Alleged Innovations by Hazrat Umar (ra)

Question

after the death of Holy Prophet (pbuh) especially during the rule of Hazrat Umar (ra), several changes were made in the ordinance of the State and religion.

Hazrat Umar (ra) introduced some new laws in the Islamic Shariah and these laws have become part of Islamic culture and tradition and are still followed by people of this time. How far is this true?

was it Hazrat Umar (ra) who introduced the utterance of divorce three times and the phrase "prayer is better than sleep" in the adhan of Fajr (morning)?

Please throw some light on this information and let me know that were these innovations made by Hazrat Umar(ra) in the light of Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)?





Answer

The claim that the caliph Umar (ra) innovated novel practices in the religion results from sheer misunderstanding of the nature of the directives taken by the caliph and misinterpretation of some facts reported in the hadith literature. His attitude to the religious matters as depicted in the hadith literature in general takes one to believe that he was rather strict in even carelessly ascribing anything to the Holy Prophet (pbuh). He would not accept any individual report ascribed to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself against the acknowledged practices and clear directives of the Shari`ah. It would not be fair to accuse a personality who takes due care in religious matters of these unjust charges.

The basic mistake in this regard takes place when people mix up the administrative directives and interpretation or implication of the texts by the caliph with religious doctrines. If the posterity took his administrative decisions to be part of the religion it would mean their lack of understanding not a misdemeanor on the part of the caliph.

The most striking example of misunderstanding in this regard is his decision in consequences of pronouncing triple talaaq at a time. The Islamic Shari`ah has given clear directive regarding the permanent separation of a married couple. However, the Holy Qur'an has left the matter of dealing with the matter of breaching the clear directive regarding divorce and the consequences of such boldness. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) would decide such matters keeping in consideration the intent of the offender after properly investigating the matter. He is reported to have decided either to take the triple talaaq as single divorce or in some other cases, deprive the offender of his right to reunite with his spouse. Absence of any regular legislation leaves the Islamic state with the right to pass a legislation keeping the general cases before it. This is what happened during the rule of the second caliph[1]. This administrative decision he took keeping in view the gross disregard of the expressed Qur'anic directive for base motives by the subjects. Exercising this right on the state level can in no way be considered an addition to the religious directives.

As regards the matter of insertion of the words 'come to the prayer' in Azaan is concerned the claim is also unfounded. The reason being that the words of Azaan is part of the Sunnah of the prayer instituted by the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The practice has been in currency since the day the Holy Prophet (pbuh) instituted it as the Sunnah. The authenticity of the practice does not hinge upon individual reports rather it depends on the generation-to-generation transmission of the words uttered in the call in all the five prayers. It is also clear from various reports that any addition that is deemed appropriate with reference to the circumstance can also be made in the words of this call for prayer. Also there is a legion of narratives, which clearly mention that the practice has been in vogue during the Holy Prophet's (pbuh) time. Let us study the report that is forwarded to prove the notion that Hazrat Umar (ra) inserted the words in the call to prayer.

Malik narrated that it was reported to him that the Mo`azzan approached Umar (ra) to call him to prayer. When he found Umar (ra) asleep he said: 'Prayer is better than sleep'. Umar (ra) commanded him to place the saying in the call for the Morning Prayer.

As is obvious the narrator does not mention the source and the report is not traced back to the caliph Umar (ra). Moreover, the text of the report is in clear contradiction with many authentic reports. As I have already mentioned that a host of narratives recorded in other books of the hadith mention that it was the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself who had commanded his companions to add the sentence in the call for Morning Prayer. These reports which are mostly reported by more reliable and uninterrupted chains of reporters include Sahih of Ibn e Khuzaymah 385, 386; Sahih of Ibn e Habbaan 1682; Sunan of Abu Daud 500, 501, 504; Sunan Nisai 633, 647, 707; Sunan Ibn e Majah 716; Sunan Nisai al Kubra 1597, 1611; Sunan Bahaqi Al Kubraa 1617, 1824, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1731, 1834, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1840, 1845, and many others in Musnad Ahmad and other books.


Alleged Innovations by Hazrat Umar (ra) -History - Understanding Islam

Even if we study the wording of the narrative disregarding the lack of reliability and obvious lack of correspondence with other reliable sources and the reported practice of the entire Ummah the report does no way exclusively prove that Umar (ra) meant to add this in the call of Faj'r prayer. Many scholars have interpreted it to mean that the Mo`azzn should place the sentence in the call of Morning Prayer and should not say calling someone to prayer personally in other circumstances. This interpretation tends to prove the sagacity and typical extraordinary care the caliph would adopt in these matters. Certainly he intended to avoid introduction of a formal method to call someone individually to prayer.

The foregoing explanation would effectively prove that the narrative does in no way prove that the caliph Umar (ra) introduced the saying in the Azaan for Morning Prayer.

