[SIZE="2"][B]His miracles[/B]




Umar sent an army and he put at the head of them a man called Sariyah. While 'Umar was delivering the khutbah he began to cry out, 'Sariyah, the mountain!' three times. Then later the messenger of the army came and he asked 'Umar, 'Amir al-Muminin, we were being defeated and in that situation we heard a voice crying out, "Sariyah, the mountain!" three times. We put the mountain to our rear, and then Allah defeated them.' Someone said to 'Umar, 'You cried out with those words.' That mountain, where Sariyah was, is close to Nahawand in the land of the non-Arabs (Persian Iraq).

[B](Ibne Umar)[/B]







When Egypt was conquered, its people came to 'Amr ibn al-'As, when the first day of one of their months arrived, and they said to him, 'Amir, this Nile of ours has a year in which it does not flow without it.' He asked, 'And what is that?' They said, 'When eleven nights have elapsed of this month we seek a young virgin from her parents, we obtain the consent of the parents, then we dress her in the best possible clothing and ornaments, and then we throw her in this Nile.' So 'Amr said to them, 'This will never be in Islam. Islam demolishes what precedes it.' They left, and neither did the Nile flow a little nor a lot, until they intended to emigrate. When 'Amr saw that, he wrote to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab about it. He wrote back to him, 'You were right in what you said. Truly, Islam demolishes what precedes it.' He sent a slip of paper inside his letter and wrote to 'Amr, 'I have sent you a slip of paper inside my letter, so throw it in the Nile.' When 'Umar's letter reached 'Amr ibn al-'As, he took the slip and opened it, and there in it was, 'From the slave of Allah 'Umar ibn al-Khattab Amir al-Muminin to the Nile of Egypt. Now, if you used to flow before, then don't flow! If it was Allah who made you flow, then I ask the Overwhelming One to make you flow.' He threw the slip into the Nile a day before (the Festival of) the Cross. They woke up in the morning, and Allah, Exalted is He, had made it flow (and it rose) sixteen cubits in one night. Allah cut off this sunnah (custom) of the people of Egypt right up to this day.
[B]
(Qais ibn al-Hajjaj)[/B]












A man was in conversation with 'Umar ibn al-Khattab and told him a lie, and he would say, 'Withhold this.' Then later he told him something else and he said, 'Withhold this.' He said to him, 'Everything I told you was true except for what you told me to withhold.' Al-Hasan said: If there was anyone who recognised a lie when he was told it, then it was 'Umar ibn al-Khattab.

[B](Tariq ibn Shihab )[/B]








Umar was told that the people of Iraq had pelted their amir with pebbles and he went out angry. He performed the prayer but was forgetful in his prayer. When he had completed the prayer, he said, 'O Allah, they have made me confused, so make them confused, and hasten with the youth of (the tribe of) Thaqif who will pass judgement among them with the judgement of Jahiliyyah, who will not accept from their good-doers and he will not pass over their wrong-doers with pardon.' I say that this indicates al-Hajjaj. Ibn Lahi'ah said, 'Al-Hajjaj was not yet born at that time.'
[B]
(Abu Hudbah al-Himsi )[/B][/SIZE]

[B][SIZE="2"]Umar's Wish[/SIZE][/B]

[SIZE="2"]Umar (ra) was a visionary person, one of the strongest human beings this humanity has ever seen.
Once Umar(ra) was sitting amongst the sahabah who were having a fruitful discussion, as always.
He posed a question to all the Sahabas- Wish something from Allah (swt), so that Allah (swt) would give it to you. So what is it that you wish from Allah?

One of the sahabas said, "I wish Allah (swt) would give me tons of money so that I could spend it on charity". Another said, "I wish for tonnes of gold and silver equal to the mountains so that I can also spend it in His cause."
When it was Umar(ra)'s turn, he said:
I wish strong human beings like Abu Ubaidah ibn Al Jarrah, Talhah ibn Obaidallah, and Zubair ibn Awwam, so that they can help me spread the word of Allah (swt).[/SIZE]

The Manliest of Kings
 

[SIZE="2"][B][SIZE="2"]The Manliest of Kings[/SIZE][/B]

The Isha prayer was over. Everyone came out of the great mosque of Madinah. Among them there was one whose clothes were simple, but whose face proclaimed him to be a man far above the commoners. This man was the King of the Muslims.

A little later, as he was accustomed to doing, this king left his bed, and at the dead of night visited a village a good few miles away from the town. Here he came across a family that was still up, at this late hour of the night. The mother had kindled a fire by her tent and around the fire were squatted her three dear little ones on the ground. The children were crying their tiny hearts out. And the kettle on the fire showed that the mother was doing some cooking for them.

"What makes these children cry?" asked the stranger tenderly, as he approached the fire.

"Pray, mind your own business. Worry not an unfortunate woman with questions!" replied the gloomy mother.

"Take me for your brother, madam," reassured the stranger, "and do tell me what the matter is with these children. I feel you are in trouble and I must help you."

"For the last two days," said the mother with a sob, "I have not had a morsel to put into these hungry mouths. They cling to me crying for food. I have nothing to give. So far I have been putting them off. Now it has become unbearable. Yet I have no food to give them. The kettle on the fire contains nothing but water. This is just to console them. They think I am cooking something for them. But alas, it is only a short-lived consolation. In a little while they will find it out and disappointment this time may break their little hearts."

"Poor little things!" exclaimed the stranger with tears in his eyes, as he rose to his feet. "Worry no more! Be of good cheer! I shall be back with food." And with a parting kiss to each one of the children he left the family.

It was past midnight and as the King was coming home to fetch provisions for the family in distress, his heart trembled with the fear of God. "God has appointed me to look after the welfare of my people," he said to himself. "Woe unto me if in the kingdom of Islam there should be a single soul suffering from starvation. In the eyes of God, the responsibility is mine. In Islam the King is there not to wear a crown and roll in plenty. He is there to bear the burden of his people. He must feel for his people and work for his people. In fact, Islam is another name for service of fellow-man and no Muslim is a Muslim who does not live up to that ideal. But a Muslim King is doubly accountable for any omission of this Islamic duty."

Thus musing within himself, the King arrived home speedily and collected a quantity of flour, butter, sugar and dates. This made quite a heavy load and the place it had to go to was a very long way off. One of his men offered to carry the load for him. "Will you carry my load for me on the Day of Judgement?" came the sharp reply. "As a King, it is my duty to look to the well-being of my subjects and it is, therefore, for me to carry this load." And cheerfully he shoved the load on his own kingly back and carried it all those miles to the starving mother and children.

As the King sat down by the fireside and the children helped themselves to the dates and the bread that the mother had soon cooked for them, his face beamed with the delight of seeing misery relieved. "My bread is sweet," shouted the boy. "But my dates are sweeter," retorted his sister.

As they merrily frolicked about, the King's heart was filled with joy that no kingly crown could give. He had done his duty and would face God with a clean conscience. As to the mother, she was overwhelmed with emotion. "You ought to be the king instead of Umar," she said, her eyes bursting with tears of gratitude, little knowing that this unknown visitor was none other than the great Caliph Umar, himself.

The next day, a stipend was duly allotted to the widow and the orphans out of the public treasury.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B][SIZE="2"]A Ruler is the Servant of the People[/SIZE][/B]


It was a summer night. A refreshing breeze was gently playing about and pretty little stars were twinkling above. And when, after a restless day of excessive heat, man and bird and beast were all taking sweet rest, one lonely figure could be seen moving about the streets of the town of Madinah. This was the man the Muslims had elected to be their king.

In Islam, a leader of people is supposed to be the servant of the people, and as was usual, this king of Islam was out that night to ascertain for himself the welfare of his people. When at the outskirts of the town with the star-bedecked firmament above him, his thoughts went up to the great God Who had made these. Thus musing upon God’s greatness and beauty, he went on till he was quite a long way from the town. All of a sudden, in the dark of night, his eyes fell on a flame of fire at a distance. Spurred on by curiosity, he approached the light and after a while there loomed out what appeared to be a small tent. Drawing closer, he found a Bedouin seated in front of the tent, his face buried in his hands and a camel standing nearby. The Bedouin was lost in thought and took no notice of this nocturnal visitor.

"Assalamu ‘Alaikum!" said the visitor at last, to wake the Bedouin from his reverie, but to no effect. The visitor repeated the salutation, yet received no reply. After a third time, the Bedouin, taking him for a wayfarer or a beggar, sternly told him to be off and not to worry him.

"Why, brother? What is the trouble with you?" asked the visitor, not minding the rebuff in the least.

"Don’t you bore me," shouted the Bedouin. "Haven’t I once told you to clear off?" The visitor insisted on knowing what the matter was with him. At this, the Bedouin jumped to his feet to fetch his sword from inside his tent. "If you don’t want to lose your head," he said, "be off with you. It seems you must be a highwayman out on your game."

"No brother," replied the visitor gently. "I am no highwayman. Nor am I a wayfarer or a beggar. I belong to Madinah. I earn my living by working for others. I live in the town and have come out just for a stroll and seeing this fire in the wilderness, I was attracted here. I was afraid you are in trouble. What can I do for you?"

"Whose slave are you, then?" asked the Bedouin.

"I am a slave of the Muslims. My profession is to work for them," the visitor replied.

"What has brought you here?" enquired the Bedouin.

"All I want to know is the trouble that keeps you here in the desert in such perplexity," replied the visitor, taking his seat by the Bedouin. As he did so, he heard a painful cry from inside the tent – the cry of a woman.

"Why, brother? Who is crying with pain?" asked the visitor.

"It is my wife," replied the Bedouin. "We were coming from a long distance when her time came. I am a poor man and could not afford to take her to a town to engage a midwife so I stopped here in the desert. She is in great distress now. Please pray that God may help her in this desert place."

"Don’t worry about it in the least," replied the visitor. "I know a midwife and will shortly be back to you along with her."

"Wait!" said the Bedouin. "Don’t fetch a midwife. I have no money to pay her."

"Don’t worry on that account either," replied the visitor. "She will want no remuneration. Besides, she will be a great help to your wife."

It was past midnight when the visitor returned to his house. His wife was still up, waiting for him. Finding that her husband looked distressed, she asked him what was the matter. The husband told her the Bedouin’s story and asked her if she would help a fellow-woman in time of need. The wife was as good a Muslim as the husband; she said she was prepared to start that very moment.

"But they look very poor," said the husband. "Is there anything to eat that we might take for them?"

Wife: "Your own dinner is all that is left."

Husband: "Anything more?"

Wife: "Some goat’s milk."

Husband: "Anything else?"

Wife: "Some flour and some olive oil."

Husband: "Anything more?"

Wife: "By God, nothing else."

Husband: "Well, then, have all these things ready. I am going to saddle the camel. We must be quick."

Wife: "But won’t you have your dinner?"

Husband: "God knows if they have had any food at all since morning."

Wife: "Then do take a little milk."

Husband: "That poor woman would want it. Hurry up! They must be very anxious. Take a lamp with you."

In a moment, the camel was ready and they started with all the provisions they had in their house. In a short while they were at the Bedouin’s tent.

