Hazrat Umar's Decision

In a 'Weak' (Dhaeef) hadith, the occasion of the revelation of this verse has been described to be the incident of two men who took their dispute to the Prophetic Court and the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him judges accordingly. But the man against whom the decision was given said that he was not happy about it. Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him asked the disgruntled man: "What do you desire? The man suggested he would like to go to Hazrat Abu Bakr. When Siddiq-e-Akbar heard the case, he decided the same way as that of Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him. Even then the man was not happy and suggested to go to Hazrat Umar. Having arrived at Hazrat Umar’s home, the winning party related the whole case from beginning to end. Hazrat Umar enquired of the other man if it was true, and that both of you are coming from Holy Prophet's peace and blessings be upon him and Hazrat Abu Bakr's homes. The man replied yes. Then Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu said, "Well both of you wait here. I'm just coming and I'll decide the case." Next moment he came out with a drawn sword and beheaded the man who sought various opinions, and remarked:

"This is the decision for a man who does not agree with the Holy Prophet's peace and blessings be upon him decision."

Frightened and terrified the other man came running to the Holy peace and blessings be upon him and said: "My companion has been killed and if I had not run off, I too perhaps would not have been spared." The Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon himsaid: "I do not know Umar to be like this, that he would shed blood of a believer so daringly." It was on this occasion that this verse was revealed, exonerating Hazrat Umar.

Hazrat Umar's Consummate Conformance

In fine, the holy Companions and the accomplished saints used to assess their society and every walk and every moment of their life with the holy pattern of life of the Chief of the Two Worlds peace and blessings be upon him always careful and vigilant lest they should be living contrary to it.

Thus when Hazrat Umar was made caliph, a stipend was fixed for him from the public treasury. Gathering the people in Madina, he said: "I used to do business but now you have made me busy in this work. So now what should be the means of living"? People made suggestions for different quantities. Hazrat Ali (May Allah honour his face!) was sitting quietly. Hazrat Umar asked him, "What's your opinion"? He said, "Whatever may suffice you moderately". Hazrat Umar liked this opinion, and accepted it and a moderate quantity of stipend was fixed.

Once in a majlis in which Hazrat Ali , Hazrat Usman , Hazrat Zubair and Hazrat Talha were also present it was proposed, that as Hazrat Umar lived in straitened circumstances his stipend should be increased, but no one dared to mention it to him. So all these holy Companions went to his daughter, Hazrat Hafsa , who being one of the holy wives was also a Mother of the Faithful, and tried to learn of Hazrat Umar's opinion and get his permission through her; and at the same time requested her to keep them anonymous.

When Harat Hazfsa mentioned it to Hazrat Umar , signs of anger appeared on his face and he inquired for knowing the name of those who proposed it. But Hazrat Hafsa said: "First let me know your opinion". Hazrat Umar said: "Had I come to know their names, I would have changed their faces, that is, I would have given them such severe punishment that scores of it would have shown on their faces. Well, tell me what was the Holy Prophet's peace and blessings be upon him best dress in your house"? She replied, "Two ochre-coloured pieces which he used to put on, on Friday or when any delegation came". Then he asked, "What's the finest food that was being eaten in your house"? She said: "Our staple food was barley-bread. Once we overturned the ghee-can and emptied and spread the drip of ghee on hot breads which the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him was eating with relish and was also shared with others". Then he asked, "Which was the best bedding in your house"? She said, "There was a thick cloth. In summer we used to spread it in four folds and in winter half of it was spread and half we used as a covering".

Hazrat Umar said, "Hafsa! Convey this thing to those people, that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has set a measure by his conduct and has considered hope (Hereafter) sufficient. I too will follow his holy self peace and blessings be upon him The example of my two companions' (the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and Hazrat Abu Bakr ) and myself is like that of those three men who may walk on the same road. "The first man went with a fare and reached his goal. The second too followed the first; he walked like him and reached the first. Then the third man started walking. If he walks like them (in their path) he will meet them and if he walks contrary to their method, he will never be able to meet them".

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The benevolent Islamic system of governance - HAZRAT UMAR'S(RA) KHILAFAH

Hazrat Omer was appointed as as a Khalifa in August 634 while he was martyred in 644. He ruled for ten years. He is known to the greatest ruler in the world after Prophet(S.A.W.W). The Islamic state under his khilafat occupied an area of 5.8 million square kilometers (more than seven times the size of Pakistan), but his greatness is not due to the expanse of land but due to the foundation of the system of government that he laid which is always applicable no matter what the situations are.