Policies applied to Jews and Christians in the time of caliph farooq-e-azam(ra)

1. Statements by Syrian Christians in the document known as the Umar Agreement in history presented to Abu Ubayda:

[We imposed these terms on ourselves:]… not to withhold our churches from Muslims stopping there by night or day; to open their doors to the traveler and wayfarer; … to entertain every Muslim traveler in our customary style and feed him… We will not abuse a Muslim, and he who strikes a Muslim has forfeited his rights.

(Majid Khadduri, War and Peace in the Law of Islam (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1955), 193-94.)




2. When Hazrat Umar (ra) captured Jerusalem in person in 637 he issued a decree to the people of the city and announced that the places of worship of the People of the Book would not be touched.

3. Hazrat Umar’s (ra) promise to the Medina Christians contains the principle that “None from the Christian faith shall be forced to become Muslims against their will.”

4. The article concerning dhimmis in the treaty between Christians and Muslims in the time of Hazrat Umar (ra) is very important.

"If one of them becomes weak or old or suffers from sickness or becomes poor when once he was rich, he and his family will receive assistance from the public purse for so long as they are in Islamic territories."

5. Hazrat Umar’s (ra) statement in the pre-agreement with the people of Sham (Damascus):

Do not take the lands bestowed by Allah away from people and impose the jizye [capitation tax] according to people’s ability to pay, as set out in the Book of Allah. Do not ask for more if the jizye is paid by them... If we share the lands among ourselves, nothing will remain for their children. If the lands are left to their true owners, then Muslims can live on what they produce. You may impose the jizye on them, but you can never take them captive. You may commit no injustice that will offend or harm them, and you may not take away their property of you have no right to it. You must fulfill the responsibilities you have accepted in their agreements with us. (Majid Khoduri, Islam in War and Peace, Fener Press, Istanbul, 1998, p. 216)

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Hazrat Umar (Razi-Allah-o-Ta'ala Anho)

Hazrat Umar (Razi-Allah-o-Ta'ala Anho) was the second caliph of Islam. He was born at Makkah in the noble family of quraish. He received the title of Faruq after he embraced Islam. He was one of the very few persons in Makkah who could read and write.
He was a tall, strong and a brave man. He was also a very good wrestler, horse-rider and a swordsman. He was a very daring man. Business was his occupation. In the beginning, he was an enemy of Islam, but an incident changed his life completely. One day he heard his sister reciting verses from the Holy Quran. He listened to it with interest and when she had finished reciting, he lowered his head. Filled with the new spiritual thought, he ran to the Holy Prophet (Sall-Allah -o-Alaihi-Wasallam) and embraced Islam. His conversion to Islam was of great value to the Holy Prophet (Sall-Allah -o-Alaihi-Wasallam) in his mission of Islam. Afterwards, he remained very close to the Holy Prophet (Sall-Allah -o-Alaihi-Wasallam).

Hazrat Umar (Rz) participated in the holy wars and proved to be a great strength for Islam. He remained caliph for 10 years 6 months. He conquered a vast empire during his Khilafat. He introduced a great system of administration, which served as a model during the whole of Islamic history. He introduced a large number of reforms. He organized the army. He was a great man who shaped the destiny of the nation.

He gave much importance to justice and the well-being of the people. He led a very simple life. He loved to meet people and inquire about the problems. He followed the saying of the Holy Prophet (Sall-Allah -o-Alaihi-Wasallam :

"Treat your servants as you would treat yourself.
Master and servant are both equal before God."

Hazrat Umar (Rz) was kind and sympathetic to the poor. He spent many sleepless nights. He used to walk in the streets to see the condition of his people. Once night he passed by a house and heard some children crying. There was a pot of water on fire. The mother told them to go to sleep and when the food was ready, she would wake them up. But the children would not listen. Hazrat Umar (Rz) asked the woman. "What is the matter?" She told him that there was nothing to eat. There was no money and no grain in the house. Her husband had died. The children were crying for food. He helped the widow with food, money and clothing.

He was very strict about justice. He would not spare any one, not even his own son, when wrong was committed by him. For him high and low, rich and poor, were all equal.

One day, while Hazrat Umar (Rz) was saying his prayers in the mosque a non-Muslim named Feroze killed the caliph with a knife. Hazrat Umar (Rz) was buried near the Holy Prophet (Sall-Allah -o-Alaihi-Wasallam) and Hazrat Abu Bakar (Rz) in the Masjid-e-nabvi at Madina.

Ideal Knowledge is Power: Hazrat Umar (Razi-Allah-o-Ta'ala Anho)

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UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB Radhia Allahu Anaha (The Second Caliph 634 - 644 C.E.)----Concluded Omar's Death

There lived in Medina a Persian slave, Abu Lolo Firoz by name. One day, he came to the Calpih and said, "My master squeezes too heavy a tax out of me. Please get it reduced."

"How much is the tax?" asked Omar.

"Two dirhams a day," replied the slave.

"And what skills do you posses?" was the next question of the Caliph.

"I am a carpentar, a painter, and a black-smith," Firoz said.

"Then the tax is by no means too heavy," the Calpih remarked. "A person with your skills can easy pay this tax and shall live comfortably."

