. Every one was worried. It was the first time that the people of Madinah saw such immense heat. Suddenly a strong man came holding a naked sword in his hand .He was appearing to be the leader of the nation. The man came inside the central yard of Masjid-e-Nabawi and said to the sun, "O sun! Whom are you showing your anger? Is Umar not doing justice on earth or he is not fulfilling his duty honestly."

History is a witness as soon as he uttered those sentences weather turned cool and came to its normal level. The man was the second caliph of Islam Hadhrat Umar (Radhi Allaho anho), who is the symbol of justice and peace in the history of Islam.

imbindas · #**143** Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Why I choose Hazrat Umar (r.a):

Once a person said to Hazrat Umar (RA) many times: “O’Umar, be afraid of Allah”. A person amongst the audience tried to stop that person. Hazrat Umar (RA) said, “No, let him say. If those people will not say anything to me then what is the use of those?

No doubt, that Hazrat Umar (r.a) is great leader in the world after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hazrat Umar (r.a) was second caliph in Islamic history. He ruled area of 1.8 million square
meters.
He is also the person that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tell Hazrat Umar ³you are in haven´
during his living in earth.
Hazrat Umar (r.a) is great leader that only Hazrat Umar established the administrative system
police system. He was very justice man, he never leave his own relative, if he was wrong.
Hazrat Umar (r.a) does his work own, mean the work of public. Hazrat Umar (r.a) has quality
Action speaks louder than words. Hazrat Umar (r.a) is very brave man, once Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) teaching on grave process that ³grave time is very though one when man died the initial
process difficult for man, when man alive again angles asked some question to man in very
dangerous and frightened way, angles were in frightening appearance´. Then Hazrat Umar (r.a)
asked to Muhammad (PBUH); Yarsool Allah (s.a.w.w) the angles seen by the man or not´ then
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: yes. Hazrat Umar (r.a) said ³then its ok I handle them´.
Hazrat Umar (r.a) petrol till late night to see needy and helpful people in streets and houses.

imbindas · #**144** Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Once Hazrat Umer fell ill. It was suggested that he be given honey as a cure, and there was no honey at his home. A good stock of it, however, was there in the Bait-ul-Maal. Hazrat Umer sough the permission of the people in Masjid-i-Nabvi if he could take a little bit of honey from there. One express purpose behind seeking this open permission was to let the people know what little rights the caliph had in the use of public money.

Once the first lady, Um-e- Kulsum, sent some perfume vials as a gift to the women of Kaiser of Rome. They, out of goodwill, returned the bottles of perfume, but filled with precious jewels. Hazrat Umer heard about the exchange. He ordered confiscation of the jewels, stating, “Perfume was yours, but the messenger used in the process was a government employee”. He ordered that the jewels be deposited in Baitul Maal, and his wife be compensated for the actual value of the perfume.

Once his daughter, and Prophet’s wife, Hazrat Hafsa, came to him to claim her share in the war-booty on account of her special double status, “Zuwalqarba”. Hazrat Umer disappointed her by saying, “You will have your share in my portion, not in the war booty. It is sad that you tried to hoodwink your own father”. She felt ashamed for ever putting up such a demand.

imbindas · #**145** Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Hazrat Ayaz bin Ghanam was appointed as the governor of Egypt. A report was received that Ayaz was leading a lifestyle that was not in line with the stated declaration. He had given himself to wearing fine silken clothes, and had also begun posting a guard at his residence. Hazrat Mohammad bin Musalama Ansari, a great Sahabi and his Ombudsman, or Chief Investigator was asked to look into the matter. On enquiry, the charges were found true. Hazrat Umer ordered that Ayaz bin Ghanam’s robe be replaced with a coarse woolen outfit, and he be reassigned to the tending of a herd of sheep. People heard Ayaz saying, “I wish I had been dead”. Hazrat Umer reminded him. “Why do not feel small in shepherding a herd.

Once a son of Hazrat Umro bin Al-Aas, the conqueror of Egypt, beat a non-Muslim without any reason. Hazrat Umer had that respected son of Hazrat Umro bin Al Aas thrashed publicly, stating, “Since when did you begin enslaving people whose mothers had given birth to them as free?”

