What a great thread!
I have just browsed it but I will read the whole thread one day.

A number of traditions have come down to us which speak of the Holy Prophet's assessment of Umar.


Before the conversion of Umar to Islam, the prayer of the Holy Prophet is on record wherein he prayed "O God, glorify Thy faith by the conversion of Umar."


There is a tradition that when Umar was converted to Islam the Holy Prophet said that Gabriel had visited him to say "O Muhammad, verily the dwellers in Heaven rejoice with you at the conversion of Umar."


According to Abu Hurrayrah, the Holy Prophet once related a dream in the presence of Umar. The Holy Prophet related, "While I was asleep, I saw myself in paradise, and beheld there a woman performing her ablutions by the side of a house. I enquired whose house it was, and I was told that it was Umar's. The lady said that she belonged to Umar. Then recollecting how jealous Umar was in the matter of women, I turned back, and thereafter I woke up". Hearing this, Umar said, "O Prophet of God, everything of mine is at your service; how can I be jealous of you in any matter?"


On another occasion, the Holy Prophet had another dream. He related:


"While I was asleep, I dreamt that I drank milk. Then that milk began to flow from my fingers. That milk I asked Umar to drink, and he drank to his fill." The Holy Prophet was asked to interpret the dream and he said that the dream signified that among his followers, Umar would excel every one in knowledge.


According to another tradition, the Holy Prophet said, "While I was asleep, I saw the people presented to me. These people wore garments. Some had garments reaching to their breasts, and some had garments which reached their toes. Then Umar was presented, and upon him was a garment which was so long that he dragged it as he moved". The Holy Prophet was requested to interpret the dream. The Holy Prophet said that the significance of the dream was that Umar would be a source of strength and service to Islam.


Al-Bukhari carries a tradition according to which the Holy Prophet said that there was to be no prophet after him, but if there were to be no bar to such prophethood, Umar would have been the prophet. That was the highest tribute that the Holy Prophet could pay to Umar.


According to another tradition the Holy Prophet said, "Verily God has placed truth upon the tongue of Umar, and upon his heart." According to an allied tradition, the Holy Prophet said, "Never did a thing come upon the people, and they said one thing regarding it, and Umar another, but the Qur'an revealed it after the manner that Umar had said. The greatest tribute was paid to Umar, when the Holy Prophet said, "God speaks through the tongue of ;Umar."


There is a tradition that Gabriel once came to the Holy Prophet and said, "Greet Umar with a salutation, and tell him that his anger is glory and his approval, command."


According to a tradition, the Holy Prophet said, "Umar is the lamp of the dwellers in paradise."


A tradition is on record according to which pointing to Umar the Holy Prophet said, "Umar is a strongly bolted gate against discord. As long as he lives in your midst, there will be no discord among the Muslims."


We have it on the authority of 'Ayesha that the Holy Prophet said, "Verily I behold the evil spirits among genii and men, fleeing from Umar". In the same strain the Holy Prophet said, "Verily Satan avoideth Umar."


There is another tradition according to which the Holy Prophet said, "There is not an angel in Heaven, but he revereth Umar, and not a demon on earth but he fleeth from Umar.",


On the occasion of the last pilgrimage the Holy Prophet said, "Verily God approved of the conduct of the pilgrims at Arafat in general and Umar in particular".


There is a tradition that in the days of his illness the Holy Prophet said, "The Truth after me is with Umar, wherever he may be."


About Umar's victory against Satan, the Holy Prophet said, "Verily Satan hath never met Umar since his conversion, but he hath fallen prostrate on his face."


According to a tradition the Holy Prophet said, "Gabriel said to me, 'verily Islam will weep at the death of Umar."


According to a tradition the Holy Prophet expressed his attachment to Umar in the following terms: "He who hateth Umar hates me, and he who loveth Umar loves me".

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Taken from: Al-Bidayyah wan-Nihayyah of Imaam ibn Kathir

‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) sent an army under Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) for the conquest of Persia.

‘Umar (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) wrote him a convention as follows:

“I command you and your army to fear Allaah at all times because piety is the best weapon against the enemy and the best strategy in the battle.

And I command you and your soldiers to fear disobedience to Allaah more than you fear the enemy. If an army fears sins more than the enemy, Allaah brings them victory. Muslim victory is the outcome of the disbelievers’ disobedience of Allaah. There is no power except with Allaah for they always outnumber us and have better weapons and tools. If we become equal in disobedience, they will conquer us due to more power; and unless we defeat them by righteousness, we cannot defeat them by power.