"All right, I will settle with you," grunted the slave as he went away.

Omar took no notice of the words.

"I have been rebuked by a slave." he remarked with a smile.

Early next morning Omar went to the mosque as usual to lead the prayer. Abu Lolo was already hiding in the corner, with a dagger in hand. As soon as Omar began the prayer, the slave jumped on him. He gave six cuts with the dagger on the Caliph's body. The horrified worshippers overpowered the assasin. Thereupon the wretch slew himself with the same dagger.

Omar kept lying in a pool of blood until the prayer was over. Then he was carried home.

"Who is my assasin?" he asked.

"Abu Lolo," said the people.

"Allah be thanked!" said Omar. "It is not a Muslim who has shed my blood."

A physician was called in to dress and treat the wounds of the Caliph. He said they were too deep to be healed. At this many people who stood around began to weep.

"Please do not weep," implored Omar. "Have you not heard the Messenger of Allah say that the weeping of relatives adds to the torture of the dead person?"

Finding his end in sight, Omar called his son, Abdullah.

"My son," he said, "go to Aisha. Give her Omar's greetings. Do not refer to me as the Commander of the Faithful; for I am no longer one. Place before her my wish to be buried in her room, by the side of the Prophet and my illustrious predecessor."

Abdullah found Aisha weeping. He delivered his father's message to her.

"I wanted to reserve this spot for my own grave, but I prefer Omar to myself," said Aisha.

Abdullah conveyed Aisha's consent to his dying father.

"Allah be thanked!" said Omar. "This was the greatest wish of my life. But look, son, when you take my dead body to Aisha's room, again give her my greetings and ask her permission. If she allows, bury me there, otherwise bury me in the graveyard of Medina."

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HAZRAT ‘UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB
(may Allah Almighty be pleased with him)


Hazrat ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (583 - 643 CE), was the second of the Rightly Guided Khalifas
in Islamic history. He was a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and was one of the
‘Ashratun-Mubashshirah, i.e. those ten Companions who had been given the glad tidings of
belonging to Paradise.

It is narrated from Hazrat Jabir that the Holy Prophet said:
“Allah chose my Companions over everything else in existence except for the
Prophets and the Messengers. He subhaanahu wa ta’ala chose four of them for
me: Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, ‘Ali. He made them my best Companions, and
all of my Companions are good.”
[Al-Bazzar and Ad-Daylami]

The Holy Prophet also said:
“Whoever loves ‘Umar has loved me. Whoever hates ‘Umar hates me.”
[At-Tabarani]

Hazrat Ibn Abbas narrates that the Holy Prophet said:
“There is no angel in the heaven that does not respect ‘Umar and no shaytan
on the earth but that he is afraid of ‘Umar .”


Hazrat Daata Ganj Baksh , an 11th century scholar and Sufi saint writes in his famous Kashful-
Mahjoob that:
Hazrat ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab was the Commander of the Faithful (Ahl-eimna),
leader of those having the status of ihsan, the imam (leader) of those who
have realized the Truth (Ahl-e-tahqiq) and the guide of lovers gone deep into the
ocean of Divine love. He is famous for his karamat (spiritual eminence) and
farasat (spiritual insight), and had a large number of mystical truths to his credit.

The Holy Prophet said:
“Al Haqqu yantiqu ‘alaa lisaanil ‘Umar”
“God speaks through the tongue of ‘Umar.”

The Holy Prophet said:
“Al ‘uzlatu raahatun min khaltai-su”
“Solitude is safety from bad company”
‘Uzlah (solitude) is of two kinds:
1) disregard of mankind, and
2) total boycott
Disregard of mankind is a sort of retirement form public life to avoid bad
company and scrutinizing one's own faults for protecting oneself from others
and from oneself. But total boycott is something spiritual and involves mental
rather than physical detachment from the world. In that state although one is
living with people physically, one is alone spiritually. This is an extremely high
state and the person of this status follows exactly on the footsteps of Hazrat
Umar who found pleasure in solitude, although outwardly he was the
Commander of the Faithful and lived among them. Hazrat Umar said, “It is
not possible for a house found on corruption to be free from corruption.”
The Sufi community follows the example of Hazrat Umar , in wearing wool
and undergoing hardships of Islamic Life since he is the Imam of mankind. May
Allah be pleased with him.


Before the advent of Islam there was no tradition in Arabia of reading or writing. There were
only seventeen people among the Quraish who could read or write at the time when the Holy
Prophet started to receive Divine revelations. Hazrat ‘Umar was one of those seventeen
people.