On one occasion he said from the pulpit, “O People, in case you ever find me tilting towards worldliness; what will you do then?” A man rose from the gathering, drew his sword and said, “You will be beheaded with it”. Hazrat Umer in order to further test him, said, “You, daring to say so to me”. He remained resolved and said, “Yes, it will be like this for you”. Hazrat Umer then said, ‘Thank God. I have men like you who have the courage to straighten me out if I ever I chose to deviate from the right path”.

Once a Christian complained to Hazrat Umer when he was in the Harem in Makka that he had been doubly taxed on his horse. He submitted this complaint when Umer was delivering the khutba there. Later when he returned to the capital, the same Nasrani (Christian) who had lodged the complaint came to him to remind him of it. Hazrat Umer told him, “I’m the Hanifi, who took care of your complaint there and then”.

imbindas · #**146** Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Umar (ra) the great vs Alexander the great

Who was "Alexander, the Great" – the Alexander of Macedonia or Umar Farooq (rh) of Islam? Historians of the world are duty-bound to answer this question. These are the days of the SMS, the mobile messaging system conveys thoughts in seconds from one corner of the world to another. Readers and viewers also utilize this modern facility now – yesterday someone sent a message to me wishing I had written a column on Umar Farooq (rh). This reminded me that that day was the day of the martyrdom of Umar Farooq (rh) and I am now thinking who was "Alexander, the Great" – the Alexander of Macedonia or Umar Farooq (rh) of Islam. We had read as a child that the Alexander of Macedonia became a king at the age of twenty and ventured out of Macedonia at 23. He first conquered the whole of Greece. Then he entered Turkey. After this he defeated Darius of Persia, entered Syria, moved to Jerusalem and then Babylon and Egypt and India. In India he fought King Porus and founded the city of Phalia in memory of his favorite horse.

He started his return through Makran. He contacted typhoid on his way back and died in the year 323 B.C. at the age of 33 in the palace of Bakht Nasr. We have been told that he was a great general, conqueror and king in human history and was given the title of "Alexander, the Great". We made him "Sikander Azam", the king of kings. But, today, on the first day of the ninth year of the twenty-first century, I question all the historians of the world if Alexander deserves this title when we have Umar Farooq (rh). I invite all the historians of the world to compare the conquests and the achievements of Alexander and Umar Farooq (rh).

Please compare. Alexander was the son of a king -- the best instructors taught him how to ride a horse, he had tutors like Aristotle and was offered the throne at the age of twenty. On the other hand, Umar Farooq (rh) did not have any royal ancestor even in his seven previous generations, grew up minding herds of goats and sheep and had not got trained in the art of war from anyone. Alexander had conquered 1.7 million square miles of land in ten years with an organized army -- Umar Farooq (rh), in ten years, conquered 2.2 million square miles of land including the Roman and Persian super powers with an un-organized army. Even in these days of satellites and missiles and submarines, no ruler has a domain as vast as that of Umar (rh) which he had not only got conquered on mere horseback but had also managed and ruled it. Alexander got many of his own generals killed during his conquests, many generals and soldiers deserted him, there were rebellions against him and his army even refused to proceed in India, but no companion of Umar (rh) ever had the courage to disobey him. He was the commander who deposed the strongest general of Islam, Khalid bin Waleed (rh) right in the battleground and no one dared to disobey. He removed Saad bin Abi Waqas (rh) from the governorship of Kufa, fired Harith bin Kaab (rh) as a governor, confiscated the wealth of Amro bin al Aas (rh) and recalled the governor of Hamas and assigned him to grazing the camels. No one dared to disobey.