You must learn that you have some angels with you to protect you and your deeds. So be careful and do not commit any sins while you are fighting in the way of Allaah. And never say our enemy is worse than us and that they cannot win even if we commit sins. Many nations have suffered at the hands of others who were less faithful as the magian who won over the Children of Isra’eel when they committed sins.

You have to ask Allaah victory over your own selves in the same way you ask victory over the enemy. Ask it from Allaah for us and you.”

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Umar the great
Good governance by Dr A Q Khan

The law of the land is not applicable to the select few and they openly ignore even court orders. In the olden days a Qazi would hear and decide cases quickly and fairly. Our history and traditions have many golden chapters. There were not merely a dozen or so honest, efficient rulers, but literally hundreds of them.

An efficient administrative and legal system already existed during the period of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), but it was Hazrat Umar (RA) who established the most efficient, honest and neutral system. Everything was properly recorded and coded and it was a complete, exemplary constitution.

In one of my previous columns I had mentioned how the Qazi, a former Turkish slave, had thrashed Ali Noshtgin, commander-in-chief of Mahmud Ghaznavi’s army, for being under the influence of alcohol. Here I would like to mention Sher Shah Suri, who had the Grand Trunk Road built from Peshawar to Calcutta. What he achieved in the five years of his rule our inept rulers have not been able to achieve in even 62 years. His minister of finance was Raja Todar Mal, who was so efficient that, years later when Akbar became emperor, he sent for Raja Todar Mal and requested him to be his minister of finance. History is witness to the prosperity and progress made during Akbar’s reign.

Let us also take a look at the excellent administrative and legal system enforced by Hazrat Umar (RA). During the short reign of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Muslims were not only consolidating their rule, but also expanding their territory. Even then, law and order was supreme. When Hazrat Umar (RA) became caliph, proper and detailed laws were made and strictly enforced. Muslims ruled extensive territories from Samarqand to Armenia, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, etc. Just imagine, with no modern facilities such as railways, roads, vehicles, electronic communication, etc., how difficult it must have been to dispense justice to the public.

Hazrat Umar (RA) is reported to have said that, even if a dog died of hunger and thirst at the bank of the Euphrates in Baghdad, he would be held accountable by Almighty Allah. Look what is happening in Karachi and how many are held accountable! Hazrat Umar (RA) did not overlook or ignore any aspect of good governance and enforced the golden rules of Islam on every aspect of life.

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. What a contrast to today’s rulers! Their cronies commit a crime for which they are convicted but then, with the stroke of a pen, they are cleared of all wrongdoing.

All this while we, the general public, can only look on aghast and pray for a miracle to happen to change the situation.

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Umar(ra) the great in History of Sindh

The first naval expedition undertaken by the Arabs in this ocean was during Hazrat Omar’s caliphate in 636 A.D. – 15 A.H. under the command of Osman bin Abi’Aas, the Governor of Bahrain and Oman. He attacked Thana, a port near modern Bombay. A little later he sent another naval expedition to Debal in Sind under the command of his brother Mughira. Raja Chach was the ruler of Sind at that time and his kingdom was well defended. Mughira was defeated by the Raja’s forces and killed in action.

During Hazrat Omar’s caliphate the Governor of Iraq also sent an expedition by land to Makran under the command of Rabi Bin Ziad Haris. Though Makran was conquered but the victory was short-lived, as the locals recaptured the country. Makran was, however, permanently conquered during the last days of Hazrat Omar’s caliphate in 642 AD – 43 AH. under the command of Hakam Taglabi. Hazrat Osman, the third Caliph had sent Hakim bin Jabala to Sind in 650 A.D. to collect information. Before him Sahar-al-Abdi had visited Sind for the same purpose in 643 A.D. during Hazrat Omar’s last days.18 The next Arab general to enter Pakistan by land was Muhlib bin Sufra who came through the Khyber Pass in 665 A.D. -65 A.H.

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the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم & farooq-e-azam

the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم says that no one among of you can be a perfect Momin unless he loves me more than his mother, father, children, his property and even his own life. On listening this, Hazrat Umar Farooq (radiyallahu anhu) said, ‘ O Prophet of Allah! I love you more than my property, children and my parents, but you are not dear to me more than my life.’ The Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلمclasped him with his chest and asked how did the later felt then. Hazrat Umar Farooq (radiyallahu anhu) said, ‘ now I love you more than my life.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said, ‘ now, you have perfected your Iman.’

Let my life be sacrificed on the eye that saw Allah Almighty without any veil. When this eye looks on rusted heart, it affords Noor and Marafat of Allah. Thousands and thousands of Blessings on that chest that was a place for Quranic revelation.