Addressing the Bedouin, the visitor said: "Please permit my wife to go in to render whatever help she can."

"It is extremely kind of you but I don’t know how to repay you. I don’t even have so much as a meal," replied the Bedouin.

"No question of payment; just permit my wife in," said the visitor.

While the wife went in, the visitor opened the bag of provisions he had brought with him. Taking his own dinner out, he served it to the Bedouin and asked him to help himself. The Bedouin said he must join too, but as the food was barely enough for one man, the visitor excused himself and the Bedouin had a hearty meal. When he had finished, they entered into a friendly conversation.

Bedouin: "Are you a native of Madinah?"

Visitor: "No, my birthplace is Makkah."

Bedouin: "Why did you leave Makkah?"

Visitor: "I came here along with my master."

Bedouin: "Has your master set you free?"

Visitor: "He has put me to the service of Muslims."

Bedouin: "Have you seen the Prophet’s time?"

Visitor: "Yes, I had that privilege too."

Bedouin: "Have you been in the Prophet’s company?"

Visitor: "O yes! Hundreds of times.’

Bedouin: "What a fortunate fellow! Then surely you must tell me how the Prophet lived and what he taught."

Visitor: "The Prophet lived a simple life. He wore plain clothes and ate simple food. He was very keen on cleanliness. He rose very early and first thing in the morning, he would thoroughly clean his teeth and mouth. He worked very hard and did everything with his own hands. He patched his own clothes, mended his own shoes, milked his own goats, and even swept his own floor. God, he would say, loves the man who earns his living by honest labour. He helped the poor and took care of the orphans and the widows. He stood by the weak, and never did a man in distress come to him who went back disappointed. He respected women. He never despaired. In the face of the greatest obstacles, he always looked his best. He taught that all men are equal. Though the Prophet of God and the King of Arabia, he never looked upon himself as superior to other men. When on his deathbed, he had it announced that if he had offended anyone, he was there ready to suffer the penalty; if he owed anything, he was there to repay it. Such was the Prophet’s life of love and labour; such was his teaching."

Bedouin: "But you have told me nothing about prayers, fasting, pilgrimage, and so many other things which he enjoined."

Visitor: "Yes, he was very particular about prayers. He said when we say our prayers we are taking a spiritual bath and come out cleaner and refreshed. He also said prayers were like a ladder that took us up to a higher and nobler life. But all worship, he said, was meant to enable us to play our part in life worthily. A man, he said, who says his prayers but does not feel for the orphan and the needy, is saying no prayers. Prayers must make us truthful, honest, hardworking, fearless, humble, regular, and above all, loving and of service to our fellow-men. Religion, he taught, meant love of God and service to fellow-men."

Renewed restlessness within the tent disturbed their conversation. For a while there was silence. The Bedouin walked up and down and then resuming his seat by the visitor went on with his questions.

Bedouin: "So you must know Umar, too. They say he is a very harsh man."

Visitor: "Rather! This is indeed a great defect in him."

Bedouin: "I wonder why people elected such a harsh man as their caliph?"

Visitor: "Perhaps they could find no better servant."

Bedouin: "Servant! What do you mean? The caliph must be having the time of his life. He must have plenty of money."

At this moment, a voice from within the tent announced a newcomer.

"Amir ul-Muminin!" said the visitor’s wife. "Congratulate your friend. God has blessed him with a son."

The Bedouin was taken aback at the words, Amir ul-Muminin. His visitor was the caliph, himself. He was overtaken by fear.

"I beg your pardon, Amir ul-Muminin," he said, with fear on his face. "I have been rude to you."

"Don’t worry about that, friend," Umar the Great reassured him. "You are just as much a human being as I am. In the sight of God, there is neither high nor low. We are all equal. God loves those who love His creatures. I have only done my duty, for, in Islam, the leader of a people means the servant of the people."[/SIZE]

[B] Humility
[/B]

[SIZE="2"] In his book Encyclopaedia of Islam, Mufti Muhammad Mukarram Ahmed describes his journey to Jerusalem to take control of the city from the Byzantine Patriarch of Jerusalem Sophronius:

Hadrat Umar (r.a.) appointed Hadrat Ali (r.a.) as his deputy and went to Jerusalem with his slave. They were having one camel on which each of them rode by turn. When Hadrat Umar (r.a.) was entering Jerusalem it happened to be the slave’s turn to ride on the camel. Though the slave offered his turn to the "Khalifah" but Hadrat Umar refused and remarked: "The honour of Islam (i.e., being Muslim) is enough for all of us." He entered Jerusalem holding the rope of the camel on which was riding his slave. His clothes were dirty and there were several patches on them.
—Encyclopaedia of Islam[61]

In The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon refers to Umar in the following terms:
“ Yet the abstinence and humility of Umar were not inferior to the virtues of Abu Bakr: his food consisted of barley bread or dates; his drink was water; he preached in a gown that was torn or tattered in twelve places; and a Persian satrap, who paid his homage as to the conqueror, found him asleep among the beggars on the steps of the mosque of Muslims

[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B] Western views about Umar(ra) the Great[/B]


In his book Mahomet and His Successors, Washington Irving estimates the achievements of Umar in the following terms:

The whole history of Omar shows him to have been a man of great powers of mind, inflexible integrity, and rigid justice. He was, more than any one else, the founder of the Islam empire; confirming and carrying out the inspirations of the prophet; aiding Abu Bakr with his counsels during his brief caliphate; and establishing wise regulations for the strict administration of the law throughout the rapidly-extending bounds of the Muslim conquests. The rigid hand which he kept upon his most popular generals in the midst of their armies, and in the most distant scenes of their triumphs, gave signal evidence of his extraordinary capacity to rule. In the simplicity of his habits, and his contempt for all pomp and luxury, he emulated the example of the Prophet and Abu Bakr. He endeavored incessantly to impress the merit and policy of the same in his letters to his generals. 'Beware,' he would say, 'of Persian luxury, both in food and raiment. Keep to the simple habits of your country, and Allah will continue you victorious; depart from them, and he will reverse your fortunes.' It was his strong conviction of the truth of this policy which made him so severe in punishing all ostentatious style and luxurious indulgence in his officers. Some of his ordinances do credit to his heart as well as his head. He forbade that any female captive who had borne a child should be sold as a slave. In his weekly distributions of the surplus money of his treasury he proportioned them to the wants, not the merits of the applicants. 'God,' said he, 'has bestowed the good things of this world to relieve our necessities, not to reward our virtues: those will be rewarded in another world.'[71]

In his book The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline, and Fall Sir William Muir says as follows about Umar:

Omar's life requires but few lines to sketch. Simplicity and duty were his guiding principles; impartiality and devotion the leading features of his administration. Responsibility so weighed upon him that he was heard to exclaim, 'O that my mother had not borne me; would that I had been this stalk of grass instead!' In early life of a fiery and impatient temper, he was known, even in the later days of the Prophet, as the stern advocate of vengeance. Ever ready to unsheathe the sword, it was he that at Badr advised the prisoners to be all put to death. But age, as well as office, had now mellowed this asperity. His sense of justice was strong. And excepting the treatment of Khalid, whom he pursued with an ungenerous resentment, no act of tyranny or injustice is recorded against him; and even in this matter his enmity took its rise in Khalid's unscrupulous treatment of a fallen foe. The choice of his captains and governors was free from favouritism, and (Moghira and Ammar excepted) singularly fortunate. The various tribes and bodies in the empire, representing interests the most diverse, reposed in his integrity implicit confidence, and his strong arm maintained the discipline of law and empire. ... Whip in hand, he would perambulate the streets and markets of Medina, ready to punish slanders on the spot; and so the proverb,-'Omar's whip more terrible than another's sword.' But with all this he was tender-hearted, and numberless acts of kindness are recorded of him, such as relieving the wants of the widow and the fatherless.[72]

In The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon refers to Umar in the following terms:

Yet the abstinence and humility of Omar were not inferior to the virtues of Abubeker: his food consisted of barley-bread or dates; his drink was water; he preached in a gown that was torn or tattered in twelve places; and a Persian satrap, who paid his homage as to the conqueror, found him asleep among the beggars on the steps of the mosch of Medina. Oeconomy is the source of liberality, and the increase of the revenue enabled Omar to establish a just and perpetual reward for the past and present services of the faithful. Careless of his own emolument, he assigned to Abbas, the uncle of the prophet, the first and most ample allowance of twenty-five thousand drams or pieces of silver. Five thousand were allotted to each of the aged warriors, the relics of the field of Beder, and the last and the meanest of the companions of Mahomet was distinguished by the annual reward of three thousand pieces. ... Under his reign, and that of his predecessor, the conquerors of the East were the trusty servants of God and the people: the mass of public treasure was consecrated to the expenses of peace and war; a prudent mixture of justice and bounty, maintained the discipline of the Saracens, and they united, by a rare felicity, the dispatch and execution of despotism, with the equal and frugal maxims of a republican government.[73]

In his book History of the Arabs Professor Philip Khuri Hitti has assessed the achievements of Umar in the following terms:

Simple and frugal in manner, his energetic and talented successor, 'Umar (634–44), who was of towering height, strong physique and bald-headed, continued at least for some time after becoming caliph to support himself by trade and lived throughout his life in a style as unostentatious as that of a Bedouin sheikh. In fact 'Umar, whose name according to Moslem tradition is the greatest in early Islam after that of Muhammad, has been idolized by Moslem writers for his piety, justice and patriarchal simplicity and treated as the personification of all the virtues a caliph ought to possess. His irreproachable character became an exemplar for all conscientious successors to follow. He owned, we are told, one shirt and one mantle only, both conspicuous for their patchwork, slept on a bed of palm leaves and had no concern other than the maintenance of the purity of the faith, the upholding of justice and the ascendancy and security of Islam and the Arabians. Arabic literature is replete with anecdotes extolling 'Umar's stern character. He is said to have scourged his own son to death for drunkenness and immorality. Having in a fit of anger inflicted a number of stripes on a Bedouin who came seeking his succour against an oppressor, the caliph soon repented and asked the Bedouin to inflict the same number on him. But the latter refused. So 'Umar retired to his home with the following soliloquy: 'O son of al-Khattab! humble thou wert and Allah hath elevated thee; astray, and Allah hath guided thee; weak, and Allah hath strengthened thee. Then He caused thee to rule over the necks of thy people, and when one of them came seeking thy aid, thou didst strike him! What wilt thou have to say to thy Lord when thou presentest thyself before Him?' The one who fixed the Hijrah as the commencement of the Moslem era, presided over the conquest of large portions of the then known world, instituted the state register and organized the government of the new empire met a tragic and sudden death at the very zenith of his life when he was struck down (3 November 644) by the poisoned dagger of a Christian Persian slave in the midst of his own congregation.[74]

Encyclopedia Britannica remarks about Umar:

To 'Omar's ten years' Caliphate belong for the most part the great conquests. He himself did not take the field, but remained in Medina; he never, however, suffered the reins to slip from his grasp, so powerful was the influence of his personality and the Moslem community of feeling. His political insight is shown by the fact that he endeavoured to limit the indefinite extension of Moslem conquest, and to maintain and strengthen the national Arabian character of the commonwealth of Islam; also by his making it his foremost task to promote law and order in its internal affairs. The saying with which he began his reign will never grow antiquated: 'By God, he that is weakest among you shall be in my sight the strongest, until I have vindicated for him his rights; but him that is strongest will I treat as the weakest, until he complies with the laws.' It would be impossible to give a better general definition of the function of the State.[75]