Alexander conquered 1.7 million square miles of land but could not give any system to the world, whereas Umar (rh) gave such systems as are still prevalent the world over. He added the phrase "prayer is better than sleep" to the Fajr azaan, the taravih prayers were formally initiated during his rule, he instituted punishment for the consumption of liquor, started the Hijra system of accounting for dates, gave the concept of the jail, fixed salaries for the muezzins, arranged for light in the masjids, formed the department of the police, laid the foundations for a complete system for the delivery of justice, got the irrigation system implemented and established military cantonments and the formal army. Umar (rh), for the first time ever in the world, granted stipends for the infants, the handicapped, widows and the helpless. He was the first ever to give the concept of the declaration of assets by the rulers, the government officials and the rich. He established the institution of punishing the judges who misdelivered justice. He, for the first time, made the rulers accountable. He used to protect the trade caravans at night. He used to say that rulers who deliver justice, sleep fearlessly at night. His saying is that "the leader of the nation is actually its servant". His stamp read "Umar, death is enough of an admonition". He never had two dishes on his table. He used to go to sleep with a brick as a pillow. While travelling, he would just stretch a sheet on a tree to make a shadow and go to sleep whenever sleepy. He used to sleep on bare ground at night. His shirt had 14 patches, among them one of red leather. He used to wear thick coarse cloth and hated soft fine one.

Whenever he appointed someone on a government position, he would get an estimate of his wealth and keep it with himself. If the wealth of that person increased during his tenure, he would be held accountable. Whenever he appointed anyone as a governor, he would advise him to never to ride a Turkish horse, wear fine cloth, consume fine flour, have a gatekeeper or close his doors to the distressed. He used to say that pardoning a tyrant is injustice to the oppressed. His sentence "mothers give birth to free children, since when have you enslaved them" is still considered the charter of human rights. He said that he often wondered "how did Umar (rh) change?". He was the first Caliph of Islam who was given the title "Ameer-ul-Momineen".

Every religion of the world has a special characteristic, the special characteristic of Islam is justice, and Umar (rh) is one who makes this true. His justice gave rise to the term "adl-e-Farooqui" (the justice of Farooq). He was in debt when martyred and his loan was paid off by selling his only property according to his will. He was the only ruler ever to admit that even if a dog died of hunger on the banks on river Tigris during his rule, he would have to bear the punishment for this. His justice was such that when he died, a herdsman came running in a far off land in his domain shouting "men, Umar has died". People asked him in astonishment who, thousands of miles from Medina, informed him of this in a jungle. The herdsman said "as long as Umar (rh) was alive my sheep used to move around fearlessly in the jungle and no beast dared to even look at them. Today, for the first time, a wolf has taken away my goat. The fearlessness of the wolf indicates to me that Umar is no more".

I invite all the historians of the world to place Alexander before Umar (rh). They will find Alexander to be a gravel in front of a mountain because the empire founded by Alexander vanished just five years after his death whereas the areas where Umar (rh) planted the flag of Islam still echo with the sound of "Allah is the Greatest" and people still bow before the Allah of Umar (rh). The name of Alexander is now only in books whereas the systems devised by Umar (rh) are still prevalent in at least 245 countries of the world in some form. Even today, when a letter leaves a post office, when a policeman wears a uniform, when a soldier goes on a leave after six months of duty, when a government pays a stipend to a child, a destitute, a widow or a helpless person, the society automatically accepts Umar (rh) as "The Great" and acknowledged him to be the biggest "Sikandar" ever, except for those Muslims who, in their deep sense of inferiority, look around in fear even when reciting the words of faith.

The Muslims of Lahore had once dared the English that if they once decided to act, they will remind them of Changez Khan. Upon this Jawaharlal Nehru had smiled and said that "sadly these Muslims citing the example of Changez Khan had forgotten that there was an Umar (rh) also in their history".

imbindas · #**147** Sunday, June 19, 2011

Umar the great, Miscellaneous Anecdotes

1) The human mind is unable to assess the exceptionally high degree of Hadhrat Umar’s humility. Inspite of being the Emperor of emperors and the king of Arab and Ajam, he was unparalleled in his attribute of tawaadhu’ (humility).

When he mounted the mimbar to deliver the khutbah, he sat on the step on which Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) would stand. When it was said to him to sit higher on the mimbar, he replied:
“It suffices for me to sit on that place whereon stood the feet of Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu).”

2) One day during the khutbah he said:
“O People! Do not increase the mehr of women. If the mehr is fixed more than the mehr of Rasulullah’s wives and daughters, I shall confiscate the extra amount and hand it to the Baitul Maal.”

An old woman immediately challenged him, saying:
“What right do you have to do so when Allah Ta’ala says (in the Qur’aan):
‘If you (men) have given them mounds of wealth, then do not take back anything of it.’