That’s why, a venerable holy saint says:


“The sight of yours is a source of salvation on the Day of Judgement,

It blinked and gazed, and there arose and covered a cloud of blessing.

Wherever he turned his face, heralded a new life,

Wherever it turned, brought a life to live with.

Thousands and thousands of Darud-o-Salam on that Kind Look.

One can see the difference between the sought after and the Beloved,

If one wants to understand what happened at Tur and Merage (Ascension)

Someone is unconscious; the other is lost in the marvels,

Whom you saw, if one ask Musa;

Thousands of Salam on that courageous man of the eye.”

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farooq-e-azam(ra) in battle of badr and Uhad

Umar(ra) weeping like a child for beloved Prophet(pbuh)


At the end of the Badr encounter with the Meccan armies, it brought mixed feelings to the Prophet. He

re-joiced over the fulfillment of divine promises, repeated during the 14 years which had gone by. But at the

same time he grieved over the plight of the Meccans. What a pitiable end had met them Meccan army fled in

miserable haste, leaving behind their deads as well as some prisoners. Among them was the prophet’s Uncle,

Abbas, who generally stood by the Prophet during the days at Mecca, Also was Abu’l ‘As, a son – in – law of

the Prophet among the prisoners and lying dead was Abu Jahl, Commander-in-chief of the Meccan army. If this

victory had come to someone else in place of the Prophet, he would have jumped with joy. But the sight of the

prisoners before him, bound and handcuffed, brought tears to his eyes as well as his faithful friend (Abubakar).

Hadrat Umar was baffled and became confused, as he could not understand why the Prophet and Abubakar

should weep over victory? Being bewildered, he made a bold approach to the Prophet and asked Prophet of

God, “tell me why you weep when God has given you such a grant victory. If we must seep, I will weep with

you, or at least I am putting on a weeping face”. How deep indeed was his preparedness in upholding the

cause he professed with his master.

Long after the Battle of Uhud, friends of Talha asked him, “Did not your hand smart under the arrow

shots and the pain make you cry” Talha replied. “It made me smart, and it almost made me cry, but I resisted

both because I knew that if my hand shook but slightly, it would expose the Prophet’s face to the volley of

enemy’s arrows. “The few men left with the Prophet could not have stood the army which they faced. A party

of the enemy advanced forward and pushed them off and the Prophet then stood alone like a wall, and soon a

stone struck his forehead and made a deep gash in it. Another blow drove the rings of his helmet into his

cheeks. It was at this juncture that the Prophet prayed.

“O God, forgive and guide my people for they know not what they are doing” (Muslim).

The Prophet felt on the dead who had lost their precious lives in his defence. Other Muslims came

forward to defend the Prophet from more attacks. They also fell dead. The Prophet lay unconscious among

these bodies. The enemies took him for dead and withdrew in the certainty of victory. Hadrat Umar was among

those who had been defending the Prophet. The battlefield had now been cleared. Umar became certain that the

Prophet was dead. He was a brave man. He had proved it again and again. He was never known in blench

under difficulties. Here is this same Umar now sitting on a stone with drooping spirits, crying like a child. In

the meantime however, Anas bin Nadr came who had earlier withdrawn from the battle field had now

believing the Muslims had won the battle, he saw Umar crying and he stood amazed and asked, “Umar what

is the matter with you that instead of rejoicing over magnificent victory won by the Muslims, you are crying.

Umar replied, Anas, you do not know what happened. There was no resistance to the ack of the enemy.

Only the Prophet with handful of guards stood against the entire enemy and all of them fell”.

If this is true, Anas said of what use is sitting here and crying? Where our beloved Master has gone,

there must we go too. Anas has a little date in his hand. He was about to putting it in his mouth but, instead, he

threw it away saying. “O date, except you, is there anything which stands between Anas and Paradise? While

saying this, he unsheathed his sword and flung himself into the enemy forces, one against about 3000. He could

not do much before he fell wounded, but he still continued fighting and the enemy horde sprang barbarously

on him. It was said that after the battle and the dead were identified it had been cut into pieces, it was at last

that a sister of his identified it by a mutilated finger, and she said this is my brother’s body (Bukhari). This is the

spirit of dedication and commitment of Umar as well as Anas here, among other eminent Sahabas of Rosulullah.

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Another very important area of calip Umar’s interest is Welfarism and discharge of Responsibilities.