On the other hand, David Samuel Margoliouth offers this assessment of Umar:
"Yet we have no record of any occasion on which Omar displayed remarkable courage, though many examples are at hand of his cruelty and bloodthirstiness; at the battle of Hunain he ran away, and on another occasion owed his life to the good nature of an enemy." (Mohammed and the Rise of Islam, pg 164)"[76]
However, in contrast to Margoliouth's assertion, Shahid Ashraf in his literary work Encyclopaedia of Holy Prophet and Companions celebrates Umar as amongst the firmest companions who remained with the Prophet Muhammad at his most critical juncture during the battle of Hunain when others fled during ther disarray:

Only a dozen companions stood by the Holy Prophet, all other men fled for safety. The men who stood around the Holy Prophet included Hadrat Abu Bakr, Hadrat Umar and some members of the Hashemites[77]

This view of Umar's courageous commitment at the Battle of Hunayn is also shared by Mufti Muhammad Mukarram Ahmed,[78] the famed Ibn Ishaq in his Sīrat rasūl Allāh,[79] Masudul Hasan in Hadrat Ali Murtada.[80] In fact, the famed Ibn Sa'd's Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir,[81] one of the most reliable works of Islamic history, it is reported: "On that day (Battle of Hunayn) those (few) who remained firm were al-Abbas, Ali ibn Abi Talib, ... Abu Bakr, Umar, ..."

[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]Umar's miracle[/B]


Al-Bayhaqi and Abu Nu‘aym narrated, both of them in [books that they each called] Dala’il an-Nubuwwah, and al-Lalka’i in Sharh as-Sunnah, ad-Dayr‘aquli in his Fawa’id, Ibn al-A‘rabi in his Karamat al-Awliya and al-Khateeb in Ruwat Malik ‘an Nafi‘ ‘an Ibn ‘Umar that Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘Umar sent an army and he put at the head of them a man called Sariyah. While ‘Umar was delivering the khutbah he began to cry out, ‘Sariyah, the mountain!’ three times. Then later the messenger of the army came and he told ‘Umar, ‘Amir al-Mu’minin, we were being defeated and in that situation we heard a voice crying out, “Sariyah, the mountain!” three times. We put the mountain to our rear, and then Allah defeated them.’ Someone said to ‘Umar, ‘You cried out with those words.’ That mountain, where Sariyah was, is close to Nahawand in the land of the non-Arabs (Persian Iraq). Ibn Hajar said in al-Isabah: Its isnad is good.



Ibn Mardawayh narrated by way of Maymun ibn Mihran that Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘Umar was delivering the khutbah on the day of Jumu‘ah and then he turned aside during his khutbah and said, ‘Sariyah, the mountain! He who asks the wolf to be a shepherd will be wronged.’ People looked about, one to another. Then ‘Ali said to them, ‘Let him explain what he meant.’ When he had finished they asked him and he said, ‘It occurred to me in my mind that the idolaters were defeating our brothers who were passing by a mountain, and that if they were to turn towards it, they would fight on one front only, but if they passed by it they would be destroyed. So there came out of me that which you claim you heard.’ He said: The messenger came a month later and mentioned that they had heard the voice of ‘Umar on that day, and he said, ‘We turned towards the mountain, and Allah gave us victory.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]great Umar(ra)[/B]

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. I shall offer her the highest award in my gift, and which shall also be in the highest interest of the nation." The Caliph (radiAllahu anhu) summoned the daughter and the mother to his court. The mother trembled as she stood before the mighty ruler. But the girl faced the Caliph boldly and with great equanimity.She was beautiful, and there was an impressive dignity about her. Then before the gathering, Caliph Umar (radiAllahu anhu) related how he had overheard the mother and the daughter, and how in spite of the exhortations of the mother the daughter had kept her resolve. Someone suggested that the mother should be taken to task. The Caliph (radiAllahu anhu) said that ordinarily he would have punished the mother, but he had forgiven her for the sake of her daughter.Turning to the girl the great Caliph (radiAllahu anhu) said, "Islam needs daughters like you and as a Caliph of Islam it devolves on me to reward you by owning you as a daughter." The Caliph called his sons, and addressing them said, "Here is a gem of a girl who would make a great mother. I desire that one of you should take this girl as wife. I know of no better bride than this girl of sterling character. In matters of wedlock, it should be the character and not the stature in life that should count." Abdullah and Abdur Rahman the elder sons of the Caliph (radiAllahu anhu) were already married. Asim the third son was yet unmarried, and he offered to marry the girl. Thereupon with the consent of the milkmaid and her mother Asim was married to the girl, and milkmaid became the daughter-in-law of the Caliph(radiAllahu anhu) . From this union was born a daughter Umm Asim, who became in due course the mother of Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Umar bin AbdulAziz was elected as Caliph and served for a short period during 717 - 720.While other Caliphs of the Ummayad dynasty reveled in luxury, Umar bin Abdul Aziz as a Caliph set up standards for austerity and simplicity following in the footsteps of Caliph Umar (radiAllahu anhu) , the second Caliph of Islam.It is said that if ever there was a noble Caliph after the first four Rightly guided Caliphs,such a man was Umar bin Abdul Aziz. And he inherited the noble qualities of the milkmaid who married the Caliph's son, and those of Caliph Umar Farooq who had the eye to discern the nobler qualities of sterling character in a poor girl.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]Fall of Persian Empire
[/B]
During the time of Hadrat Abu Bakr (Raziallah Anho), Hadrat Khalid bin Walid conquered part of Persian Empire, known as the Kingdom of Hira. Then he was ordered by Hadrat Abu Bakr (Raziallah Anho) to join the expedition to Syria.

At the time of his departure, he appointed Muthanna bin Harith as the commander of the Islamic army. The Persians became furious at the loss of the kingdom of Hira and the Emperor sent a large army under the command of a very famous General, Rustam the Commander-in-Chief of Persian armies. In view of the growing pressure of Persians, Muthanna requested Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) for reinforcement. At that time there was a large gathering of Muslims in Medina to take pledge of loyalty (Bai'at) at the hand of the new Caliph (Hadrat Umar). He put the matter before the Muslims but did not get any response in the beginning. Then Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) in his sermons stressed the importance of Jihad and a large number of Muslims volunteered to help Muthanna against the Persians. Abu‘Ubaid ath-Thaqafi was appointed as the commander of the Islamic army comprising five thousand men. In the meantime Persians attacked the places conquered by Muslims and they lost some of them. In the early stage of the battles Rustam sent his subordinates to face Muslims.
[B]
The Battle of Namariq[/B]

When Abu‘Ubaid had reached there a battle took place at "Namariq" and the Muslims won it. A number of famous generals of Persians army including Jaban, right hand of Rustam, were killed in the battle. Then some small battles also took place at Kaskar etc.





[B]The Battle of the Bridge[/B]

The defeat of Persians startled Rustam and he gathered a huge army to face the Muslims. The army met the Muslims on the other bank of the Euphrates under the command of Bahman, a famous Persian warrior. Bahman asked Hadrat Abu Ubaid whether Persians should cross the river or the Muslims. Hadrat Abu‘Ubaid was over-confident and chose to cross the river, although some of the Muslim generals like Muthanna did not like to cross the river, and preferred to let the Persians come. The Islamic army crossed the river but lost the battle. Hadrat Abu 'Ubaid was also martyred and Muslims fell one after the other. Muthanna took over the command and ordered rebuilding of the bridge which had been destroyed. The elephants of the Persian army caused considerable damage to the Muslim army. However Muthanna could save only 3000 men out of an army of 9000.

[B]The Battle of Buwaib[/B]

Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) was shocked at the defeat of the Muslim army. He sent special messengers to various tribes and exhorted the Muslims to prepare for the Holy War against Persians. A new reinforcement was sent to Muthanna's army. In this army a number of Christian Arabs were also included.

The Persians also gathered a huge army. This time Rustam, the Commander-in-Chief of the Persian armies, appointed Mehran Hamdani as the Commander because he had travelled Arabia and knew the Arabian way of fighting. The Muslim army, under the command of Muthanna, met the Persians at a place called Buwaib (where "Kufa” is situated). The Muslims invited the Persians to cross the river and they accepted it. The number of Muslim army was a little more than 20,000 while the Persians (Iranians) several times larger in number, were estimated as two hundred thousands. A fierce battle took place. Muslims fought desperately and after a grim fight, the Persians were defeated. They could not find the way to cross the river Euphrates because the bridge built by them was destroyed by the Muslims. There was a total disorder in the Persian army. The commander of the army, Mehran was slain in this battle and not less than a hundred thousand men lost their lives in the field. As a result of this victory the whole of western part of Persians Empire (now Iraq) fell into Muslim hands.





[B]Change of Persian Ruler[/B]

The great defeat at Buwaib shocked the Persian Empire. It was not only a cause of great disturbance to the rulers but to the public as well. For the first time they realised the strength of Muslims. The news of loss of one hundred thousand Persians and only few hundred Muslims was received with great surprise. At that time a woman, Puran Dukht was the Empress. The Iranians (Persians) replaced the Empress by a young 21 year old Emperor, Yezdgird. The new Emperor reorganised the army and strengthened the frontier defences. There arose a number of rebellions in the places conquered by Muslims as a result of which Muslims again lost some of the parts which they had conquered.

When Hadrat Umar heard this news he asked Muthanna to call the border tribes and to return within safer borders till reinforcement reached him. He himself declared "Jihad" all over the land and sent emissaries to collect an army for the Holy War. An army of 20,000 Muslims was collected. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) himself wanted to lead the army this time but the "Shura" (Advisory Council) did not agree to it. The name of Hadrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (Raziallah Anho), a great warrior and one of the uncles of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam) was proposed to lead the army to which Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) agreed. The army was having 70 of those Companions who had participated in the first battle of Islam at Badr. When the army was leaving Medina, Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) gave instructions to Hadrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (Raziallah Anho). Some of those are as under

"Allah does not repel evil with evil but he repels evil with good. All men high and low are equal before Him. One can win Allah's favour only through devotion to His service. Remember that the "Sunnah"(the Way) of the Holy Prophet is the only correct way of doing things. You are going on a heavy mission which you can discharge only by following the Truth. Inculcate good habits in yourselves and in your companions."

This advice clearly shows that the aim of Muslims was to proclaim Allah's message --- ISLAM, rather than to fight. The sword was used to clear the barriers in the way.

In the meantime Muthanna died and his brother Bashir joined Hadrat Sa'd (Raziallah Anho) with an army of eight thousand. Hadrat Sa'd was in direct contact with Hadrat Umar all the time who was constantly giving instructions about the movement of the army from place to place. Finally Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) sent instructions to it to encamp at Qadisiya and to send an envoy to the Persian Emperor, Yezdgird, with the Message of Islam and peace.