On hearing this, Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) came down from the mimbar and exclaimed:
“All people have more knowledge than Umar, even the old lady.”

3) The food he ate was such that not even a poor person would be inclined to eat it. Once he had some guests from Iraq among whom was Hadhrat Jareer Bin Abdullah (radhiyallahu anhu). They were unable to eat the simple food of Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu).

4) In a year he would acquire only two sets of garments from the Baitul Maal. The cloth too was of a coarse type. Whenever it would become torn, he would patch it. Sometime the patch was of leather and sometimes of sackcloth.

5) During his stay at Baitul Maqdis his kurtah was torn at the back. He gave it to someone to wash and mend. When the washed and patched kurtah was brought to him a new kurtah was also presented. This was specially made for him. Both these kurtahs were put before Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu). Stroking the new kurtah with his hand, he commented: “This cloth is very soft.” So saying, he returned it and added:
“That kurtah (his own one) is better. It absorbs perspiration well.”

6) One day approximately 50 Muhaajir Sahaabah gathered in the Musjid. They were discussing Hadhrat Umar’s zuhd (abstinence, worldly renunciation, abstention form worldly comforts and pleasures for Allah’s sake – Translator).

It was said:
“Look at Umar in whose control is the empire of Kaisar and Kisraa! His orders operate in the east and west. The delegations of Arab and Ajam visit him. They all see him with a kurtah of a dozen patches. He should be advised to change his dress. He should wear better garments. Garments do create an impression. He should make better arrangements for his food. There should be some elaborate daily arrangement for both meals. The Muhaajireen and Ansaar coming to meet him, should join him in meals.”

Although it was resolved to offer this advice to Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu), no one could muster up the courage to tell him. Finally they decided to ask Hadhrat Ali who being Hadhrat Umar’s father-in-law would be able to advise him. When they approached Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) he declined and suggested that they approach Ummahaatul Mu’mineen (The Mothers of the Mu’mineen, viz. Rasulullah’s wives).

Ahnaf Bin Qais (radhiyallahu anhu) says that they then went to Hadhrat Aishah and Hadhrat Hafsah. Both were at the same place. Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha) agreed to tell Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu). But Hadhrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu anha) said that she would not go. But in view of the insistence of this group of Sahaabah both finally went to Hadhrat Umar. They presented an eloquent introductory speech in this matter. He patiently listened to their advice and broke down crying profusely. He recounted the austerity and poverty of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) and both wives cried as well. He then commented:
“Listen! I had two companions. If I should adopt a way which differs from their way which I had observed, I will not be blessed with their companionship (in the Aakhirah).”

This condition of Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) endured to the end. Not the slightest change was admitted in his life-style.

7) Once while Hadhrat Abu Mْsa Ash’aari (radhiyallahu anhu) was sweeping the premises of the Baitul Maal, he found a dirham (silver coin). He gave it to one of Hadhrat Umar’s grandsons who was a little child. When Hadhrat Umar saw the dirham in the child’s hand he enquired about it. When the child informed him that it was given to him by Hadhrat Abu Mْsa, Hadhrat Umar became very displeased. He took the dirham from the child and reprimanded Hadhrat Abu Mْsa as follows:
“O Abu Mْsa! Could you not find a home more contemptible than my home?”

8) Towards the end of his life, Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) started to fast in abundance. He would fast the whole year excluding the 5 days on which it is not permissible to fast. He adhered rigidly to this practise of fasting day after day in succession.

9) In 13 Hijri, the first year of his khilaafate, he appointed Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan Bin Auf (radhiyallahu anhu) as the Amir of Hajj. Thereafter he went himself every year for Hajj. During his khilaafate he performed ten Hajj. In 23 Hijri which was the last year of his khilaafate, he took along the Azwaaj-e-Mutahhaaraat (The Holy Wives of Rasulullah) as well.

10) His fear for Allah was unparalleled. One day he was reciting . As he recited the aayat (And when the books will be scattered), he fell down unconscious. He remained ill for several days.

11) One day he passed by a house where the owner was reciting Surah Tْr. When he heard the man reciting the aayat: (Verily, the punishment of your Rabb will most certainly occur.)
Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) dismounted and leaned against a wall for a long while. On returning home he fell ill for a month. People visiting him could not fathom his sickness.

12) Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) once despatched the army under the command of Saariya (radhiyallahu anhu). The enemy had concealed a group of their men behind a mountain. When the Muslim army was about to be entrapped, Saariya heard Hadhrat Umar’s voice commanding:
“O Saariya! Be alert of the mountain pass. O Saariya! Be alert of the mountain pass.”

Hearing this command, Saariya was alerted and he took the necessary precautions to advert what would have been a disaster for the Muslim army.

Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) while delivering the Jumuah Khutbah was divinely apprized of the state of the Muslim army, hence he called out to Saariya, commanding him even while hundreds of miles away. By the permission of Allah, the voice of Hadhrat Umar reached the ears of Hadhrat Saariya.

13) It was his practise to go on nocturnal excursions in the streets of Madinah Tayyibah. One night, after considerable trudging, he sat down tired, leaning against a wall. He heard a woman instructing her daughter to add water to the milk. The daughter responded:
“Amirul Mu’mineen has issued an instruction prohibiting the mixture of water with milk.”

The mother ordered the daughter to add water to the milk saying that neither Amirul Mu’mineen nor his announcer is present to see. The daughter said:
“Wallah! I shall never do so.”

14) Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Imran Bin Hafs (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that once Hadhrat Umar loaded onto his back a goatskin waterbag full of water. When people made some comments in this regard, Hadhrat Umar said:
“My nafs appeared pleasing to me, I, therefore, desired to disgrace it.”

15) Once his son donning beautiful dress came to him. Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) struck him with his whip and the boy cried. When Hadhrat Hafsah asked the reason for beating him, Hadhrat Umar said:
“He was proud of himself. I desired him to understand that his nafs is contemptible.”

16) Hadhrat Abbas (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates:
“A year after Umar’s demise, I supplicated to Allah for him (Umar) to appear in my dream. Thus, after a year I saw him in a dream wiping the perspiration from his forehead. I said:

‘May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! O Amirul Mu’mineen! What is this condition?’ He replied: ‘I have just now been released (from the Reckoning). I was close to destruction, but I found Allah Ta’ala Most Merciful.’ ”

17) Once when he saw an intoxicated man, he desired to punish him, but the man insulted him. Thereupon Hadhrat Umar came away. When he was asked for the reason for allowing the man to go free inspite of the insults, he said:
“His insults angered me. If I had punished him, my nafs too would have had its share therein. I do not approve of punishing any Muslim for the sake of the desires of my nafs.”

18) When Hadhrat Umar would see a male dressed in fine garments, he would punish him with his whip and say: “Leave fine garments for females.”

19) His famous dua was:
“O Allah! Grant me maut in the pure city of Your Rasool and grant me shahaadat in Your path.”

How would he attain martyrdom in Allah’s Path while residing in Madinah Tayyibah, the capital of Islam, was a mystery. However, it was not difficult for Allah Ta’ala, The Cause of all causes, to fulfil a dua which emanated from the innermost recesses of the heart. Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) attained shahaadat while performing Salaat and in the midst of his devoted companions.

20) Once when Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) permitted Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) to go on Umrah, he (Nabi-e-Kareem) said:
“O my brother! Remember me too in your dua.”

21) It was Hadhrat Umar’s practise to visit the abattoir with whip in hand. When he saw someone purchasing meat on two consecutive days, he would whip him and say:
“Can’t you keep your stomach empty for the sake of your neighbours and relatives?”

By this statement, he implied that one should tend to the needs of neighbours and not be selfishly concerned with only one’s own comforts.

22) Many a time when he desired to eat something, he would delay it for a year.

23) When he passed by a dump, he would say:
“This is your world for whose greed and desire you are perishing.”

imbindas · #**148** Monday, June 20, 2011

Umar’s son marries a milkmaid

One night, Caliph Umar as usual went in disguise with his companion Ibn Abbas to see the condition of the people. They strolled from one quarter to another. At last they came to a colony where poor people lived.

While passing by a small house, the Caliph heard a whispering talk within. The mother was telling her daughter that the amount of milk fetched by her for sale that day was very little. She told her that when she was young, and used to sell milk, she always mixed water with milk, and that led to considerable profit. She advised her daughter to do the same.