However, he was an arch-enemy of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and Islam in its early
days, until the Holy Prophet prayed:
"O Allah, strengthen Islam with either ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab or ‘Amr ibn
Hisham (Abu Jahal) whomsoever Thou pleaseth."
The next day Hazrat ‘Umar was guided to accept Islam. It happened as follows: It was the
sixth year of Holy Prophet's mission when Quraish leaders called a meeting and asked a
volunteer for the assassination of the Holy Prophet . Hazrat ‘Umar offered himself for this
task and everybody in the meeting exclaimed that he was the right person for it. While he was
on his way with a sword in his hand he met Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas who enquired of him about
his destination. Hazrat ‘Umar told him that he was going to murder the Holy Prophet .
After some discussion Sa'd said, “You had better take care of your own family first. Your sister
and brother-in-law both have accepted Islam.” Hearing this Hazrat ‘Umar changed his
direction and went straight to his sister's house. When Hazrat ‘Umar knocked at the door,
they were studying the Holy Qur'an from Hazrat Khabbab . His sister Fatimah was
frightened on hearing Hazrat ‘Umar’s voice and tried to hide the portion of the Holy Qur'an
she was reciting. When Hazrat ‘Umar entered the house he enquired about their Islam and
on finding that they had accepted Islam, he first fell upon his brother-in-law and beat him
severely. When his sister intervened he smote her so violently on her face that it bled profusely.
On this, his sister burst out: “Do whatever you like, we are determined to die as Muslims.”
When Hazrat ‘Umar saw his sister bleeding, he calmed down and felt ashamed. He loved
Fatimah very much but could not tolerate her conversion to Islam. However, deeply moved,
Hazrat ‘Umar asked her to show the pages on which the Holy Qur'an was written. But she
was, after all, Hazrat ‘Umar’s sister and told him, “You can not touch it unless you take a
bath and make yourself clean.” He washed his body and then read the leaves. That was the
beginning of Surah Ta-Ha (Chapter 20 of the Holy Qur'an). When he came to the verse:
"Indeed it is Me, Allah - there is no God except I - therefore worship Me and
keep the prayer established for My remembrance."
[Al Ta-Ha, 20:14]

Hazrat ‘Umar exclaimed, “Surely this is the Word of Allah. Take me to Muhammad ”. This is
why it is said that the rest of the Companions were mureed (one who seeks) of the Holy Prophet
, whereas Hazrat ‘Umar was His muraad (one who is sought). Hazrat ‘Umar’s
conversion to Islam was a terrible blow to the morale of the disbelievers. Hazrat 'Abdullah bin
Mas'ud , a great Companion, says, “Hazrat ‘Umar's conversion to Islam was a great
triumph, his emigration to Medina a tremendous reinforcement and his accession to Caliphate
a great blessing for the Muslims.” And Hazrat Daata Ganj Baksh said that Hazrat Umar
is one of the select admitted to the Divine Presence, so much so that angel Jibril , came and
said to the Holy Prophet , “O Muhammad , all the angels send you greetings on the
conversion of ‘Umar to Islam.” [Kashf-ul-Mahjoob]

Conversion of Hazrat ‘Umar strengthened Islam. Hitherto, Muslims had lived in constant
fear of disbelievers, and most of them were concealing their faith. The Muslims were now able
to offer their Salat (ritual prayers) publicly. When Hazrat ‘Umar became a Muslim he
declared his faith openly before the Quraish chiefs. No one dared harm him. Then he requested
the Holy Prophet to offer Salat in the Ka'bah. On getting the consent of the Holy Prophet ,
Hazrat ‘Umar led a party of the Muslims to it. Hazrat Hamzah , who had accepted Islam
a few days before Hazrat ‘Umar carried another party of the Muslims to the Ka'bah. When
all the Muslims gathered in the Ka'bah they offered their Salat in congregation. The Holy
Prophet led this first public Salat in the history of Islam. For this courageous and bold action
of Hazrat ‘Umar the Holy Prophet gave him the title of "al-Faruq" i.e., the one who
makes a distinction between Haqq (Right) and Batil (Wrong).

When the Muslims were ordered to migrate to Medina, most of them left Mecca quietly and
secretly, but Hazrat ‘Umar declared it openly. He put on his arms and first went to the
Ka'bah. After performing the Salat he announced loudly: “I am migrating to Medina. If anyone
wants to check me, let him come out. I am sure that his mother would cry for his life.” There
was no man in Mecca to accept the challenge of Hazrat ‘Umar . Then he migrated to Medina
boldly.

For the first time in the history of Islam, the Islamic calendar was introduced in the present
form by Hazrat ‘Umar as advised by Hazrat Ali (may Allah ennoble his face). The date of
the start of this calendar was fixed as the date of the Hijrah (Migration) of the Holy Prophet .
Thus the calendar is known as the Hijri Calendar.
Hazrat ‘Umar had great love for Allah and the Holy Prophet . The Holy Prophet
also had a deep love for him. Once He remarked:
"Were a prophet to come after me, he would have been ‘Umar ".
(Tirmidhi)

In another Hadith mentioned in Bukhari, Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrated that the Holy
Prophet said:
"In Bani Isra'il (Israelites) there were people who were not prophets but talked
to Allah . Were anyone in my Ummah (people) like those persons, he would
be ‘Umar .”

The passing away of the Holy Prophet into the Divine Realm was a great shock to him, and
he could not believe it until Hazrat Abu Bakr reminded him of a clear verse of the Holy
Qur'an on the subject. He then went to the Council Hall along with Hazrat Abu Bakr where
the people of Medina had assembled to select the First Caliph. Hazrat ‘Umar was the first
person to give Bai’ah (pledge allegiance) at the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakr , and then helped
him throughout the duration of his rule.