He was so anxious about the welfare of his people that he went round in disguise at night to see if any one was in

distress and in need of help. Once, during this patrol at night, he observed a woman cooking something in a pot

while her children were crying. He inquired and he was told that the children were hungry for two days and

the pot was put on the fire just to console them. Hadrat Umar immediately went to the treasury and himself

brought all the necessary food items to the woman. On his way, one of his servants offered to carry the load but

he stopped him saying, “On the day of judgment you will not carry my load”. The woman, who had not seen

him before, was so pleased that she prayed aloud for him saying ‘May Allah make you the Khalifah in place of

Umar; Onhearing this, Hadrat Umar started crying and without saying a word left the place.

He did not like innovations, and on one occasion, when he learned that in Fustat (Cairo), his governor

‘Amr ibn al-‘As had built a minbar (raised pulpit with steps on which the Imam stands to deliver sermons in

some mosques), he wrote to him saying:

‘And now, I have heard that you use a pulpit and thus raise yourself above the necks of the Muslims. Is

it not sufficient for you that you are standing while the Muslims are at your heels? Therefore, I urge you to smash it to bits.’

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Umar(ra) encouraged his followers to focus on the spread of the message of Islam rather than on settling and owning land.

It was with this zeal that his followers were able to rapidly take the message of Islam to Syria,Jerusalem, Egypt, Libya and Iraq. Islam expanded into the Middle East and Persia, across North Africa and up

towards Asia Minor. Muslims were encouraged to hand over land as trusts for the building of schools,

hospitals and orphanages, and so as not to grow too attached to worldy things.

‘Umar’s(ra) end was untimely. He was marshalling worshippers for the midday prayer when a

disgruntled Persian non-Muslim, Abu Lu’lu’ah Firoz of Basra, who held a grudge against him, stabbed him.

Just a few days earlier, Abu Lu’lu’ah had approached ‘Umar(ra) to complain about the amount he had to pay his master, Mugheerah ibn Sha’bah, and asked the levy to be reduced. ‘Umar(ra) listened to him and suggested that the level of the levy was reasonable. So it was according to historians, such as Tabari, that while ‘Umar(ra) began the prayers, Abu Lu’lu’ah stepped forward from one of the rows and stabbed him six times. When apprehended, he stabbed himself (Tabari, Vol. XIV, p. 89-90).

He felt a great responsibility as Khalifah and a compassion for the weak and the poor. At one time,

there was a great famine in the Hijaz and despite some supplies being sent from Egypt and Syria, ‘Umar(ra) felt so touched by the plight of his people that he swore not to touch butter or honey while the famine lasted. His words were;

“If I do not taste suffering, how can I know the suffering of others?” Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) always

remembered throughout his dealings that he was answerable to God for his actions. He was an exemplary

Muslim. May God be pleased with him. Amin.

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Hazrat Umar R.A's Decision about Blaspheme

A Jew and a Muslim were involved in a dispute. They took their case to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him and his family). The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) ruled in favor of the Jew. The Muslim, who in reality was a hypocrite, was dissatisfied with the Holy Prophet 's (Peace be upon him and his family) ruling and decided to go to Umar (may Allah be well pleased with him) who was known for his harshness against the disbelievers. The hypocrite (munaafiq) thought that definitely Umar would not rule in favor of a Jew against a Muslim. Since unfortunately when Allah takes away Faith (Iman), He also takes away intelligence. The Hypocrite who lost his case in the Supreme Court goes to appeal in the Lower Court. When they went to Umar and explained the situation to him and how the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) had already ruled in favor of the Jew, Umar made his decision. Umar's insight (firaasa) and the fact that the case was brought to him after the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him and his family) 's decision told him that this was not a person of Iman, but a Hypocrite. Hazrath Umar unsheathed his sword and decapitated the Hypocrite. When the incident became public knowledge, the public at large, began to say that Umar had killed a Muslim. Hazrath Umar (may Allah be well pleased with him) presented himself to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him and his family) and said in his defense:



'O Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) Umar killed who recites the ‘Testifies the Faith’(Kalimah), observes prayer (salaah) and fasts (saum), but you know that I did not kill a Muslim because they cannot have Faith (Iman) if they do not accept your judgment.'



Allah loved this expression of love of Umar (Radiallahu anhu) so much that He sent Gabriel [Jibraeel] (may Allah bless him with peace) with revelation on that occasion.



The following from Sura 4 al-Nisaa: Verse 65 was revealed.





Then O beloved! By your Lord, they shall not be Muslims until they make you judge in all disputes among themselves, then they find not any impediment in their hearts concerning whatever you decide, and accept from the eve of their hearts.





The question arises, 'Did Allah or His Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) instruct Umar (radiallahu anhu) to kill the munaafiq?' No! Umar's love (ishq) told him that a blasphemer must be put to death. Love does not wait for orders. The Qur'aan affirmed that what Umar did was right.

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