The girl said, “You mixed milk when you were not a Muslim. Now that we are Muslims, we cannot alter the milk we sell.” The mother said that Islam did not stand in the way of mixing the milk for business. The daughter said, “Have you forgotten the Caliph’s order? He wants that the milk should not be adulterated.” The mother said, “But the Caliph has forgotten us. We are so poor, what else should we do but adulterate milk in order earn our bread?” The daughter said “Such a bread would not be lawful, and as a Muslim I would not do anything which is against the orders of the Caliph, and whereby other Muslims are deceived.”
The mother said, “But there is neither the Caliph nor any of his officers here to see what we do. Daughter you are still a child. Go to bed now and tomorrow I will myself mix the milk with water for you.” The girl refused to fall in with the plan of her mother. She said, “Caliph may or may not be here, but his order must be obeyed. My conscience is my Caliph. You may escape the notice of the Caliph and his officers, but how can we escape the notice of Allah and our own conscience.” Thereupon the mother remained quiet. The lamp was extinguished and the mother and the daughter went to sleep.

The next day, Caliph Umar sent a man to purchase milk from the girl. The milk was unadulterated. The girl kept her resolve. Caliph Umar turned to his companion and said, “The girl has kept her resolve in spite of the exhortation of her mother. She deserves a reward. What reward should I give her?” “She should be paid some money,” said Ibn Abbas. Caliph Umar said, “Such a girl would become a great mother. Her integrity is not to be weighed with few coins; it is to be measured in the scale of national values. I shall offer her the highest award in my gift, and which shall also be in the highest interest of the nation.”

The Caliph summoned the daughter and the mother to his court. The mother trembled as she stood before the mighty ruler. But the girl faced the Caliph boldly and with great equanimity. She was beautiful, and there was an impressive dignity about her. Then before the gathering, Caliph Umar related how he had overheard the mother and the daughter, and how in spite of the exhortations of the mother the daughter had kept her resolve.

Someone suggested that the mother should be taken to task. The Caliph said that ordinarily he would have punished the mother, but he had forgiven her for the sake of her daughter. Turning to the girl the great Caliph said, “Islam needs daughters like you and as a Caliph of Islam it entrusts me to reward you by gaining you as my own daughter.” The Caliph called his sons, and addressing them said, “Here is a gem of a girl who would make a great mother. I desire that one of you should take this girl as wife. I know of no better bride than this girl of sterling character. In matters of wedlock, it should be the character and not the stature in life that should count.”

Abdullah and Abdur Rahman the elder sons of the Caliph were already married. Asim the third son was yet unmarried and he offered to marry the girl. Thereupon with the consent of the milkmaid and her mother Asim was married to the girl, and milkmaid became the daughter-in-law of the Caliph.

From this union was born a daughter Umm Asim, who became in due course the mother of Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Umar bin AbdulAziz was elected as Caliph and served for a short period during 717 – 720.

While other Caliphs of the Ummayad dynasty reveled in luxury, Umar bin Abdul Aziz as a Caliph set up standards for austerity and simplicity following in the footsteps of Caliph Umar, the second Caliph of Islam. It is said that if ever there was a noble Caliph after the first four “Rightly guided Caliphs,”such a man was Umar bin Abdul Aziz. And he inherited the noble qualities of the milkmaid who married the Caliph’s son, and those of Caliph Umar Farooq who had the eye to discern the nobler qualities of sterling character in a poor girl.

imbindas · #**149** Monday, June 20, 2011

Sayings Of Umar(ra) the great

"He who keeps his own counsel keeps his affairs in his own hands."

"Fear him, whom you hate."

"The wisest man is he who can account for his actions."

"Do not put off today's work for tomorrow."

"Money cannot help lifting its head."

"What regresses. never progresses."

"He who does not know evil will fall into it."

"When a man puts me a question, I judge of his intelligence."

"Don't forget your own self while preaching to others."

"The less of the world, the freer you live."

"Avoidance of sin is lighter than the pain of remorse."

"On every dishonest man, there are two watchmen, his possessions, and his way of living."

"If patience and gratitude had been two she camels, it would have mattered little on which I rode."