General Principles of his System:

Self Responsibility:

Hazrat Omer (R.A) knew his responsibilities very well, He did not call himself a Ruler but a servant of the common people. He never wanted to become a Khalifa and once he said that he is holding his post because Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique (R.A) wanted him to become a Khalifa and due to respect he could not refuse him.

By his own example Hazrat Omer (R.A) set the example for the head of the states to be the most humble servant of the common man. Once few camels ran away into the dessert and He himself went to look for them, A companion asked him that he should have given this task to slave, on this Hazrat Omer (R.A) replied:



"Am I not the most humble of all the slaves"



Once He said:



"Omer(R.A) will be held responsible if a dog at the bank of Dajlah dies of hunger"



This is extreme Humbleness. Unlike the Ex-President of Pakistan, Mr.Musharaf once said that if the pulses are expensive people should eat Chicken!!



Equivalence:

For Hazrat Omer(R.A), all the citizens of the state were equal, He did not care if anybody was rich or poor.He used to walk in the streets of Madina in disguise of a poor person to know the real problems of the citizens.

Once the Governor of Azerbaijan, made a palace for him and reported to him. Hazrat Omer(R.A) in his reply expressed displeasure on this and said that a man living in Hijaz has no right to own a house in Egypt. He ordered that governor to instantly convert that house into a public building.

Accountability:

This is a well-known quote that, Charity begins at home, Hazrat Omer(R.A) was a perfect practical example of this quote. He inflicted double punishment for drinking wine on his son. He was extremely vigilant and harsh about the governors he appointed. Every important office holder of the state had to submit the list of his property, at the time of his appointment and at the time of his leaving the office.

Every Governor had to take oath on four things before he would assume his duties:

=> He will not ride a Turkish horse.

=> He will not wear thin and delicate cloth.

=> He will not use refined cloth.

=> He will not set a gatekeeper at his door.

=> He will not use refined wheat.

Commonest of the citizens were free to make complains to the highest of the government functionaries.

Supremacy of LAW:

Very honest and pious people were appointed as QAZIS (Judges), They were handsomely paid. Once Hazrat Omer(R.A) had to appear in the court. The judge offered him the seat. Hazrat Omer(R.A) said "This is the first injustice you have done", saying this he removed him from the seat of the Qazi.



Freedom of Expression:

Careless and biased to some rubbish ideology have portrayed Hazrat Omer as a harsh and cruel person.. No doubt he was very harsh in establishing the supremacy of law. He gave a complete freedom of expression to his citizens and everybody had the right on object on any of his actions. Once a person raised objection on the length of his shirt in a public meeting, somebody tried to silent the objective, Hazrat Omer(R.A) said, "Let his speak, if people do not criticize us they are of no use, if we do not listen to them we are of no use"



Rights of minorities:

Hazrat Omer(R.A) treatment of the non-muslims was exemplary. Once Muslims made a mosque forcefully on a house which belonged to a christian. Hazrat Omer ordered the demolition of the part of house which belonged to the Christian.

Discipline:

Hazrat Omer(R.A) made a system that will be an example for the times to come. He was the pioneer and innovator of the system like:

=> Population census

=> Division of country into provinces and administrative divisions

=> Appointment of government functionaries and official and their accountability by the head of the state

=> Posting of tax collector(Sahib-ul-Kharaj) in each province

=> Appointment of police Chief(Sahib-ul-Ahdath)

=> Appointment of the Secretary(Katib)

=> Appointment of the Finance Minister(Sahib-ul-Bait-ul-Maal)

=> Appointment of Qazis in all provinces

=> Establishment of a Divan(Secretariat) to maintain the account of the salaries and financial assistance paid to the soldier and families of the mujahideen.

=> Establishment of standing Army and system of assigning ranks to the officers and soldiers.

=> Establishment of Military cantonments known as 'Jund' as important strategic places.



After discussing all this, even a brainless would come to learn the Islamic system of Khilafat is the most outstanding system of governance for all nations of the world. It is perpetually applicable and reliable due to its futuristic approach. Unfortunately there still exist some dumb secular creatures who whine that Khilafat is an out-dated system and it cannot be used in present times.

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Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid's Suspension & Pakistan's Present-Day Leadership
By Mohammad Ashraf Chaudhry


What Hazrat Omer perhaps missed was that there would emerge in Muslim countries in the distant future a brand of leadership that would be exceedingly rich, but that would also be most power-hungry and not up to the mark

It is to him who masters our minds by the force of truth, and not to those who enslave them by violence, that we owe our reverence" - Voltaire Hazrat Khalid Bin Walid's Status: "When God decided to have mercy on me, He softened my heart towards Islam," Hazrat Khalid bin Walid once admitted. There was hardly a battle that Khalid bin Walid had not fought to harm Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

In 625 he solely had been responsible for inflicting a severe defeat on Muslims in the Battle of Uhud, causing an injury to the Prophet even. During the Prophet's stay near Makkah at Hudaybiyyah in 628, Hazrat Khalid in particular had hovered around him and his followers to do them maximum harm.