There were hundreds of Huffaz (i.e., those who committed the whole Holy Qur'an to memory)
among the Companions during the life-time of the Holy Prophet but it had not been
compiled in the form of a book. The memorization of the Holy Quran continued even after the
passing away of the Holy Prophet into the Divine Realm. In various battles, which took place
against rebels and false prophets, a number of Huffaz Companions were martyred. In the battle
against Musailimah al-Khad-dhab about seventy Huffaz had died. It then occurred to Hazrat
‘Umar that necessary steps should be taken to preserve the Holy Qur'an intact in its original
form against every kind of danger and it was not wise to depend exclusively upon those who
had learnt it by heart. Therefore, he urged Hazrat Abu Bakr to put it in the form of a book.
Other Companions also agreed with Hazrat ‘Umar’s opinion but Hazrat Abu Bakr
hesitated in the beginning because it was not done by the Holy Prophet . However after some
discussion he agreed to it and appointed Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit for this work who was
hesitant at first but later, he too agreed and began the work. Hazrat Umar’s initiation of the
idea of compiling the Holy Quran in the form of a “mus-haf” as we see it today is a great
contribution to Islam and a great sign that not all new acts in Islam are blameworthy as some
schools of thought allege.


The Salat-ut-Tarawih (special superogatory daily prayers performed in the Holy month of
Ramadan), which was conducted occasionally during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet , was
eventually established as a regular congregational practice throughout the month of Ramadan
during the days of Khalifa Umar ibn al-Khattab . This accounts for the fact that it is often
attributed to Khalifa Umar , on the grounds that he was the first to organize its performance
along these lines. Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah ennoble his face) is reported as having
said:
“Umar ibn al-Khattab would never have taken such a serious interest in these Tarawih
prayers, if it had not been for a certain saying of the Prophet :
‘Around the Heavenly Throne, Allah (Exalted is He) maintains an area called the
Enclosure of Sanctity, which consists of radiant light. So many are the angels
within its confines, that none but Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He) could
ever add up their total number. These angels are utterly devoted to the
worshipful service of Allah (Exalted is He) and they never take a moment to
relax. When the nights of the month of Ramadan come around, they ask their
Lord for permission to descend by turns to the earth below, where they perform
the ritual prayers together with the children of Adam. Whenever any member of
the Community of Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) is
touched by them, or touches them, that person will experience such blissful
happiness and good fortune that he will never again feel miserable or suffer
distress.’


As soon as Umar ibn al-Khattab heard me repeat these words, he exclaimed: ‘Since we are
specially entitled to receive this blessing, we must be better prepared!’ He then proceeded to
organize the congregational observance of the tarawih prayers, and it was he who established
the practice of performing them (throughout the month of Ramadan) as a regular traditional
custom.” As we know from another traditional report, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah
ennoble his face) went out in the first part of a certain night in the month of Ramadan. Then
when he heard the Quran being recited in the mosques he exclaimed: “May Allah fill the tomb
of ‘Umar with light, as Allah’s mosques are illuminated by the recitation of the Quran!”
(Al-Ghunya, pp. 126-128)

The period of Hazrat ‘Umar's caliphate undoubtedly is the “Golden Age” of Islam in
every respect. He was a man of extraordinary genius who not only molded the destiny of the
nation but made history of his own. He followed the footsteps of the Holy Prophet to the
fullest extent. He was an exemplary administrator who originated an efficient system of
administration. He implemented Shari'ah (Divine Islamic Law) as the code of a newly formed
International Islamic State; he safeguarded the internal safety by introducing the police force: he
gave stipends to the poor; he founded new cities for the growth of Islamic culture and
civilization; he improved agriculture & economics, and founded the educational system; in brief
he was the founder of a great Islamic State.

He was a very pious Muslim. His success lay in two things: his fear of Allah and his love for
the Holy Prophet . He never used even oil from the Bait-ul-Maal (Public Treasury) to burn a
lamp at night for his personal needs. Whenever he finished his official work he put off the lamp.
He used to patrol the city at night to find out the needs, requirements, and conditions of the
people. He did not hesitate to take his wife to work as a midwife for a poor woman. The salary
he got from the Bait-ul-Mal was so low that it was hardly enough for him and his family's needs.
When some of the eminent Muslims requested him to increase the amount, he said, “The Holy
Prophet has left a standard by his personal example. I must follow him.”
He was a great jurist and theologian of Islam. Because of the fear of making any mistake he
did not quote many Ahaadeeth (Sayings of the Holy Prophet ) even though he was fully
conversant with them. He was an expert in deriving laws from the Holy Qur'an and the
Hadeeth. Hazrat Ibn Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah , said:
“While I was asleep I drank – meaning milk – until I saw satiation flowing in
my nails, and then I passed it to ‘Umar. They said: How did you interpret it,
Messenger of Allah y? He y said, ‘Knowledge.’”