"May God have mercy on him who sends me my faults as a present."

"Preserve the sayings of those people who are indifferent to the world. They say only that what God wishes them to say."

"Fear God, for He alone lives; all other things are liable to perish."

"The wisest among you is he whose sustenance is the fear of God."

"Praise God, for by praise His blessings multiply."

"Fear God, for that is fortune; indifference to God is misfortune."

"Be patient; patience is a pillar of faith."

"Acquire knowledge and teach it to the people"

"Be dignified, honest, and truthful"

"Do not be an arrogant scholar, for scholarship cannot subsist with arrogance".

"When you see that any scholar loves the world, then his scholarship is in doubt".

"God forbid, men should be jealous of knowledge as they are jealous of women."

"May God bless the man who says less and does more."

"The criterion of action is that today's work should not be deferred till the following day."

"Trust is that there should be no difference between what you do and say and what you think."

"Learn the Arabic language; it will sharpen your wisdom." "Luxury is an obstacle, and so is the fatness of the body."

"A man may be as straight as an arrow, but even then he will have some critics."

"O Allah do not give me in excess lest I may be disobedient to You. And do not give me less, lest I may forget You."

"Allah loves moderation and hates extravagance and excess."

"He who went to the kings to seek favors went away from God."

"Sit with those who love God, for that enlightens the mind."

"Before Allah that is the best dinner which people eat together."

"As long as you are pure of heart, you speak the truth."

"The pilgrims are the delegations of God."

"If your ruler is just, praise God; if he is unjust, pray to God to rid you of him."

"Allah is happy with such rulers whose slaves are under their control."

"Forgive the people so that God may forgive you."

"For the people prefer that which you prefer for yourself.

Which you do not wish for yourself, do not impose on others."

"In the eyes of God he is the best ruler who has secured prosperity and comfort for the people."

"That ruler is most accursed whose misconduct leads to the distress of the people."

"Every ruler should keep his door open to the people."

"Understand the teachings of the Holy Quran for that is the source of knowledge."

"Relate as few traditions as possible, lest by being involved in traditions the people overlook the Quran."

"All the injunctions of Islam are based on reason."

"The way to express gratitude to God is to give Zakat out of the property that He has bestowed on you."

"In my view your greatest obligation is to offer prayers.

He who fulfils this obligation with great regularity will be secure in his religion."

"He who sleeps without offering the night prayer, may he never enjoy a sound sleep."

"Women should offer Zakat on their ornaments."

"Blessed are those who are martyred in the way of Allah."

"In the preparation of Islam, commit no excess."

"Without consultation, the caliphate is unlawful."

"The ruler whose intention is good will have the help of God in the administration of his affairs; he whose intention is bad will come to disgrace."

"Do not accept gifts; that is bribery."

"The Judge should always uphold the principle of equality before law."

"May God curse the people who hesitate to dine with the slaves."

"Do not be misled by a person's prayers and fasting; look to his sincerity and wisdom."

"Do not be misled by hearing of any one's reputation."

"He trusts in God who sows seed in the ground then depends on God."

"Earning of livelihood by following some profession is better than living on charity."

"He who has any public responsibility should perform his duties without caring for criticism."

"He is to be preferred who has the urge to sin, but does not sin."

"Do not depend upon the morality of a person until you have seen him behave while in anger."

"I am surprised at three things. Man runs from death while death is inevitable. One sees minor faults of others, but overlooks his own major faults. When there is any defect to one's cattle he tries to cure it, but does not cure his own defects."

"To flatter is to slaughter."

"He, who pretends to be what he is not, is a hypocrite."

"If a person has ten habits out of which nine are good and one bad, that bad one will destroy the good ones."

"Do not overeat; that invites disease."

"He who wins through fraud is no winner."

"He who wants paradise should hold fast to the community. "

"The efficacy of a prayer depends not on the words but on the sincerity of intention."

"In the narration of facts refrain from poetising."

"When you do not know of a thing say so plainly."