`We had decided to make the attack on the Prophet as he would lead the Zuhr prayers, but we could not, " he admitted. The Prophet sensed the danger and offered the Isr prayers as `Khuf/Fear prayers'. When the Prophet left for Medina after the Hudaybiyyah Peace Pact, Khalid's brother, Walid bin Walid, already a Muslim, left for him a letter. In this letter he wrote: "The Prophet particularly enquired about you and asked, `Where is Khalid?' and then the Prophet said, `Khalid! and staying ignorant about Islam!... we would prefer Khalid over others. It would be good for him too, if he spends his efforts and energies for Islam.' " And finally when the moment for the change of heart came, Hazrat Khalid reached Medina. The news of his arrival had already reached the Prophet and he felt very happy.

On meeting Khalid, the Prophet said, "Keeping in view your intellect and foresight, I always hoped that one day God would bless you to do what is good". Hazrat Khalid then said, "And how about my opposition to you and all my hostilities of the past?". The Prophet cheered him up by saying, "Islam cuts/wipes out all the sins committed prior to embracing Islam", narrates Allama Shibli in his book, "Al-Farooq".

In the Battle of Muta in the 8th Hijra, in 630, when about 3,000 Muslims confronted 100,000 Romans, and initially suffered some major losses in the death of their great commanders, it was this newly converted Muslim, Hazrat Khalid who picked up the banner and saved the day for them. Back in Medina, the Prophet who was seeing the developments of the battle with his Prophetic eyes, narrated the scene to the Ansaars in these words, "One of the Swords of Allah took it (the banner) until Allah gave them victory".
The Prophet clearly was referring to Hazrat Khalid who earned this most prestigious and rare title, `Saifullah", in this battle.

Hazrat Khalid also killed the strongest man, Hurmuz, in the entire Arab single-handedly. Words fail to encompass his true courage and chivalry.

In the year 635, in one of the adventures in Syria, Hazrat Khalid alone through his militaristic ingenuity, and in a daring manner, crossed the moat on a sheep skin, climbed the fence with the help of his spear, and jumping on the other side, opened the main gates, resulting in the total defeat of the enemy.
He, as a commander, won for the Muslims during the period of Hazrat Omer, not cities or towns, but countries like Syria and Iraq. Why would Hazrat Omer then decide to remove such a great warrior, general and militaristic genius just three year later in 638 AD?
The Suspension Ibn-ul Asir contends that Hazrat Khalid's suspension was based on Hazrat Omer's personal dislike/displeasure for him. And this is a gross distortion of the historical facts. Maulana Shibli in his famous book, Al-Farooq, and from which most of the material for this article has been taken, describes the incident differently.

According to Maulana Shibli Nomani, the historical facts present a different explanation. Hazrat Omer had received reports about some financial extravagancies committed in Syria under Hazrat Khalid's commandership. In one case, Hazrat Khalid was particularly asked to submit a detailed report of the revenue collection and dispensation, which he refused to do, contending, "I have been following the practice of not sending any financial details in the past to your predecessor, Amir-ul-Momineen, Abu Bakr, and I will not do so now."

Hazrat Omer did not like his tone; nor did he hold anybody above accountability. He wrote back to Hazrat Khalid, "You can stay as Commander of the army only if you condescend to regularly submit the report of all the spending." Hazrat Khalid refused to do so and was thus removed as commander.

Hafiz ibn Hajr in his book, `Kitab Al-Asahaba", writes that Hazrat Khalid bin Walid was not totally removed from his post; he was only placed under Hazrat Abu Ubaida.
What was the main incident that actually caught Hazrat Omer's attention leading to Hazrat Khalid's suspension?
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid had awarded a big amount of 10 thousand in the currency of the time to a certain poet. On hearing of this Hazrat Omer wrote to Hazrat Abu Obaida, "If Khalid has donated this money out of his own pocket, then it is an instance of sheer extravagance.
And if he has given it out of the Treasury, then it is a starch breach of the public trust. In either case he (Khalid) should stand suspended".