[B]Islamic Emissaries[/B]

Following the instructions of the Caliph, Hadrat Sa'd encamped at Qadisiya. The Muslims had to wait there for about two months for the Persian armies. In the meantime Hadrat Sa'd sent an envoy to the Emperor Yezdgird.

Yezdgird held his court to receive Muslim envoys. The court was a mirror of the worldly pomp and glory of the Persians. Hadrat Nu'man bin Maqram invited the Persians and the Emperor to Islam and told them about the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam). He said: "0 Persians, we call you towards the path of peace, i.e. Islam. If you accept it, you are our brothers and we will leave Allah's Book. the Holy Qur'an, for your guidance to follow His, commandments. If you reject this sacred message, pay us the "Jizra"(Defence Tax). The third alternative is the sword in case you reject the first two offers, so that we may take our own course to spread this message."

Yezdgird who was very proud of his power and army, lost his temper on hearing this and insulted the envoys. He got a basket full of earth and put it on the head of the leader, Hadrat 'Asim (Raziallah Anho). When Hadrat 'Asim carried the earth to Hadrat Sa'd (Raziallah Anho), he took it as a sign for victory. The ill-treatment of the Persian Emperor hastened the war.

The Emperor sent an army of one hundred thousand men. This time Rustam, the Commander-in-Chief, was himself leading the Persian army. Other famous commanders of the army were Jalinus, Mahran bin Bahram Razi and Harmuzan. Rustam was afraid of Muslims and hesitated to face them. He took six months to reach Qadisiya from Mada'in, the capital. He wanted to negotiate with the Muslims in the first instance. Therefore he asked them to send a delegation. The Muslim delegation went to Rustam's camp at the head of Hadrat Rabi' bin 'Amir (Raziallah Anho) There took place much discussion but no decision was reached. Hadrat Rabi' (Raziallah Anho) gave the message of Islam boldly and put the same three conditions which were put before the Emperor by Hadrat Nu'man. On the second day Rustam again asked Hadrat Sa'd (Raziallah Anho) to send the delegation. This time he sent Hadrat Hudhaifah (Raziallah Anho) who also put the same three conditions and told him if he did not accept them within three days, the third alternative i.e., the use of sword would remain and would be acted upon. Third day Rustam again requested Muslims to send an emissary and this time Hadrat Mughirah bin Shu'bah (Raziallah Anho) went. Rustam tried to negotiate in terms of money by saying: "I think you are poor and hungry. We would give you so much of wealth that would be sufficient for the whole of your life." Hearing this Hadrat Mughirah (Raziallah Anho) angrily replied, "Of course we were hungry and poor but Allah sent His Messenger to us because of whom our fate changed and Allah nourished us. He asked us to obey only One God and to spread His message. If you follow His message (Islam) you are our brothers, we will never fight with you. If you don't, then let us spread His Kalimah and you pay to us "Jizya" (Defence Tax) otherwise the sword will give the final decision." Hearing this Rustam got furious and vowed to kill all the Muslims as soon as the sun rose the next day. Hadrat Mughirah (Raziallah Anho) returned to the Muslim camp saying: "La haula wala quw-wata illa billahil'Azim" (There is neither any power nor any might besides Allah, the High).





[B]The Battle of Qadisiya[/B]

As soon as Hadrat Mughirah left the Persian Camp, Rustam asked his army to prepare for the attack in the morning. There was a canal between the two armies. He ordered building of a bridge over it. Next day in the morning he crossed the canal to attack the Muslims. When both the armies were ready to fight, Hadrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (Raziallah Anho) told Rustam through an epistle: "Rustam! There are people with me to whom death (in the Path of Allah) is more attractive than is wine to the people in your army."

At last the battle started at Qadisiya in the month of Muharram, 14 A.H. (June, 637). Hadrat Sa'd was sick and directed the operations from the sick bed. This battle was hotly contested and lasted for three days. Muslims were about 28,000 in number while the Persian army was estimated at 120,000 (four times bigger than Islamic army). Rustam displayed great skill in arraying his troops. On the first day the battle started amidst loud cries of "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). Though the Muslims displayed great valour and skill but the Persian elephants played havoc with the Muslim cavalry. The Arab horses were not trained to fight in a battle having elephants. However Muslim archers and lancers rained arrows and spheres and knocked down many elephant riders. The battle ended without reaching a final decision on the first day. The following day the battle again ended without a victory for any of the two armies. On the third day Muslims wrapped pieces of cloth round the bodies of their camels to frighten the Persian elephants. The plan worked out successfully. Moreover a number of Muslim archers pierced the eyes of the elephants and cut their trunks. The blind elephants ran towards the Persian army and destroyed their ranks. The battle continued to the fourth day. Now the blind elephants played a havoc with the Persians themselves. Then some of the Muslim warriors from among the chief of the clans rushed towards Rustam and destroyed the special battalion around him. The canopy of Rustam was blown in the air and he himself tried to flee. He was detected by the Muslims and was slain. Seeing their slain Commander, the Persians started fleeing for their lives. Thousands of Persians were slain. There were about six thousand Muslim casualties while the number of the Persians killed was thirty thousand.

The battle of Qadisiya proved to be decisive in the history of Islam. It shattered the strength of the Persian Empire. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) received the news with great joy. The Muslims gained immense booty which was distributed among the troops according to the Islamic law and a fifth portion was despatched to the Baitul Mal.

Following the victory at Qadisiya, Muslims chased the Persians. They captured Babal and Kutha and then laid siege to Bahrah Sher, a very important and strong fort at the outskirts of the Persian capital, Mada'in (Ctesiphon). The siege went on for two months and ultimately Muslims captured the fort. The next step was to conquer Mada'in, the capital itself.





[B]Fall of Mada'in (Ctesiphon), the Capital of Persian Empire[/B]

The City of Mada'in was situated on the east bank of river Tigris and was almost surrounded by it. After a rest of few months, Hadrat Sa'd took permission from Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) to invade the Capital. When Hadrat Sa'd (Raziallah Anho) marched, the Persians destroyed the bridge on the river. The river was deep and turbulent but the determination of Muslims was not affected. They were having full faith in Allah, Almighty, the Creator of the Universe. It has been recorded in some books of history that on finding the destruction of the bridge by the Persians Hadrat Sa'd said: "Allah made a way in the Red Sea for Moses and his followers, He will surely help us who are following His Last Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam)." He consulted the generals of his army and then ordered the Muslims to go across. First of all sixty horsemen plunged themselves in the river and crossed it. Then the whole army crossed the river as if it was walking on the ground. Seeing the Muslims crossing the river the Persian archers rained arrows on the Muslims. Hadrat Sa'd had already appointed six hundred archers on a nearby hill. They assaulted the Persians who ran away saying: "Dev amdand, Dev amdand"(i.e., "The giants have come! The giants have come!”). The Muslims crossed the Tigris without any severe loss. Yezdgird and his ministers had already fled and the capital was captured without any opposition. With this victory the whole of the territory between the Euphrates and the Tigris came under the possession of the Muslims. The prophecy of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam) came true: "A group of Muslims will capture the White Palace of the Persian Emperor".

Both Hadrat Umar and Hadrat Sa'd (Radiallahu anhuma) thanked Allah for this great victory. When the rich booty from the White Palace of Yezdgird reached Medina, tears came out in the eyes of Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) and he remarked, "I am weeping because riches are often the cause of enmity and mutual bitterness. Those people who have such evils, ultimately lose respect".

[B]The Battle of Jalula[/B]

The Persian Emperor took shelter in Hulwan and started preparation for a big assault on the Muslims. Now Kharzad, brother of Rustam was the Commander-in Chief. He gathered a huge army to avenge the past defeats. After consultations with Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) Hadrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (Raziallah Anho) sent an army under the command of Hashim and Qa'qas to face the Persian army at Jalula. Again a fierce battle was fought and ultimately the Persians were defeated who fled further north.

The Muslims advanced ahead and captured Qaka and finally Hulwan where Yezdgird, the Emperor was staying. He fled to Khurasan and settled down in Mery. The last big battle was fought in the month of Muharram, 19 A.H. (642 A.C.) at Nihawand in which the Persians were completely defeated. Then a number of small battles took place and the Muslims conquered Hamdan, Azerbaijan and Armenia by the year 21 A.H.





[B]Muslim Rule over the Persian Empire[/B]

The Persian Emperor fled to Isphan, then to Kirman and from there to Balkh. The Muslims chased him everywhere. Ultimately the whole of Persia came under the sway of Islam, by the year 23 A.H. The Muslims marched as east as Sind (the Indian territory, now Pakistan). They captured Makran and Baluch. But Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) stopped them who were under the command of Hakam at that time. He did not want to extend his frontiers at the price of Muslim blood. Thus Makran was the last place in the east under the rule of Muslims during the caliphate of Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho). After the capture of Persian Empire, Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) remarked: "Allah has destroyed the Persian Empire, now they cannot harm the Muslims. O Muslims, if you do not follow the Straight Path, Allah would take this power from you and hand it over to whom He likes".

It must be clarified here that at no place Muslims forced non-Muslims to accept Islam. Islam spread because of its teachings and because of the practical life of Muslims. Some western scholars have accepted this fact. Raziallah Anho Nicholson writes in A Literary History of the Arabs, "It must not be supposed that the followers of Zoroaster and Christ in these countries were forcibly converted to Islam. Thousands embraced it voluntarily."

The conquest of the Persian Empire provided the Muslims with unlimited resources. At the same time it also brought Muslims into touch with luxuries and as time passed they gave up their simple living and fell prey to some vices prevailing in those days Hadrat Umar had feared.

[B]The cities of Basra and Kufa[/B]

Muslims established two military cantonments one at Basra and the other at Kufa in 638 A.C. Later on these cantonments became big cities. Basra was established at the Shatt-ul-Arab and was important because it guarded the passage from the Persian Gulf to Mesopotamia. Kufa was founded at the bank of the Euphrates. Afterwards these cities became important centres of Islamic culture and civilisation.

[B]Conquest of Syria[/B]

The causes of the war between the Muslims and the Byzantines (commonly called as Romans) have already been discussed. During the time of Hadrat Abu Bakr (Raziallah Anho) the Muslims had defeated Romans on the Syrian front and captured a number of cities like Busra and Ajnadain. They laid siege to Damascus when Hadrat Abu Bakr (Raziallah Anho) passed away. After his death they captured Damascus, Hims and Qansrin. In all the three battles Hadrat Khalid bin Walid played an important role. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) recognised Khalid's merits and said, "May Allah bless the soul of Abu Bakr, he put Khalid in the right place".

The fall of these important cities made the Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius, furious and he sent a huge army to fight with the Muslims. In order to face this big army, Muslims left some of the places, occupied by them and returned to safer border. When the Islamic armies were leaving the conquered places they paid back the "Jizya" (the Defence Tax) received from the non-Muslim inhabitants of those places saying: "Since we cannot protect you, we are returning it." This was a unique example in history. The people of those places were greatly impressed by the Muslims' treatment. It is given in some books that the people of those places cried when Muslims left their places.