Hazrat Ibn Masud said: “Even if the knowledge of ‘Umar were to be put in one scale of a
balance and the knowledge of every living being on the earth were put in the other scale, the
knowledge of ‘Umar would outweigh their knowledge.”

When the Holy Prophet , sought the advice of the Companions with respect to the story of the
slander of Hazrat Aisha (only as a way to teach his Ummah that consultation or shura is the
way to deal with all matters in life, as He does not need the advice of anyone except Allah
Almighty), Hazrat ‘Umar said: “Who married you to her Messenger of Allah ?” He said:
“Allah.” He said: “Do you think that your Lord would conceal a defect of hers from you?
Glory be to You, this is a huge slander!” Then the revelation from Allah Almighty came down
just like that in the form of Surah Al-Noor, 24:16. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, pp. 113-121)

He was the father of Umm-ul-Mu'minin Hazrat Hafsah the chaste wife of the Holy
Prophet .
The glorious rule of Hazrat ‘Umar came to an end with his passing away into the Divine
Realm on Wednesday, the 26th of Dhul Hijjah, the year 23 Hijri (643 CE) when he was 61 years
old. He was stabbed several times by a Persian slave in the Masjid at Fajr. The injuries he
sustained were so serious that the Khalifa died the next morning. He requested Hazrat Aisha’s
permission for his burial by the side of the Holy Prophet . Though she had reserved that
place for herself, upon Hazrat ‘Umar's request she gave it to him (may Allah be pleased
with them both).

By

IECRC Staff
Islamic Educational & Cultural Research Center

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A heartfelt anecdote from life of Hazrat Umar farooq (ra)


One night, Caliph Umar (radiAllahu anhu) 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 (radiAllahu anhu) 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 adulterated milk, when you were not a Muslim. Now that we are Muslims, we cannot adulterate milk." The mother said that Islam did not stand in the way of adulteration of milk.

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 win 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 (radiAllahu anhu) , 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 (radiAllahu anhu) sent a man to purchase milk from the girl. The milk was unadulterated. The girl kept her resolve.

Caliph Umar (radiAllahu anhu) 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 (radiAllahu anhu) 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.

Soon after, the Caliph Umar approached one of his sons with his wish that he be betrothed to this girl. The son agreed.

Through this marriage was born another daughter, who would then give birth to a one of the greatest leaders of Islam, the Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Thus the words of Hadrat Umar that "she would become a great mother" and that her "integrity will be measured in the scale of national values" was fulfilled.

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Zayd Ibn Al-Khattaab

The Hawk of The Day of Al-Yamaamah

One day the Prophet (PBUH) sat with a group of Muslims, and while they were talking, the Messenger paused, then spoke to those who were sitting around him saying, "Among you there is a man whose molar in Hell is greater than Mount Uhud."

Fright and terror appeared upon the faces of all those present because each one of them was afraid lest he should be the person about whom the Prophet (PBUH) prophesied a dreadful end.

Years passed and all those Companions met their ends as martyrs except Abu Hurairah and Ar-Rajjaal Ibn 'Unfuwah, who were still alive. Abu Hurairah was extremely terrified by that prophecy and did not feel comfortable until fate revealed the secret of the unfortunate man: Ar-Rajjaal Ibn 'Unfuwah, who apostatized from Islam and joined Musailamah the Liar, and thus witnessed the fulfillment of prophecy upon him.

One day, Ar-Rajjaal Ibn 'Unfuwah went to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and acknowledged him and learned the teachings of Islam. Then he went to his people and did not return to Al-Madiinah till the death of the Prophet and the choice of As-Siddiiq as the Caliph of the Muslims. Ar-Rajjaal told Abu Bakr the news of the inhabitants of Al-Yamaamah and their support for Musailamah and proposed that he be sent to Al-Yamaamah as an envoy in order to confirm Islam among them. The Caliph gave him permission.

Ar-Rajjaal went to Al-Yamaamah, and when he saw the numerouss supporters of Musailamah, he believed that they would be the victors. His perfidious nature caused him to reserve a place in the prospective state of Musailamah. Consequently, he apostatized from Islam and joined Musailamah, who promised him a prosperous future.

Ar-Rajjaal was more dangerous to Islam than Musailamah himself because he exploited his previous association with Islam and the period he had lived with the Messenger in Al-Madiinah, memorizing many verses of the Holy Qur'aan, and his intercession to Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him), the Caliph of the Muslims. Ar-Rajjaal exploited all those things for evil purposes and cunningly supported and confirmed the sovereignty of Musailamah and his false prophethood.

He walked among people saying that he heard the Messenger of Allah say that he had taken Musailamah into partnership and when the Messenger (PBUH) died, he was worthy of carrying the banner of prophethood and revelation after him.