The matter became worse as the messenger assigned to deliver the letter of suspension began reading the Furman/Order in the public.
"Explain from where you got this money," he read. Hazrat Omer had instructed that if Hazrat Khalid bin Walid confessed his mistake, then he be forgiven. But Hazrat Khalid remained adamant. As a consequence, the government official designated for the task, as per the custom publicly, removed Hazrat Khalid's "Kulla", or cap. The matter did not end there. For further punishment, he removed the cloth/turban wrapped around Hazrat Khalid's Kulla/Cap, and tied Hazrat Khalid's neck.
Where would the present-day Zardaris/Sharifs/Altafs/Sardars/Vaderas/Maliks/Chaudhrys/Generals/ Parliamentarians/Judges stand when judged with Hazrat Omar's yardstick? Certainly, in the prison attired only in their shorts and vests.

It was a strange and sad sight.
There stood in utter humiliation and helplessness, the Commander of the Commanders, the bravest and the brightest general of Islamic history, the one who had won Iraq and Syria for Islam - just for donating 10K and for failing to supply a befitting justification of its source.

This incident on the one hand establishes Hazrat Khalid's loyalty to Islam, to the Caliphate, and to the course of accountability; and on the other hand it points out the un-compromising stance of Hazrat Omer in matters of accountability and justice and Tawhid.

Hazrat Khalid on reaching Humus, made one speech in which he said, "Amir ul Momineen, Omer once appointed me a commander of Syria, and I won him the entire Syria. And now he suspends me". One soldier stood up there and then, and said, "O, Commander. Keep quiet.
Such talks breed disunity." "Yes, you are right. But who can dare revolting when Omer is the Caliph?" Hazrat Khalid on reaching Medina, went to see the Caliph. There he said, "Omer, by God, in my case you have not been fair". Hazrat Omer said, "Why don't you explain from where you got that amount...
from war booty or from where?" Hazrat Khalid then replied, "My entire assets do not exceed 60 thousand. Any amount that exceeds this figure is yours". Physical counting of Hazrat Khalid's assets was ordered, and about 20 thousand were found in excess, and were duly confiscated.

It was on this occasion that Hazrat Omer then addressed Hazrat Khalid, "Khalid, God knows, I love you dearly, and I greatly respect you". He then issued one order for circulation in the entire Caliphate.
"I didn't suspend Khalid for any personal differences or for his dishonesty. I did so because I felt that people under him had begun feeling personally indebted to him (Khalid) for what he had accomplished for Islam, and not to God. I did what I did so that people may understand that all our achievements are only and only due to God". That is what they understood by the concept of Tawhid. The present-day leadership is simply `Heedless. Forgetting God is forgetting Tawhid. They indulged in corruption and in the abuse of public trust because they have become heedless. God identifies such people in the Qur'an: "We have created for Gehenna many jinn and men. They have hearts, but understand not with them. They have eyes, but see not with them. They have ears, but hear not with them. They are like cattl eno, they are further astray. Those they are the heedless" 7:179 Hazrat Omer or Hazrat

Khalid did not think of any NRO's. In fact, Hazrat Omer prescribed two basic qualities of a Qazi/ Judge: one, he should be rich so that no amount of wealth is able to influence him or purchase him; and second, he should be a man of sterling reputation and character. What Hazrat Omer perhaps missed was that there would emerge in Muslim countries in the distant future a brand of leadership that would be exceedingly rich, but that would also be most power-hungry and most corrupt.
Material for this article has mostly been sifted from Maulana Shibli's famous book, "Al-Farooq".

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Wasila of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) & Syeddina farooq-e-azam(ra)

Hazrat Umar Farouk (radi Allahu anhu) sent troops towards Kasra and he made Hazrat Sa'ad bin Ka'ab Waqqas (radi Allahu anhu) the commander of the troop. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was the chief commanding officer. When they came close to the Dajla, there were no ships or boats to cross the river. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) and Hadrat Sa'ad bin Ka'ab (radi Allahu anhu) went forward and spoke to the river, saying: "O River! You are flowing through the Command of Almighty Allah. Thus, we are giving you the Wasila of the justice of Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and the Khalifa of Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), Hazrat Umar Farouk (radi Allahu anhu). Do not become a stoppage between us and our crossing." Suddenly, the river gave way. Then the troops crossed the river with their horses and camels. They reached the other side of the land in such a manner that their (horses and camels) hooves did not even get wet. (Ar Riyaadhun Nadhra)

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Hazrat Umar once addressed the people in the Mosque of the Prophet: O People! why have you started fixing the dowers of women at fantastically higher amounts, while the Messenger of Allah had never fixed the dower of any of his wives at an amount exceeding four hundred Dirhams. Beware! I should not hear in future that any of you has fixed dower exceeding 400 dirhams. He then descended from the pulpit. There and then came a woman of Quraish and said: O Umar! Have not you heard the word of God (in Al‑Qur'an 4:20). Allah says. Even if you have given a big treasure to a woman, don’t take back anything out of that. Hazrat Umar at once returned, withdrew his order and announced: Any one of you can fix as much dower as he pleases: I can't stop him. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