[B]
The Battle of Yarmuk: (Rajab 15 A.H./636 A.C.)[/B]

After the fall of Damascus, Hims and other places, the Romans fled to Antioch where Heraclius was staying and was thinking of moving to Constantinople, his permanent capital. They appealed to Heraclius to help them against the Muslim armies. He held this court at Antioch and to beg an raising a huge army against the Muslims to wipe them out of Syria.

The Muslims had already gathered at Yarmuk to face the Roman Byzantine army. The Romans were several times larger in number than the Muslims. In the beginning the commond was in the hand of Hadrat Khalid bin Walid (Raziallah Anho) but during the battle he received the letter of Hadrat Umar deposing him from the post of Commander-in-Chief. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) appointed Abu 'Ubaidah bin Jarrah (Raziallah Anho) as the Commander-in-Chief. A fierce battle was fought on the 20th Aug., 636, and at the end the Romans lost the field. The cavalry fled and the infantry was put to sword. Theodorus, the Commander of Roman army himself fell and his entire army was turned into a fleeing, panic-stricken mob. According to Tabari, about one hundred thousand Romans were killed in this battle. Muslim causalities were three thousand.

The battle of Yarmuk was a turning point in the history of Byzantine Empire. The power of Byzantine was crushed in the battle. The fate of Syria was decided and it fell in the hands of Muslims for ever. Hearing the defeat at Yarmuk, Heraclius left Antioch and fled to Constantinople saying: Farewell, O Syria! and what an excellent country this is for the enemy"

(Note: According to some historians it was the 2nd battle of Ajnadan and not the battle of Yarmuk which took place in 15 A.H.).
[B]
Removal of Hadrat Khalid (Raziallah Anho) from the command[/B]

Hadrat Khalid bin Walid (Raziallah Anho) was a successful and powerful general of Islam. He occupied a unique position in the history of heroism, and devoted his whole life to the cause of Islam. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) always appreciated his services. But there were certain complaints against him, especially for being extravagant, when he awarded 10,000 dinars to a poet. Hadrat Khalid could not give satisfactory explanation to Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) hence he was removed from the command. But Hadrat Khalid proved to be a very true Muslim and fought like an ordinary soldier in the army. As narrated above, he was deposed when the battle of Yarmuk was going on. The Caliph’s order was delivered to Khalid but it had no effect on him. He went on fighting as fiercely as before. After the battle was over, his dismissal became known. When somebody asked him why the news did not damp his spirit at all, he said, "I was fighting for the cause of Allah."

According to those historians who hold the opinion that the Battle of Yarmuk took place before the fall of Damascus, Hadrat Khalid was deposed in the early part of Umar’s (Raziallah Anho) caliphate, while some think it took place around 17 A.H. because according to them the battle of Yarmuk took place after the fall of Damascus.

Regarding the removal of Hadrat Khalid some of the Muslim historians say: "He (Hadrat Umar) had deposed Khalid from the government, not because of tyranny or fraud, but because he deemed it essential to admonish the people, who were inclined to put their trust in an arm of flesh, instead of looking to the Giver of all victory"

[B]Fall of Jerusalem[/B]

Hadrat Amr bin al-'As was in the beginning leading the army in front of Jerusalem. After the capture of Antioch and other key cities of Byzantium, Hadrat Abu'Ubaidah also joined him along with Hadrat Khalid bin Walid (Raziallah Anho) They laid siege to the great city of Jerusalem, surrounded by a huge wall. Since the people of Jerusalem had already seen the defeat of Byzantine forces they offered a peaceful truce provided the "Khalifah" came in person to sign the treaty in their presence. The proposal was passed over to Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) at Medina and after consultation with the "Shura" he accepted the offer.





[B]Hadrat Umar at Jerusalem[/B]

Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) appointed Hadrat'Ali (Raziallah Anho) as his deputy and went to Jerusalem with his slave. They were having one camel on which each of them rode by turn. When Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) was entering Jerusalem it happened to be the slave's turn to ride on the camel. Though the slave offered his turn to the "Khalifah" but Hadrat Umar refused and remarked: "The honour of Islam (i.e., being Muslim) is enough for all of us." He entered Jerusalem holding the rope of the camel on which was riding his slave. His clothes were dirty and there were several patches on them. Hadrat Abu 'Ubaidah, Khalid bin Walid and other commanders came some distance to receive him. They were wearing costly garments. This made Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) angry. He threw some pebbles at his generals (to show his anger) and said, "Have you changed so much in just two years? The only way for the success is the way of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam)."

Then Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) signed the treaty under which the inhabitants of Jerusalem were granted complete security of their life and property. Their places of worship were secured and remained intact. All the people were allowed to follow their religion freely.

The gates of the city were then opened and the Muslims entered the Jerusalem in the year 16 A.H. (i.e., 635 A.C.) According to some history books the date given on the treaty signed by Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) falls in the 17th year A. H. It is possible therefore that the Muslims conquered it early in 17th year A.H.

Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) visited the city. The time of the "Salat" had reached. The Christians allowed the Muslims to perform Salat in the big Church but Hadrat Umar declined to do so that it might not be an excuse for the future generations to take over the Church from them. He offered the Salat with the Muslims on the steps of the Church. Even then he gave in writing to the Bishop that the steps would never be used for congregational prayers or for the Adhan in future.
[B]
Umar's Masjid at Jerusalem[/B]

Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) laid the foundation of a Masjid at a place known as "Sakhra" proposed by the Bishop, where Allah sent revelation to Prophet Yaqub (Jacob or Israel, 'Alaihis-Salam) and where the great temple of Solomon was built. He himself worked like a labourer for building the Masjid. That Masjid is known as the "Umar's Masjid"




[B]
Conquest of Jazirah Mesopotamia[/B]

After the conquest of Jerusalem the Romans (Byzantines) tried to regain Syria. The Muslims did not want territorial expansion, they were fighting either to protect the birth-place of Islam, Arabia or in self-defence. Their aim was only to proclaim Allah's message and to preach Islam freely. Whenever they were allowed a free passage to show the right path no fighting took place as it could be noticed in the case of Jerusalem. Never, in the history of Islam any nation was forced to forsake its religion and to accept Islam.

The people of Jazirah (now North western part of Iraq) plotted to oust the Muslims from Syria. Heraclius, the Emperor of Byzantine sent his army to help the people of "Jazirah". They invaded Hims, a fort which had been conquered by the Muslims under the command of Hadrat Abu 'Ubaidah (Raziallah Anho). The Muslims fell upon the enemies and beat them off. Under such conditions Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) ordered the Muslim forces to occupy Jazirah. After its conquest Jazirah (Mesopotamia) was put under the Governor of Homs (Home). Jazirah was conquered under the command of 'Ayad bin Ghanam (Raziallah Anho).

[B]The Severe Famine & Plague[/B]

In the year 17-18 A.H., Hijaz (Northern Arabia) and Syria were faced by a severe famine and drought. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) took steps to get food supplies from Egypt, part of which had been conquered by Hadrat'Amr bin al-'As (Raziallah Anho). He sent three big ships of grains to Medina which were unloaded in the presence of Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho). He himself distributed the grains among the needy. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) did not take any delicacy (butter etc.) during the famine period. When he was requested to take care of his health he said, "If I don't taste suffering, how can I know the sufferings of others?"

When the famine became intolerable he prayed to Allah in a big gathering of Muslims. It has been narrated that the prayers had not even finished when rains started to pour down.

About the same time plague spread in most parts of Iraq, Syria and Egypt and it caused great havoc not only to civilians but also to the Muslim armies. After the plague Hadrat Umar went to Syria to inspect the losses caused by the plague. Three important figures Abu 'Ubaidah, Mu'adh bin Jabal and Yazid bin Abu Sufyan (Raziallah Anho) had passed away. He appointed Mu'awiyah bin Abi Sufyan as the Governor of Damascus in place of his brother Yazid bin Abi Sufyan.





[B]The Conquest of Egypt[/B]

Being a powerful province of Byzantine Empire and having the strong base of Byzantine navy at Alexandria, Egypt was a great danger to the security of Hijaz (Northern Arabia). The Romans were busy in plotting against the Muslims to regain the territories conquered by the Muslims and to attack them through Egypt. Obviously it was necessary from the point of view of defence to drive back the Romans (Byzantines) from Egypt. Therefore, towards the close of 17 A.H. (638 A.C.) Hadrat 'Amr bin al-'As (Raziallah Anho) who had collaborated in the conquest of Palestine, repeatedly urged the Caliph to authorise him to lead a campaign against the valley of the Nile. He got the necessary permission from the Caliph and set out from Palestine for Egypt at the head of four thousand men. (Note: According to a number of historians it took place in the 18th year A.H. i.e., 639 A.D. All of them agree that a part of Egypt had been conquered before the great famine which happened in 17-18 A.H. If it is true, the date of invasion by ‘ Amr bin al-'As must be before 18 A.H.).

Hadrat 'Amr bin al-'As entered Egypt by the route of Wadi al-Arish and after attacking some small towns laid siege to one of the strongest forts of Romans in Egypt at Fustat (which later became Cairo). The fort was conquered after some time.

The fall of Fustat gave a severe blow to Roman might in Egypt. Constanstine II, the Byzantine Emperor, hearing the news of the fall of the fort near Fustat, got furious and sent a big army to Alexandria. Hadrat 'Amr bin al-'As therefore set out for Alexandria from Fustat. He got reinforcement from the Caliph. Alexandria was the strong hold of the Romans in Egypt. They could easily send reinforcement and supplies to Alexandria by sea. It was really a difficult task to conquer it. Hadrat 'Amr bin al-'As laid siege to the city but no result came out for six months. Seeing this condition Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) wrote to Hadrat'Amr bin al-'As (Raziallah Anho)

"I am afraid that the Muslims have not been acting fully upon the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah (ways) of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam). The only way to get victory is to follow strictly the ways of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam). They should therefore be more and more strict on it..... Then try to give final blow to the enemy".

Hadrat 'Amr (Raziallah Anho) read the letter before the Muslims. Umar’s orders were at once carried out and at last Alexandria was conquered after a heavy engagement. According to some Western historians it was conquered in 642 A.D., while some of the Muslim historians say that Alexandria was conquered in 640 A.D. (20 A.H.). After the conquest of this great city, one time a glory for the' Romans, Hadrat 'Amr wrote to the Caliph, "I have captured a city from the description of which I shall refrain. Suffice it to say I have seized therein 4000 villas with 4000 baths, 40,000 poll-tax-paying Jews and 400 places of entertainment for royalty". Philip Hitti writes, "The Caliph entertained his general's messenger with bread and dates; they all joined in a thanksgiving service in the Prophet's Masjid".

Afterwards Hadrat 'Amr (Raziallah Anho) captured the remaining fortresses in Egypt and it came under the full sway of Islam. Local Christians and Jews were given freedom of religion; various taxes imposed by the Romans were abolished and the general condition of the country improved. The Egyptians had never enjoyed such a period of prosperity and peace before.