The number of Musailamah's supporters increased to a great extent because of the lies of Ar-Rajjaal and his cunning exploitation of his previous relationships with Islam and the Messenger (PBUH). When the news of Ar-Rajjaal reached Al-Madiinah, the Muslims were exceedingly angry because of the lies of this dangerous apostate who used to mislead people. His evil words and deeds expanded the range of the war and intensified the conflict the Muslims had with their enemies and adversaries. The most anxious and the most eager to meet Ar-Rajjaal was Zaid Ibn Al-Khattaab, whose heroism and fame was outstanding in the biographies and books of Islamic history.

I am sure that you have heard about Zaid Ibn Al-Khattaab. He was the brother of 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (May Allah be pleased with both). Yes! he was his elder brother. He was older than 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab and he embraced Islam and gained the honor of martyrdom before him.

He was the ideal hero whose motto was "Actions speak louder than words." His faith in Allah and His Messenger and His religion was strong and firm. He never stayed away from the Messenger in any setting, and in every battle he sought martyrdom more than he sought victory.

On the Day of Uhud, when the fight between the believers and the polytheists was very fierce, Zaid was fighting boldly. His brother 'Umar Ibn Al-Khaftaab (May Allah be pleased with him) saw him as his shield fell down and he was within reach of the enemies. "Umar cried, "0 Zaid, take my shield and fight with it!" Zaid replied, "I want martyrdom as you want it." He continued fighting without his shield with astonishing herosim.

As we mentioned before, Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) was longing to meet Ar-Rajjaal, wishing to put an end to his devilish life.

In Zaid's opinion, Ar-Rajjaal was not only an apostate but also a hypocrite and self-seeker. Zaid was like his brother 'Umar Ibn Al-Khaftaab in his abhorence of hypocrisy and lying, especially when hypocrisy aimed at selfish gain and mean purposes. For those mean purposes Ar-Rajjaal committed his atrocious acts, resulting in the numbers of Musailamah's supporters greatly increasing and causing great numbers of deaths in the Apostate Battles . First he deceived them, and finally he led them to their deaths for the sake of his devilish hopes.

Zaid prepared himself to Conclude his faithful life by annihilating that impiety not only in Musailamah's person but also in Ar-Rajjaal Ibn 'Unfuwah, who was more dangerous and more cunning.

The Day of Al-Yamaamah began gloomy and dim. Khaalid Ibn Al-Waliid gathered the Army of Islam and directed it to its positions and left the leadership of the army to Zaid Ibn Al-Khattaab, who fought Bani Haniifah, the followers of Musailamah, boldly and fiercely. At the beginning, the battle was leaning towards the side of the polytheists, and many of the Muslims fell as martyrs. Zaid saw the feelings of horror in the hearts of some Muslims, so he climbed a hill and cried, "O people! Grit your teeth, fight your enemy and go straight. By Allah, I'll never speak till Allah beats them or I meet Him and then I give my evidence." Then he descended, gritting his teeth, pressing this lips, never moving his tongue with even a whisper.

His only hope was to kill Ar-Rajjaal, so he began to penetrate the enemy army like an arrow searching for its target, until he saw him.

Then he began to attack him from right and left. Whenever the deluge of the battle swallowed Ar-Rajjaal and hid him, Zaid dived towards him until the waves pushed him to the surface again. Zaid approached him and stretched out his sword towards him, but the furious human waves swallowed Ar-Rajjaal again. Then Zaid followed and dived after him so as not to allow him to escape.

At last, Zaid held him by his neck and with the sword, he cut off his head which was full of vanity, lies, and villainy. By the death of the great liar, the ranks of its whole army began to fall.

Musailamah and Al-Mahkam Ibn At-Tufail were filled with horror. The killing of Ar-Rajjaal spread in Musailamah's army like a fire on a stormy day.

Musailamah used to promise them inevitable victory and that he, Ar-Rajjaal, and Al-Mahkam Ibn Attufail would promulgate their new religion and establish their state on the day following their victory! Now that Ar-Rajjaal was killed, the whole prophecy of Musailamah was seen as a lie, and tomorrow Al-Mahkam and Musailamah would meet the same fate. Thus the fatal blow of Zaid Ibn Al-Khattaab caused all that destruction in the lines of Musailamah.

No sooner did the Muslims hear the news than they were filled with pride and dignity. The wounded men rose again holding their swords, taking no interest in their wounds.

Even for those who were about to die, nothing connected them with life except that very faint light caused by hearing the good news which was like a very beautiful and rosy dream. They wished, if they had any strength to fight with, they would be able to witness the triumph of the battle in its glorious conclusion. But how could that be? Since the doors of Paradise had opened to welcome them, they were now hearing their names while they were being called to immortality!

Zaid raised his hands towards Heaven supplicating Allah and thanking Him for His blessings. Then he returned to his sword and his silence, as he had sworn by Allah not to utter a word until he had completed the victory or gained the honor of martyrdom.

The battle began to lean to the side of the Muslims and their inevitable victory began to approach rapidly. At that moment Zaid did not desire a better conclusion to his life than praying to Allah to grant him martyrdom on that Day of Yamaamah! The wind of Paradise blew to fill his soul with longing, his eyes with tears, and his determination with firmness. He began to fight as if he were searching for his glorious destiny, and the hero fell! So he died a martyr, magnanimously, gracefully and happily. The Army of Islam returned to Al-Madiinah victorious.