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Purdah For Women

In Madina the Muslim women did not observe any purdah. They freely moved among men. The majority of men in Madina were men of great faith, and they were very careful in their conduct to women. There were some hypocrites among Muslims from whom any mischief could be expected. There were also some Jews from whom no good could be expected. Umar felt that if God forbidding any hypocrite played any mischief with regard to the women of Muslims that would be very damaging.
Umar expressed these views to the Holy Prophet, and suggested that women should be required to stay at home. Umar said that the wives of the Holy Prophet should particularly stay at home, for their prestige and honour were a matter of great concern for the Muslim community.
On hearing this advice of Umar, Zainab a wife of thc Holy Prophet said:
"Umar you have started in interfering in the domestic affairs of the Prophet as well. The revelation comes to our house. and you come up with suggestions of your own."
The Holy Prophet, however, appreciated what Umar had said. He said that he was awaiting revelation, and action would be taken in accordance with the injunctions of God.
And then came a detailed revelation on the subject. The revelation was:
"Prophet say to your wives: if you desire the present life and its beautiful things, come and I will give you your dowries and send you away in a handsome manner. And if you desire Allah and His Prophet and the next world, remember that Allah has in store a great reward for those of you who are righteous." 33:28
Another verse provided:
"O wives of the Prophet! Whoever of you commits flagrant indecency will have your punishment twice over. Indeed it is easy for Allah to double your punishment. As for those who are obedient to Allah and His Apostle and act righteously We shall give them their reward twice over. We have rare gifts in store for them." 33:30
And yet another verse said:
"O wives of the Prophet, you are like no other women. If you fear Allah do not be soft spoken, for it will tempt the man who has a disease in his heart. Speak in a dignified tone, stay in your homes, and do not display your beauty as in the days of ignorance. Observe prayer, give alms, and obey Allah and His Apostle. Members of the house of the Prophet! Allah only intends to rid you of your uncleanliness and to purify you completely. Women keep in mind the revelations of Allah and the words of wisdom which are recited in your houses. Benign is Allah; All-Aware." 33:32
These verses corroborated what Umar had said. When the Holy Prophet informed Umar of these verses he felt satisfied that God had ordered in the way he had desired. Turning to Umar the Holy Prophet said, "Umar, rejoice for once again Allah has spoken through your tongue."

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Khalifa Umar bin al-Khattab – Battles Before Conquest of Mecca

Expedition To Turbah

Banu Howazin was a tribe which inhabited the Turbah valley at two days march from Mecca. The tribe had indulged in some hostile activities against Islam, and in 629 A.D., the Holy Prophet decided to take punitive action against the tribe.
The Holy Prophet commissioned Umar to lead the expedition against Banu Howazin. The instructions of the Holy Prophet were that the tribe should be called to Islam, and in the event of their refusal, force should be used against them, and they should be driven away from the Turbah valley.

The Muslim expeditionary force consisted of thirty men. They had with them a guide of the Banu Hilal, who showed them the way, and led them to Turbah valley through unfrequented paths.

When the Muslim force reached the Turbah valley, they found that on hearing the approach of the Muslim force, the Banu Howazin had evacuated the valley and fled elsewhere with their animals and other belongings. The Muslim force stayed in the valley for some days. Scouts were sent in various directions to find some clue of the whereabouts of the Banu Howazin. No clue was found, and as the object of driving away the hostile tribe from the neighbourhood of Mecca had been achieved without firing a shot, the Muslim force decided to return to Madina.

When on the return march, the Muslim force reached ZiAljaza, about six miles from Madina, the Banu Hilal guide said:

As on the expedition against Banu Howazin you have had no booty, and if you want to return to Madina carrying some booty I can guide you against some other tribe Banu Kbusham have been afflicted with famine. I have seen them going that way. If you think of attacking them and getting some booty, I can take you by a path to such a place from where you could launch a surprise attack on them. In spite of famine conditions they have ample wealth with them which you could appropriate.”

Thereupon Umar said:”The Holy Prophet merely sent us against Banu Howazin, and the object was to promote the cause of Islam and not to get booty for ourselves. As the Holy Prophet did not authorise me to attack any other tribe, I am afraid I can not attack any other tribe just for the sake of booty, without the express instructions of the Holy Prophet. “When on return to Madloa, Umar submitted his report to the Holy Prophet, and stated how he had not accepted the advice of the guide to attack Banu Khusham, the Holy Prophet said, “Umar you did well. If you had attacked them, I would have been unhappy.”