A very inhuman custom was prevailing in Egypt at that time. The Egyptians used to sacrifice a beautiful maiden every year to please the river Nile so that it may bring more water. After the victory the matter was reported to Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) who prohibited this. By chance the same year the Nile had very little water and a condition of drought seemed to prevail over there. Hadrat'Amr (Raziallah Anho) wrote to Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) to seek his advice. He wrote the following letter and asked Hadrat 'Amr to throw it in the Nile

"From Umar, the servant of Allah and "Amir"(Leader) of the Muslims to the River Nile of Egypt. O Nile! If you flow of your own desire, we do not need you. If you flow by the order of Allah, we pray to Him to keep you flowing".

The letter was thrown into the Nile and it over-flowed that year. In this way Egyptians were stopped from an un-Islamic practice. This had a very good effect. The Egyptians realised the spiritual power of Islam, and entered its folds.

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Great words for Umar(ra) the Great
 

[SIZE="2"][COLOR="Magenta"][B]
The initial enthusiasm had died down
The blessed ones subjected to wrath and frown
As if the pagans had turned a corner
Rejoicing to see budding Islam now drown

Lord advised to seek strength
From a person who alone was the biggest enemy
The Prophet prayed for the love of Umar
Who alone could stand like a rock

Hearing his near ones fall prey
For reasons unknown, had gone astray
Furious and fuming, with a sword in hand
Determined to pluck their heads away

The word of God, they quickly hid
That from Umar, they would finally get rid
Umar’s reaction was crude and brute
Suffering and bleeding, unwilling to part with their fruit

Exhausted and beaten, he preferred to hear
The magic words that he used to fear
Like wax under the sun, he collapsed and wept
To the Prophet’s house, he finally leapt

A wonderful feeling, no one could tell
Like a child, into Prophet’s arms he fell
What a great day it was
The day when Islam came out of its shell[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT[/B]

This department was responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads, buildings, canals, bridges and hospitals.

[B]CANALS[/B]

1.Abu Musa Canal. It was nine miles long. It was cut from Tigris and brought down to Basra.
2.Ma’qal Canal. It was also cut from Tigris. It was named after its supervisor.
3.Saad Canal. It was sixty miles long and was built in a short span of time of only six months. It was also called ‘Amir-ul Mominin’ canal. It joined Nile to the Red Sea. In 18AH there was a great famine in Arabia and the carriage of food supplies was slow and tedious. The caliph ordered the building of this canal as soon as possible and it was done so.


[B]BUILDINGS[/B]

Buildings constructed in Omar’s era were catagorised as follows:
1. Religious. He got thousands of mosques made in his reign.
2. Military. These included forts, cantonments and barracks.
3. Civil. Administrative buildings were called Daar-ul-Amarat. These buildings were classified as:

a. Dewan for keeping official records.
b. Bait-ul-Maal –public treasury
c. Prisons
d. Guest houses

[B]ROADS AND BRIDGES
[/B]
Though Madina had been the centre of pilgrimage since ages, the roads leading to it were in ruins and waterless. Omar got roads and inns built at every stage during the pilgrimage.

[B]THE ARMY[/B]

In 15AH Omar decided to organize the army into a separate department. Omar said that all Muslims were the soldiers of the religion. He started inducting personnel starting from the Prophets own family and went down to the Ansaars and made a register of all. Salaries were fixed for all participating in wars and stipends given to their families. He also divided the complete list into two parts; the active soldiers and the reserves.
Omar established military headquarters at Iraq, Egypt, Jazirah and Syria and following measures were taken:
Barracks were built for the residence of troops.
Big stables accommodating 4000 horses at one time were made with a view to make available 32,000 horses at short notice for any emergent eventuality.
All military records were placed at specified centres.
Food stores were kept in depots and sent to various places.
He arranged patrols guarding cantonments.
To cater for any naval attack by the Romans he established cantonments at coastal areas.
He ensured the disbursement of timely pay to all soldiers.
Promotions were given in the light of the length of service with a rise in the pay.
He introduced the corps of Sappers and Miners especially for building of roads and bridges.
Espionage and intelligence services were also organized.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]HAZRAT UMAR-ADMINISTRATOR PAR EXCELLENCE[/B]


Hazrat Umar occupies an outstanding place in history. Although his rule extended over Arabia, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Egypt and other places. An empire much greater than those of Chosroes or the Byzantine’s. He was a benign administrator and never for a moment lost sight of justice and truth in dispension of the state affairs. Unlike the crowns and conquerors in the world, he chose to rule by humility, frugality and piety, far away from pomp and grandeur.

The administrative system of caliphUmar was based on the principles of teachings of Islam. The holy Quran has explicitly laid down the fundamental laws of Islamic policy that the affairs of state should be conducted by consultation and counsel.

Now we shall touch upon some of the administrative skills displayed by the caliphate run such a vast Islamic state.

[B]DEMOCRACY NOT AUTOCRACY[/B]

None of the states around Umar were democratic. Persia had never seen democracy. Romans had this distinction in ancient times but democracy had vanished ages before Umar. Without having any pattern or example set before him, Umar laid the foundation of a democratic state. Umar used to say, “The greater the right or opportunity the public has to interfere, the more democratic the government will be considered”.



[B]CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY[/B]

The most vital and fundamental aspect of the democratic system was the establishment of a consultative assembly. Whenever an important question came up for decision, the consultative assembly was called and no query was decided without free debate and consent of the majority. The whole body of politic of Islam was divided at that time into two groups, namely the Muhajirin and the Ansaar. They were the leaders of the people and the whole of Arabia looked upon them as their representative.

[B]NO PREVILEGES TO THE CALIPH[/B]

The great beauty of the democratic system adopted by Omar was that the caliph stands on a level of perfect equality with the common masses in the matter of personal rights and claims no exception from any law. His powers were limited and every citizen had the right to criticize him.

Addressing Omar on one occasion a man repeatedly said, “Fear Allah O’Omar!” When he was rebuked Omar said, “Let him say it .If these people did not exhort me so they would be useless and if I did not listen I would be in the wrong”.
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[B]Yezdgird Hears Strange Talk[/B]

Saad received orders that an offer of peace be made to the enemy before fighting was begun. So he chose fourteen chiefs of different tribes to be the envoys of Islam.

Yezdgird held his court to receive the envoys. The court was a mirror of the pomp and glory of Iran. The Iranians wanted to dazzle the eyes of the desert dwellers by the display of their splendour. But the Muslims turned out to be made of a different stuff. With shawls of Yemen flung across their shoulders, leather boots on their feet and whips in their hands, they walked fearlessly into the court. The courtiers and the Emperor alike were amaed at the dauntless bearing of the Arabs.

The peace talks began. Yezdgird asked the envoys what had brought them into his territory. Naaman bin Maqran, the leader of the deputation, came forward and said:



"O king, not long ago we were an ignorant and wild people. Allah had mercy on us. He sent to us His chosen Prophet. The Prophet showed us the path of truth. He called us towards good life and rid us of all evils. He had said that if we accepted his message, we would be successful in this world as well as in the next.

We accepted his message. He then ordered us to carry his message to the people living in the neighborhood. This message is Islam. It is the fountain-head of all good. It clearly tells what is good and what is bad."

"O nobles of Iran, we call you to the path of the holy faith. If you accept it nothing can be like it. We will leave you alone. We will hand you the book of Allah. That will be your guide. You will have to follow its commandments. But if you reject the message of Islam, you will have to pay the jizya and live under us. You will have to give an undertaking that there will be no more injustice of evil doing in your country. If you refuse to accept this offer too, the sword must decide."





[B]Yezdgird calmy heard this speech, then said:[/B]



"O Arabs, not very long ago no people on earth were so wretched or rotten as you. The smallest favor from us was enough to win you. Whenever you did a mischief, we wrote to a frontier chief and he set you right. I advise you to give up your whims of conquest. If you do not have enough food or other necessities, let us know. We will send you supplies. We will also appoint a good ruler over you, that he may treat you kindly."





[B]When the king had finished, Mughira bin Zarara rose and spoke back:[/B]



"O king, we were certainly as wretched as you have said; perhaps worse. We ate dead animals, wore skins and slept on the bare ground. But ever since Allah's chosen Prophet appeared among us, we have totally changed. His wonderful teachings and his lofty example have made us leaders of the world. Even proud kings like you fear us now."

"O king, any further talk is useless. Either accept the chosen Prophet of Allah and bow before his blessed teachings or agree to pay the jizya. If you accept neither of the two things, then wait for the sword to decide."





Mughira's words made the king lose his temper. "By Yazdan," he roared in anger, "if it were not against the law to shed the blood of envoys, I must have got you beheaded. But I am sending Rustam to deal with you. He will bury you and all your commanders in the trenches of Qadisiya. You are going to get nothing from us except dust."

[B]Then the king asked, "Who is the most respectable among you?"[/B]

"I" replied Asim bin Omar.

The king got a basket full or earth and had it placed on Asim's head. Asim galloped away, carrying the basket. He took the basket to the Commander, Saad, and placing it before him said, "Congratulations for the victory! The enemy himself has handed over his soil to us." Then he recounted all that had taken place at the Iranian court.

Saad felt much pleased. He took it as a good omen for Muslim victory. Later events proved that he was right.

[SIZE="2"][B]Rustam Humbled[/B]

With an army of hundred and twenty thousand, Rustam advanced to Qadisiya. Here he dug up for the battle. But he feared the Muslims at heart. So he went on putting off the battle for weeks. Envoys kept coming and going from one side to the other.

The last envoy to visit Rustam was Mughira bin Shaaba. Rustam did all he could to dazzle the eyes of the Arab envoy. He sat on a throne of gold with a crown of diamonds on his head. The whole court was decked with brocades, gold and diamonds.

Mughira got down from his hourse and walked straight to Rustam's throne. He climbed onto it and sat by Rustam's side. All present were taken back. The guards ran forward and made Mughira get down from the throne.

Mughira remained cool. Addressing the courtiers, he said:



"O nobles of Iran, I thought you were wise. But you have proven quite silly. We Muslims do not raise men to the position of gods. The weak among us do not beleive in the overlordship of the strong. I thought you also followed the same practice. I never knew that the strong among you were raised high and were worshipped by the weak. I never knew that you did not believe in the equaitly of men. If I had known that, I would never have come to your court. But let me tell you that you cannot save your empire by these methods. Unrest among the weak will turn the tables against you."

Mughira's speech ended the peace talks. But his words continued to ring in the ears of the Iranian nobles.
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[SIZE="2"]
[B]Rout of the Iranians
[/B]
The battle entered the third day. The Iranian elephants were still a problem. Saad asked to Iranian Muslims how best to solve the problem.



"Put out their eyes," they said.

There were two big elephants the led the rest of the herd. Two Muslim warriors took it upon themselves to deal with one of the giant bests. At one and the same time, they put out both its eyes with their spears. Then one of them cut off its trunk. The same thing was done to the second giant beast. Mad with pain both the elephants reeled back into the river. The rest of the herd followed the blinded leaders. From then on, the elephants were seen no more.

The battle raged with full fury the whole day and throughout the night. When morning came, the chiefs of different Arab tribes shouted out to their men to make one final rush. At this call, men jumped down from horses. With drawn swords they thrust themselve into enemy lines. Before noon they were in the heart of the Iranian host. Some of them reached as far deep as Rustam, the Iranian Commander. Sitting on his throne of gold, Rustam was directing the fight. Take by surprise, he jumped down and gave a good fight. But he was slain at last by a Muslim soldier, Halal bin Alqama. Halal jumped onto Rustam's throne of gold and shouted out, "By the Lord of the Kaaba, I have slain Rustam.!"