While "Umar and the Caliph Abu Bakr were welcoming those who were returning trimuphantly, 'Umar began to search for his homecoming brother with longing eyes.

Zaid was so tall that he could be easily recognized. But before "Umar had strained his eyes, one of the returning Muslims approached and consoled him. 'Umar said, "May Allah have mercy upon Zaid, he preceded me in two instances. He embraced Islam before me and gained martyrdom before me, too."

In spite of the victories that Islam won and enjoyed, 'Umar "Al-Faaruuq" (Umar) never forgot his brother Zaid, and he always said, "Whenever the east wind blows, I smell the scent of Zaid."

Yes! The east wind carries the perfume of Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him). But if the caliph gives me permission to add these words to his great expression so as to complete the meaning of his saying, these are the words: "Whenever the winds of triumph blow on Islam since the Day of Al-Yamaamah, Islam finds the scent, the struggles, the heroism, and the greatness of Zaid in these winds!"

Blessings be upon Al-Khattaab under the flag of the Messenger (PBUH). Blessed be they the moment they embraced Islam. Blessed be they when they fought and were martyred. And blessings be upon them in the hereafter.

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Omar(ra) Weeps


The rich booty from the White Palace at last reached Medina. It lay heeped in the Prophet's Mosque. The sight of it brought tears to Omar's eyes.

"There is nothing to weep at," remarked one of the men standing near him.

"I weep," said Omar, "because riches beget enmity and mutual bitterness. A nation which has these evils loses its respect."

The botty also included the Emperor's sword. Its handle was inlaid with jewels or rare beauty. The Caliph admired the beauty of the sword and also praised the honesty of the troops, who has kept back nothing from what had fallen into their hands.

"Commander of the Faithful," remarked Ali(ra), "When you yourself set a lofty example of honest, why should your people not be honest?"

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The End


As the end drew in sight, Omar began to weep, because of the fear of Allah.

"My son," he called out to Abdullah, "help me put my forehead on the ground."

Abdullah obeyed.

"O Allah," murmured the dying Caliph, "cover me with Your forgiveness. If that does not happen, woe to me and woe to the mother who bore me."

The next moment Omar was in the lap of Allah's mercy and forgiveness. He died on Wednesaday the 27th of Dhul Hajjah, 23 A.H., after lying wounded for three days. He was sixty-three at the time of death.

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Once Hazrat 'Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho)during his caliphate, was going on his usual rounds towards Harrah (a suburb of Madinah) with his slave Aslam, when he saw a distant fire in the desert. He said, "There seems to be a camp. Perhaps, it is a caravan that could not enter the town due to night fall. Let's go and look after them and arrange for their protection during the night."

When he reached there, he found a woman and some children. The children were crying. The woman had a pan of water over the fire. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho) greeted her with salaam and, with her permission, went near her. (The woman didn't recognize that it was Umar).

Hazrat Umar(r.a), "Why are these children crying?"

The Woman, "Because they are hungry."

Hazrat Umar(r.a), "What is in the pan?"

The Woman, "Only water to soothe the children, so that they may go to sleep in the belief that food is being prepared for them. Ah! Allah will judge between Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho) and me, on the Day of Judgment, for neglecting me in my distress."

Hazrat 'Umar(r.a) (weeping), "May Allah have mercy on you! How can Umar know of your distress?"

The Woman, "When he is our Amir, he must keep himself informed about us."

Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho) returned to the town and straight away went to the Baitul Mal (House of Charity) to fill a sack with flour, dates, fat, and clothes, and also drew some money. When the sack was ready, he said to Aslam, "Now put this sack on my back, Aslam."

Aslam, "No please, Amir-ul-Momineen! I shall carry this sack."

Hazrat Umar(r.a) refused to listen to Aslam, even on his persistent requests to allow him to carry the sack, and remarked, "What! Will you carry my load on the Day of Judgment? I must carry this bag, for it is I who would be questioned (in the Hereafter) about this woman."

Aslam most reluctantly placed the bag on Umar's (Radhiyallaho Anho) back, who carried it with a swift pace right to the woman's tent. Aslam followed at his heels. He put a little flour and some dates and fat in the pan and began to stir. He blew (with his mouth) into the fire to kindle it.
Aslam says, "I saw the smoke passing through his thick beard."

After some time, the pottage was ready. He himself served it to the family. When they had eaten to their fill, he made over to them the little that was left for their next meal. The children were very happy after their meal and began to play about merrily.

The woman felt very grateful and remarked, "May Allah reward you for your kindness! In fact you deserve to take the place of Khalifah instead of Umar."

Umar consoled her and said, "When you come to see the Khalifah, you will find me there."

He sat for a while at a place close by and kept on watching the children. He then returned to Madinah. On his way back, he said to Aslam, "Do you know why I sat there, Aslam? I had seen them weeping in distress. I liked to see them laughing and happy for some time."

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