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Umar the great ,the ideal Ruler

Hazrat Muhammad bin Muslamah Ansari, a person of unquestionable integrity was appointed as the roving (wandering) investigator, who visited different counties and enquired into public complaints. Once a complaint was lodged with the Caliph that Hazrat Saad bin Waqas, Governor of Kufa, had constructed a palace there. He at once dispatched Muhammad Ansari who pulled down a portion of the palace which hindered the easy entry of the public. On another complaint, Saad was deposed from his post. A report was received by the Caliph that Ayaz bin Ganam, the Amil (Governor) of Egypt had kept a gate keeper for his house. Muhammad Ansari who was immediately sent to Egypt found the report to be correct and brought the Governor to Medina. The Caliph humiliated him publicly. At times a commission was appointed by the Caliph to enquire into various charges. Such strict measures adopted by Hazrat Umar ensured an efficient and ideal administration in his vast state. Even the officials working thousands of miles away from Medina could not dare to do anything against the interests of the people and the state. None could ever contemplate (consider) gaining the displeasure of the Iron Caliph. The fundamental difference between the administration of the tyrants and his was that while the tyrants used rod for their own good, Umar used it for the good of the people. Writing in the encyclopedia of Islam and European historian says, “But the part of Umar was nevertheless a great one. The regulation of his non-Muslim subjects, the institution of a registrar of these having a right to military pensions (the diwan), the founding of military centers (amsar) out of which were to grow the future of the great cities of Islam, the creation of the office of Judge, were all his work, and it is also to him that a series of obligatory pilgrimage as well as civil and penal punishment of drunkenness and stoning as punishment of adultery.”


The great Caliph led a very simple life. His standard of living was in no case higher that that of and ordinary man. Once the Governor of Kufa visited him while he was taking his meal comprising of barley bread and olive oil. The Governor said, “Amirul Momineen (Muslim Head of State) enough wheat is produced in your dominions, why do not you take wheat bread’s. Feeling somewhat offended the Caliph asked him in a melancholy (sad) tone, “Do you think that wheat is available to each and every person inhabiting my vast dominions?” “No”, replied the Governor. “Then how can I take wheat bread unless it is available to all of my people”? added the Caliph.
Honesty and integrity were the highest virtues in the character of Umar. Once during his illness his physician prescribed honey for him. Tons of honey was kept in the Baitul Mal, but he did not take a drop of it unless he was permitted by the people’s committee. His wife, Umme Kulsum, once presented a few bottles of perfumes to the Empress of Rome. The Empress returned the bottles filled with precious stones. When Hazrat Umar learned of it, he deposited the jewels in the Baitul Mal.

The Caliph had great respect for the social equality of man. The Patriarch (head of tribe) of Jerusalem was profoundly struck by the respect for social equality shown by the esteemed Caliph when he observed the slave riding the camel and the Caliph leading him by the rope.

According to a report of Abdur Fahman bin Auf, the Caliph came to him one day and asked him to accompany him to a certain place. On enquiry he told Hazrat Auf that a caravan had arrived in Medina and since the men must be tired, the Caliph considered it obligatory to stand guard to them for the whole of night, so that they might rest undisturbed.


Once he addressed a gathering saying, “Brother, if I stray from the right path what will you do”? A man stood up and said, “We will behead you.” Umar shouted in order to test him: “You dare utter such impertinent (disrespectful) words for me? “ “Yes, for you” replied the man. Umar was very much pleased with his audacity and said, “Thank God, there exist such bold men in our nation that if
I go astray they will set me right.”

“It was only to high moral character,” says a European historian, “that Umar owed the respect which he inspired, for the physical force at his command was none. Umar was not only a great ruler but also one of the most typical models of all the virtues of Islam”. Tradition makes the Prophet of Islam say, “If God had wished that there should have been another prophet after me, it would have been
none other than Umar.”

The second Caliph of Islam occupies an outstanding place in the history of the world. One would hardly come across a ruler who led so simple life, and dedicated himself to the service of his people and was a terror for his enemies. “Of simple habits, severe, serious and careful, always accessible to
the meanest of his subject, wandering about at night to enquire into the condition of the people
without any guard or the court, such was the greatest and most powerful ruler of the time”Perhaps

Dr. Iqbal, the poet of the East has said for him only:

JIS SE JIGAR I LALA ME THANDAK HO WHO SHABNAM
DARYAON KE DIL JIS SE DAHEL JAEN WHO TOOFAN
LIKE THE DEW WHICH COOLS THE HEART OF LILY AND
LIKE THE STORM WHICH SHAKES THE HEART OF RIVERS


Juri Zaidan, the famous Christian historian of Egypt pays glowing tribute to the achievements of Umar in the following terms:

“In his time various countries were conquered, spoils were multiplied, the treasures of the Persians and Roman Emperors were poured in streams before his troops and nevertheless he himself marked a degree of soberness and moderation which was never surpassed. He addressed the people dressed in a garment patched with leather. He was himself the first to practice what he preached. He kept a vigilant eye over his Governors and Generals and enquired strictly into their conduct. Even the Great Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (The Sword of Allah) was not spared. He was just to all mankind and was kindly even to the non-Muslims. Iron discipline was maintained everywhere during his reign.”