The death of Rustam completed the Iranian rout. Darufsh-i-Kawiyani fell in Muslim hands. Thirty thousand Iranians were killed. The Muslim loss was eight thousand killed.




[B]Calpih Receives the News[/B]

Omar was very anxious about the outcome of the battle. Each morning, he walked a few miles out of Medina and waited for the messenger of Qadisiya. One day, as he sat waiting, a camel-rider appeared in the distance.

"Wherefrom?" asked Omar, as the man came near.

"From Qadisiya," came the reply, and the man kept galloping on.

Omar ran by his side to keep pace and asked, "But what news have you brought?"

"Allah has granted victory to the Muslims," was the answer.

Thus Omar went on running by the side of the messenger, getting more details from him. When the two reached the town, people greeted Omar as the "Commander of the Faithful". The messenger was taken aback. He had never seen Omar before.

"O Commander, of the Faithful," he said in a low voice, "why did you not tell me who you were?"

"No harm has been done," said Omar. "Please go on with the details of your message."




[B]The Conquest of Iran[/B]

A party of Muslims will take the White Palace of the Iranian Emperor," the Holy Prophet had foretold several years ago.

Madain was the proud capital of Iran. Here lived the mighty Emperor, in his well-known White Palace. The imperial city was not more than forty miles for Qadisiya.

Saad's army rested after the Qadisiya victory for two months. When the men were fresh again, Saad ordered them to march towards Madain. Cities and forts that stood on the way were easily taken. Soon the Muslims reached the banks of the Tigris. The White Palace shimmered in the sun, on the oppostie bank.

The Iranians had destroyed the bridge on the river. So Saad ordered some of his men to get across and make the opposite bank safe for a landing. At once sixty horse-men threw themselves into the river. The sight so frightened the Iranian guards that they ran off, shouting, "The gians have come! The giants have come!"

Saad crossed over with his army. There was no opposition. Yezdgird and his courtiers had already fled.

At last the Muslims were inside the White Palace. Here they met with heaps of precious stones and untold treasures. One-fifth of this rich booty was sent to Medina. The rest was divided among the men. Every soldier got twelve-thousand pieces of gold, in hard cash, in addition to other valuable objects.

Saad and Omar were both grateful to Allah. Their men had shown perfect honesty and uprightness throughout the campaign. [/SIZE]

Strong words from Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A)
 

[B]After receiving the surrender of Jerusalem and completing the tour of Syria when Caliph Umar was returning to Madina he led the prayer at Jabiah. On this occasion he delivered an address which is preserved in history. The major part of his address was:[/B]

[SIZE="2"]"O ye people I counsel you to read the Qur'an. Try to understand it and ponder over it. Imbibe the teachings of the Qur'an. Then practise what the Quran teaches. The Qur'an is not theoretical; it is a practical code of life. The Qur'an does not bring you the message of the Hereafter only; it is primarily intended to guide you in this life. Mold your life in accordance with the teachings of Islam for that is the way of your well being. By following any other way you will be inviting destruction.

Fear Allah (The One True God), and whatever you want seek from Him. All men are equal. Do not flatter those in authority. Do not seek favors from others. By such acts you demean yourself. And remember that you will get only that is ordained for you, and no one can give you anything against the will of God. Then why seek things from others over which they have no control? Only supplicate God for He alone is the sovereign.

And speak the truth. Do not hesitate to say what you consider to be the truth. Say what you feel. Let your conscience be your guide. Let your intentions be good, for verily God is aware of your intentions. In your deeds your intentions count. Fear God, and fear no one else. Why fear others when you know that whatever sustenance ordained for you by God you will get under all circumstances? And again why fear when you know that death is ordained by God alone and will come only when He wills?

Allah has for the time being made me your ruler. But I am one of you. No special privileges belong to ruler. I have some responsibilities to discharge, and in this I seek your cooperation. Government is a sacred trust, and it is my endeavor not to betray the trust in any way. For the fulfillment of the trust I have to be a watch-man. I have to be strict. I have to enforce discipline. I have to run the administration not on the basis of personal idiosyncrasies; I have to run it in public interest and for promoting the public good. For this we have the guidance in the Book of God. Whatever orders I issue in the course of day to day administration have to conform to the Qur'an. God has favored us with Islam. He sent to us His Messenger (Muhammad, pbuh). He has chosen us for a mission. Let us fulfil that mission. That mission is the promotion of Islam. In Islam lies our safety; if we err we are doomed."[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]Hazrat Umar responding to a Christian Ruler - [/B]

[B]Hazrat Umar's response to a Christian Ruler.[/B]

Once a christian sent few questions to Hazrat Umar (R.A) and asked for their answers from Hazrat Umar (R.A). The questions were as follows:

1- Two children were born from a mother, at same time and day. They both died on same day as well. How can their age differ by one hundred years? Who were they? How is this possible?

2- Where is the piece of land which is exposed only once to sunlight from the creation of the Universe to the Qayamat?

3- Name the grave that was alive? The person buried was alive. The grave travelled with the buried person who came out of the grave, lived and then died?

4- Who is the prisoner who is not allowed to breath in the prison but he is still alive?



After reading these questions, Hazrat Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) called Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas and asked him to draft response to these questions. Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas responded as follows:

1- These two brothers are Hazrat Aziz (Peace be upon him) and Hazrat Uzair (Peace be upon him). Both of them born and died on same day. But Allah, by virtue of his utmost command, made Hazrat Uzair (R.A) dead for one hundred years. Hazrat Uzair (Peace be upon him) was alive again, went home, lived for few days and then both brothers died on the same day. This caused a difference of One Hundred years between the ages of two twin brothers.

2- That piece of land is the bottom of the sea where Firoun was drowned. Hazrat Moosa (Peace be upon him) and his followers crossed the sea which as a miracle dried and made way for them to cross. The sunlight was there only at that time. When Firoun tried to follow them, the sea came to its normal position and drowned Firoun and his army.

3- The alive grave and person buried alive were Fish and Hazrat Younis (Peace be upon him). The fish travelled in the sea. Hazrat Younis (Peace be upon him) then came out of the fish, lived for some time and then died.

4- The prisoner who do not breathe in the prison is a child growing inside mother. Allah has not mentioned the breathing of the child inside mother. The child does not breathe but is alive.

Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote these answers and Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) sent the answers to the Christian King. The King reviewed the answers and said that there may be some Prophet still alive within muslims because these answers can only be answered by a Prophet.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]Preaching of Islam[/B]

As the viceroy of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) his foremost duty was to spread and preach Islam. As mentioned above, the aim of various battles and wars was to clear the way for the Muslims for preaching Islam. Whenever any army had to attack a place it had to call the inhabitants of the place to Islam. Hadrat Umar was very strict in this respect and he had given standing orders to the commanders not to start war unless they had first invited the people to Islam. If they accepted it, there was no question of war and if they did not, then the war was fought only with those who were not giving a free hand to Muslims to preach the Right Path. No Person was ever forced to forsake his own faith and accept Islam.

The method adopted to preach Islam was demonstration by actual practice. For this purpose he ordered Muslims to establish their own quarters and present the practical shape of Islam before the population. Seeing the truthful way, the inhabitants of the glace were attracted towards Islam. No soldier was allowed to take any property or anything by force from the conquered people.

Because of fair treatment by the Muslims sometimes the whole army of the enemy accepted Islam. After the battle of Qadisiya a battalion of four thousand Persians accepted it. After the victory of Jalula, the chiefs of the place entered the folds of Islam along with the inhabitants. A commander of the army of Yadzgird, named Siyah accepted Islam with his battalion during a battle in Persia. All the inhabitants of the town of Bulhat in Egypt accepted Islam at one time without the use of any force only by seeing the piety of Muslims. A rich merchant and the chief of a place in Egypt, named Shata, accepted Islam with all the inhabitants of the place only after hearing about the character and piety of Muslims at the time when Muslims had not even reached that place. These are orally a few examples to show that Islam spread because of the character of Muslims at that time.

Umar (R.A.) was very strict in ensuring that no Muslims forced any non-Muslim to accept Islam. Through his advice, letters and addresses he made it clear to all the Muslims that they had to adhere to the ways of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) which was the only method to preach Islam. [/SIZE]

[SIZE="2"][B]Umar is reported to have left the following testament:[/B]

Be kind and generous to the Muhajirun and the Ansar. Those out of them who are good, be good to them; those who are bad overlook their lapses. Be good to the people of the conquered lands. They are the outer line of our defense; they are the target of the anger and distress of our enemies. They contribute to our revenues. They should be taxed only on their surplus wealth. Be gracious to the Bedouins as they are the backbone of the Arab nation. I instruct you to be good to the Dhimmis for they are your responsibility. Do not tax them beyond their capacity. Ensure that they pay the Jizya without undue inconvenience. Fear God, and in all that you do keep His pleasure in view. In the matter of people fear God, and in the matter of Allah do not be afraid of the people. With regard to the people, I enjoin upon you to administer justice with an even hand. See that all the legitimate requirements of the people are met. Be concerned for their welfare. Ensure the safety of their person and property. See that the frontiers of our domains are not violated. Take strong steps to guard the frontiers. In the matter of administration do not prefer the rich to the poor. Be hard against those who violate the law. Show them no mercy. Do not rest content until you have brought the miscreants to book. Treat all the people as equal. Be a pillar of strength for those who are weak and oppressed. Those who are strong but do wrong, make them pay for their wrong-doings. In the distribution of booty and other matters be above nepotism. Let no consideration of relationship or selfish interest weigh with you. The Satan is at large; it may tempt you. Rise above all temptations and perform your duties in accordance with the injunctions of Islam. Get guidance from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Freely consult the wise men around you. Apply your own mind in difficult cases, and seek light from God. Be simple in your living and your habits. Let there be no show or ostentation about you. Lead life as a model Muslim. As you are the leader of the Muslims, justify your leadership by being the best among them all. May God bless you.



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Umar the Great , and his Justice
 

Umar the Great , and his Justice

[SIZE="2"][B]Umar the Great ; and the SUN[/B][/SIZE]

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

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

[B][SIZE="2"]Why I choose Hazrat Umar (r.a):[/SIZE][/B]

[SIZE="2"]Once a person said to Hazrat Umar (RA) many times: “O’Umar, be afraid of Allah”. A person amongst the audience tried to stop that person. Hazrat Umar (RA) said, “No, let him say. If those people will not say anything to me then what is the use of those?