"O I am not worried about the poverty of the Muslims. I am afraid lest by getting rich they might become proud and thereby invite destruction. "

"In the performance of your duties neither be over zealous, nor indifferent."

imbindas · #**150** Monday, June 20, 2011

Here are two instances that show just how sacred Hazrat Umar (RA) considered the rule of law and the sanctity of words to be. It is reported that Jabla bin Aiham Al-Ghassani was the king of a small state near Syria. He was originally a Christian who later embraced Islam. During the rule of Hazrat Umar (RA) he was performing Tawaf around the Kaaba. At one point a man inadvertently stepped on Jabla’s robes. The king was furious and slapped the man. The victim immediately complained to Caliph Umar (RA) who, according to the Islamic law of Qisas, gave permission to the victim to slap the king in public. The king retorted: “What kind of a religion is it that equates a king with a commoner?” Hazrat Umar (RA) said that the punishment would be duly carried out unless the victim forgave him of his own free will. The king managed to escape and upon reaching his kingdom, he abandoned Islam. Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umar (RA) remarked: “It is good that we got rid of such a vainglorious person as there is no place in Islam for such elements. Our prestige does not depend on kings’ allegiances.”

The second episode is about Harmazan, a Persian army commander who had excelled in bravery and warfare. During the rule of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Muslim armies were already fighting in Persia and Iraq, but it was Hazrat Umar (RA) who put full force behind these efforts. The famous battle of Qadisiya, which put a seal on Persia’s fate, was fought. Hazrat Saad Bin Abi Waqas (RA), uncle of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), was the commander-in-chief. This battle was of great historic importance and has been described in detail by both Eastern and Western historians. Rustam was the commander-in-chief of the Persian forces.

The Persians fought bravely, but were defeated despite their numerical superiority. Many Persian commanders fought bravely, most notably Harmazan. He had inflicted heavy casualties on Muslim forces by raiding at odd hours at night. It was Wamiq Abul Hol (RA), a black burly man with a pockmarked face, who put an end to Harmazan’s adventures. Harmazan managed to slip away to Shoster, the capital of Khozistan. Mughira Bin Sha’ba (RA), governor of Basra, attacked Hurmuz (Ahwaz). After his removal by Hazrat Umar (RA), Abu Musa Ashari (RA) took charge and laid siege to Shoster. Harmazan came out of the city with a large army, attacked the Muslims, was defeated and retreated into the fort. After lengthy discussions, Harmazan agreed to surrender on condition that he was taken to Hazrat Umar (RA) and that he would accept whatever the caliph decided. Hazrat Anas (RA) took him to Madina and presented him to Hazrat Umar (RA) who was resting on the floor in Masjid-e-Nabvi.

Because Harmazan had inflicted great harm on Muslim forces and had martyred two famous Sahaba–Bara’ bin Malik (RA) and Mahrat bin Sur (RA)–in hand-to-hand combat, Hazrat Umar (RA) was furious and was determined to have him beheaded. However, for the sake of moral and legal formalities, Hazrat Umar (RA) asked him if he had any last wish. Harmazan asked for some water to drink. After having been given a bowl of water, he held it and looked around. Upon enquiry from Hazrat Umar (RA), he replied that he was afraid that his head would be chopped off while he was drinking. Hazrat Umar (RA) then promised that no harm would come to him as long as he did not drink the water. Upon hearing this, Harmazan poured the water onto the sand and said that since Hazrat Umar (RA) had made that promise, he could not be executed now.

Everyone present advised Hazrat Umar (RA) not to spare Harmazan because of this clever trick, as he was the murderer of many Muslims. However, Hazrat Umar (RA) said that, as caliph and as Muslim, he had given his word, and he therefore stood by it. He then ordered Harmazan to be set free. Thereupon, Harmazan immediately embraced Islam and Hazrat Umar (RA) often sought his advice for expeditions into Persia and surrounding areas. Now look at how our rulers, who disregard solemnly made promises without a trace of shame or repentance.

Hazrat Umar (RA) ruled for 10 years and see what he achieved in this relatively short time. When Saad Bin Abi Waqas (RA), Muar Bin Al-Aas (RA), Khalid Bin Walid (RA), Mughira Bin Sha’ba (RA), Ammar Bin Yasar (RA) and Ayaz Bin Ghanam (RA), all highly respected sahaba holding high offices, were found to have transgressed, Hazrat Umar (RA) had no hesitation in removing them from their posts.

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