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Umar ibn Al Khattab:
The One who distinguishes truth from falsehood.

The envoy of the Roman Emperor set out for Medina attended by a large retinue and equipped with allthe pomp and pageantry which the Roman Empire could boast of. On arrival in the metropolis of Islam, he enquired of a passer-by: 'Tell me please, where is the palace of the Caliph'?

The Arab looked around. He was surprised by this strange question, 'What do you mean by a palace'? retorted the Arab.' I mean the palace of Umar, the Caliph of Islam,' added the envoy. 'O! you want to see Umar. Come on, I will take you to his presence,' replied the Arab.

The envoy was escorted to the Mosque of the Prophet, and to his utter astonishment, a person who was lying on the bare floor of the mosque was introduced to him as Caliph Umar Farooq, the greatest .uler of his time, whose armies held sway over the three known continents of the world. The envoy was taken aback at such a strange Sight and the report of what he observed in Medina was enough to terrorise the Roman Emperor and impress him with the invincible might of Islam.

Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab was born in Makkah in 40 B.H. (Before Hejirah). His lineage joins that of the Prophet of Islam in the eighth generation. His forefathers had held ambassadorial posts; commerce was his ancestral occupation. He was one of the seventeen literate persons of Makkah, when Prophethood was conferred on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He entered the pale of Islam at the age of 27.

An interesting anecdote is told about his conversion to Islam. He was one of the most powerful enemies of the new faith. One day, he set out with the intention of killing the Prophet of Islam. On the way he came across one Naeem ibn Abdullah, who asked him where he was bound for. Umar told him that he had resolved to do away with Muhammad (PBUH). Naeem tauntingly asked him to reform his own house first. Umar at once turned back and on arrival in his house, found his brother-in-law reciting the Holy Quran. He got awfully infuriated and mercilessly beat him, but he and his sister refused to renounce Islam. The fum stand of his sister at last calmed him and he asked her to recite the lines of the Quran again. She readily complied. Urnar was so much charmed and enthused that he hurried to the Prophet's place and embraced Islam. The small brotherhood was so much overwhelmed with joy that they raised the cry of 'Allah-o-Akbar' (God is great) and the surrounding hills resounded with the echo.

The conversion of Umar greatly added to the strength of the Muslims. He later on became the principal adviser to Hazrat Abu Bakr during his two and a half years reign. On the death of Hazrat Abu Bakr he was elected as the Second Caliph of Islam, a post which he held with unique distinction for ten and a half years. At last he was assassinated in 644 A.C., while leading the prayers in the mosque of the Prophet, by one Feroz alias Abu Lulu, a disgruntled Parsi (Majusi).

The greatness of Caliph Umar is visible in his sympathetic treatment of his non-Muslim subjects. Before the advent of Islam the rights of other races in the Roman and Persian empires were worse than those of slaves. Even the Syrian Christians had no right over their lands, so much so that with the transfer of their lands they were also transferred. When Hazrat Umar conquered these countries, he returned the lands to their tillers who were mostly non-Muslims. He granted peace to the Christians of Elia who had surrendered. The peace terms run as follows: 'This is the peace, granted by Umar, the slave of God, to the inhabitants of Elia. Non-Muslims will be allowed to stay-in their churches which will not be demolished. They will have full freedom of religion and will not be harmed in any way.'

Such benevolent and generous treatment of non-Muslims at the hands of the Caliph endeared him to all of his subjects, thus laying the foundation of a stable government and an efficient administration.

Hazrat Umar possessed an exemplary character and practised himself what he preached. He was intrinsically conscientious; his motto had always been the service of his people. He never favoured his own pious and learned son Abdullah bin Umar. In the fixation of monthly honorarium he gave preference to those who were close Companions of the Prophet, otherwise he observed equality even between the Quraish and the slaves. When he fixed the salary of Usama bin laid higher than that of his son Abdullah, the latter complained, 'Usama had never surpassed me in the service of Islam.' The pious Caliph at once replied, 'But he was closer and dearer to the Prophet.'

Untainted service to humanity was his foremost concern. He roamed about during the night often incognito in order to acquaint himself with the condition of his people. One night as he was roaming outside Medina, he observed in a house a woman cooking something and two girls sitting beside her crying for food. After waiting for sometime, he asked the woman what was the matter. She told him that the children were hungry, that there was nothing in the kettle except water and a few pieces of stones and that she was lulling them to believe that food was being cooked for them. The Caliph without disclosing his identity hurried to Medina, three miles-away, brought a bag of flour on his back, cooked the food himself and was not contented until the appetite of the children was fully satisfied. The next day he called again to apologise to the old woman for his negligence and fixed dole-money for her.

The great Caliph led a very simple life. His standard of living was in no case higher than that of an ordinary man. Once the Governor of Kufa visited him while he was taking his meals comprising of barley bread and oliveoil. The Governor said. 'Amirul Momineen (Commander of the Faithful) enough wheat is produced in your dominions. why do you not take wheat bread'. Feeling somewhat offended the Caliph asked him in a melancholy tone, 'Do you think that wheat is available to each and every person inhabiting my vast dominions?'
'No'. replied the Governor.
'Then how can I take wheat bread unless it is available to all of my people'? added the Caliph.

Honesty and integrity were the highest virtues in the character of the Second Caliph. Once, during his illness his physician prescribed honey for him. Tons of honey was kept in the Baitul Mal. but he did not take a drop of it unless he was permitted by the people's committee. His wife, Umme Kulsum, once presented a few bottles of perfumes to the Empress of Rome. The Empress returned the bottles ruled with precious stones. When Hazrat Umar learned of it, he deposited the jewels in the Baitul Mal.
The Caliph had great respect for the social equality of man. The Patriarch of Jerusalem was profoundly struck by the respect for social equality shown by the esteemed Caliph when he observed the slave was riding on the camel and the Caliph was leading the camel by the string.

According to a report of Abdur Rahman bin Auf, the Caliph came to him one day and asked him to accompany him to a certain place. On enquiry, he told Hazrat Auf that a caravan had arrived in Medina and since the members must be tired, the Caliph considered it obligatory to guard them for the whole of night so that they might rest undisturbed.

Once he addressed a gathering saying, 'Brothers, if I stray from the right path what will you do'? A man stood up and said, 'We will behead you.' Umar shouted in order to test him: 'You dare utter such impertinent words for me?' 'Yes, for you,' replied the man. Umar was very much pleased with his boldness and said, 'Thank God, there exist such bold men in our nation that if I go astray they will set me right.'

'It was only to his high moral character,' says a European historian, 'that Umar owned the respect which he inspired, for the physical force at his command was none. Umar was not only a great ruler but also one of the most typical models of all the virtues of Islam'. Tradition makes the Prophet of Islam say: 'If God had wished that there should have been another prophet after me, he would have been none other than Urnar.'

The second Caliph of Islam occupies an outstanding place in the history of the world. One would hardly come across a ruler who led so simple a life, and dedicated himself to the service of his people and was a terror for his foes. 'Of simple habits, austere and frugal, always accessible to the meanest of his subject, wandering about at night to enquire into the condition of the people without any guard or escort, such was the greatest and most powerful ruler of the time.

Following are excerpts from Umar's addresses to the people of Madinah, when he learnt that the fear they had for him was more than their love for him.

Brethren, it has come to my notice that the people are afraid of me..... they say that he (Umar) has become the Caliph now, God knows how hard he will be. Whoever has said this is not wrong in his assessment...... know ye brethren that you will feel a change in me.[38] For those who practise tyranny and deprive others of their rights, I will be harsh and stern, but for those who follow the law, I will be most soft and tender.



Umar's addresses greatly moved the people. Next time he addressed the people as:

I will be harsh and stern against the aggressor, but I will be a pillar of strength for the weak.
I will not calm down until I will put one cheek of a tyrant on the ground and the other under my feet, and for the poor and weak, I will put my cheek on the ground.



The following are the historic words of Umar, over which he laid foundation of his rule:

By God, he that is weakest among you shall be in my eye the strongest, until I have vindicated for him his rights; he that is strongest I will treat as the weakest, until he complies with the law.



Perhaps Dr. Iqbal, the poet of the East was alluding to Caliph Umar when he said,

lis se jigar-i-lala me thandak ho woh shabnam
Daryaan ke dil jis se dahel jaen woh toofan

(Like the dew which cools the heart of lily
and like the storm which shakes the heart of the rivers).

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Forget safety.Live where you fear to live.Destroy your reputation.Be notorious