No doubt, that Hazrat Umar (r.a) is great leader in the world after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hazrat Umar (r.a) was second caliph in Islamic history. He ruled area of 1.8 million square
meters.
He is also the person that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tell Hazrat Umar ³you are in haven´
during his living in earth.
Hazrat Umar (r.a) is great leader that only Hazrat Umar established the administrative system
police system. He was very justice man, he never leave his own relative, if he was wrong.
Hazrat Umar (r.a) does his work own, mean the work of public. Hazrat Umar (r.a) has quality
Action speaks louder than words. Hazrat Umar (r.a) is very brave man, once Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) teaching on grave process that ³grave time is very though one when man died the initial
process difficult for man, when man alive again angles asked some question to man in very
dangerous and frightened way, angles were in frightening appearance´. Then Hazrat Umar (r.a)
asked to Muhammad (PBUH); Yarsool Allah (s.a.w.w) the angles seen by the man or not´ then
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: yes. Hazrat Umar (r.a) said ³then its ok I handle them´.
Hazrat Umar (r.a) petrol till late night to see needy and helpful people in streets and houses.
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[B]Once Hazrat Umer fell ill. It was suggested that he be given honey as a cure, and there was no honey at his home. A good stock of it, however, was there in the Bait-ul-Maal. Hazrat Umer sough the permission of the people in Masjid-i-Nabvi if he could take a little bit of honey from there. One express purpose behind seeking this open permission was to let the people know what little rights the caliph had in the use of public money.[/B]
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Once the first lady, Um-e- Kulsum, sent some perfume vials as a gift to the women of Kaiser of Rome. They, out of goodwill, returned the bottles of perfume, but filled with precious jewels. Hazrat Umer heard about the exchange. He ordered confiscation of the jewels, stating, “Perfume was yours, but the messenger used in the process was a government employee”. He ordered that the jewels be deposited in Baitul Maal, and his wife be compensated for the actual value of the perfume.[/COLOR][/B]
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Once his daughter, and Prophet’s wife, Hazrat Hafsa, came to him to claim her share in the war-booty on account of her special double status, “Zuwalqarba”. Hazrat Umer disappointed her by saying, “You will have your share in my portion, not in the war booty. It is sad that you tried to hoodwink your own father”. She felt ashamed for ever putting up such a demand.
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[B][SIZE="2"]Hazrat Ayaz bin Ghanam was appointed as the governor of Egypt. A report was received that Ayaz was leading a lifestyle that was not in line with the stated declaration. He had given himself to wearing fine silken clothes, and had also begun posting a guard at his residence. Hazrat Mohammad bin Musalama Ansari, a great Sahabi and his Ombudsman, or Chief Investigator was asked to look into the matter. On enquiry, the charges were found true. Hazrat Umer ordered that Ayaz bin Ghanam’s robe be replaced with a coarse woolen outfit, and he be reassigned to the tending of a herd of sheep. People heard Ayaz saying, “I wish I had been dead”. Hazrat Umer reminded him. “Why do not feel small in shepherding a herd.

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

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

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


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[B][SIZE="3"]Umar (ra) the great vs Alexander the great [/SIZE][/B]

[SIZE="2"]Who was "Alexander, the Great" – the Alexander of Macedonia or Umar Farooq (rh) of Islam? Historians of the world are duty-bound to answer this question. These are the days of the SMS, the mobile messaging system conveys thoughts in seconds from one corner of the world to another. Readers and viewers also utilize this modern facility now – yesterday someone sent a message to me wishing I had written a column on Umar Farooq (rh). This reminded me that that day was the day of the martyrdom of Umar Farooq (rh) and I am now thinking who was "Alexander, the Great" – the Alexander of Macedonia or Umar Farooq (rh) of Islam. We had read as a child that the Alexander of Macedonia became a king at the age of twenty and ventured out of Macedonia at 23. He first conquered the whole of Greece. Then he entered Turkey. After this he defeated Darius of Persia, entered Syria, moved to Jerusalem and then Babylon and Egypt and India. In India he fought King Porus and founded the city of Phalia in memory of his favorite horse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[SIZE="2"][B][U][SIZE="2"]Umar the great, Miscellaneous Anecdotes [/SIZE][/U][/B]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[SIZE="2"][B][SIZE="2"]Umar’s son marries a milkmaid[/SIZE][/B]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[B][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Magenta"]Sayings Of Umar(ra) the great[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]


[B]"He who keeps his own counsel keeps his affairs in his own hands."

"Fear him, whom you hate."

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

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

"Money cannot help lifting its head."

"What regresses. never progresses."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Acquire knowledge and teach it to the people"

"Be dignified, honest, and truthful"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Allah loves moderation and hates extravagance and excess."

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

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

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

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

"The pilgrims are the delegations of God."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Women should offer Zakat on their ornaments."

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

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

"Without consultation, the caliphate is unlawful."

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

"Do not accept gifts; that is bribery."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"To flatter is to slaughter."

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

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

"Do not overeat; that invites disease."

"He who wins through fraud is no winner."

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

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

"In the narration of facts refrain from poetising."

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

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

"In the performance of your duties neither be over zealous, nor indifferent."[/B]

[B]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.[/B]

[B][COLOR="Magenta"][SIZE="2"]Umar the great, bravery :)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]

[B]Hazrat Ali(ra) said: I didn't know anyone who emigrated in secret except umar ibn al khattab; because when he wanted to emigrate he strapped on his sword, put his bow over his shoulder, carried his arrows in his hands, and came to the kaabah where the nobles of the Quraysh. He performed seven circuits, and then prayed two rakaah in the station (of ibrahim)

Then he approached their circle one step at a time and said, 'What an ugly faces! Whoever wishes to bereave his mother, orphan his children and widow his wife let him meet me behind this valley.'
Not one of them followed him.
[/B]
[B][COLOR="Gray"]jalal ad din-asuyuti's the history of the khailifs;[/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR="Magenta"][SIZE="3"]The tears of Hadhrat Umar (R.A)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]

[B]The companions (R.A) once came to a conclusion that Hadhrat Umar be requested that in was in their best interest, for him, that he changed the currently worn robe with twelve patches on it for another one and that he consume fine foods morning and evening so that visitors may eat these foods too. After all, Allah has had the emperors of Rome and Persia conquered upon your hands. Delegations from Arabian and Non-Arabian lands approach you.
But who dared to approach Hadhrat Umar on the matter. It was decided that Ayesha (R.A) and Hafsah (R.A) are to be the advocates. The put forward the request, ' O Ameerul Mu'mineen! Upon your hands Allah has subdued emperors of Rome and Persia. Arabian and Non-Arabian delegates approach you. If you could exchange this twelve patched robe for one made from softer material, from which your awe can be recognized. Consume fine foods yourself and feed others those goods too. '
Upon hearing this Hadhrat Umar began to weep bitterly and then said, ' You tell me! Did the prophet peace be upon him ever fill his stomach with bread made from wheat flour or did he ever rest on a soft bed? Did he ever wear fine clothing? ' They replied in the negative. Hadhrat Umar said, ' In short i want to follow in the footsteps of my two predecessors. By Allah if i knew who sent you to me i would disfigure his face. '

Hadhrat Qatadah (R.A) narrates ,' It was reported to us that Hadhrat Umar traveled to Syria and there such food was prepared for him that he had not seen before. He questioned, ' Is this for us? Those poor Muslims that have passed away (what was for them) that they could not even fill their stomachs with bread made from barley.'
Hadhrat Amr Ibn Waleed (R.A) replied, ' For them there is Jannah.' Upon hearing this tears began to flow from the eyes of Umar (R.A) and he stated, 'Our share is from this worldly provision and they have taken Jannah. And this is the great difference between them and us. '

Hadhrat Zayd Ibn Aslam (R.A) states, ' Hadhrat Umar was keeping guard one night when he saw a light in a house. He focused his attention towards it. He saw an old women spinning away and reading these couplets;

Peace and blessings of the pious be upon Muhammad peace be upon him
The elite send their peace and blessings upon thee.
You worshipped throughout the night cried throughout the mornings.
There are different ways of d eath.
I wish if only i could know that there is house that would gather my beloved Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam and I.

Upon hearing this Umar (R.A) began to weep and carried on weeping. Then he knocked upon the old womans door. She questioned, ' Who is it? ' He replied, ' Umar. ' She said, ' What connection do i have with Umar? And what has bought him at this time? ' Then she opened the door, and repeated the couplets again. Hadhrat Umar requested, ' Include me in this prayer of yours also.' She said,' O Forgiver! forgive Umar also.'
After this he returned.

[/B]

[B][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Magenta"]The Day that Umar (R.A) wept[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]

[B]One day, Umar came to the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)'s house to see him. The blessed Prophet lived in a small apartment which bordered his mosque.

These apartments are now included in the beautifully-built Mosque of the Prophet in Madinah. But at that time, the walls were built of mud and stones, the roof of palm trees and stalks, and the floors of sand. The doors gave onto the courtyard and hall of prayer.


Umar (radiAllahu anhu) came to the door and sought permission to enter. "May Umar ibn Al-Khattab enter, O Prophet of Allah?," said Umar.

"Yes, come in, Umar," the Blessed Prophet replied.

Umar entered the room where the Blessed Prophet was resting. He first greeted the Blessed Prophet "Assalamu alaikum - Peace be with you."

"Wa' alaikum assalam - And with you be peace," replied the Blessed Prophet.


Umar (radiAllahu anhu) sat down on the floor and began to notice the room for the first time. There was no bed in the room. The Blessed Prophet was lying on a mat. Part of his body was on the floor and part on the mat. The mat was rough and the floor hard. The marks from the mat were visible on his body. He was wearing a garment of rough and coarse cloth. He had a pillow, but the pillow was filled with prickly leaves from a palm tree.
There was nothing else in the room, no wardrobe, no rich food to eat, no comfortable mattresses. Instead, in a corner were some berry leaves, and a small heap of barley, over which an untreated piece of leather was hanging.


Tears began to well up in Umar's eyes. When the Blessed Prophet saw Umar crying, he asked him, "Why! What were you crying about, Umar?"

Umar (radiAllahu anhu) answered in a bitter voice, "And why shouldn't I cry, O Prophet of Allah? I see your bedding and the marks from the mat on your back; I see all your belongings which amount to nothing, and yet you are the Prophet of God and His chosen Messenger!
The emperors of the Byzantine and the Persian empires are living in luxury and comfort. Their thrones are made of gold and their clothing and bedding are made of the finest silks". Umar waved his arm to illustrate. "And this is all you have - this is your treasure."


The Blessed Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) smiled and looked kindly and affectionately at Umar (radiAllahu anhu). "Are you not happy, O Umar that we shall receive our riches and treasures and comforts in the eternal life. The kings of this world have received their full share here, and even this share is going to be useless for them as soon as they depart from this world. Our share is to come later, but once we receive it, it will remain with us forever."


Umar understood then that the government the Blessed Prophet was going to establish was not a government of kings and emperors, but a government of the servents of Allah, who live not for this world and its transient rewards and comforts, but for the world to come, for the everlasting rewards and tresures to be found in the Hereafter. [/B]

[U][U][B][COLOR="Magenta"][SIZE="2"]By Divinely-ordained prescription (tawqif) the best human beings after Prophets are the Companions,in the following order:[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/U][/U]

[B][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]• First, the Ten Promised Paradise;[/COLOR][/B]

[B]these are: Abu Bakr, `[SIZE="3"]Umar,[/SIZE] `Uthman, Ali, al-Zubayr ibn al-`Awwam, Talha, `Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf, Abu -Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah, Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas, and Sa`id ibn Zayd ibn `Amr.[/B]
[B][SIZE="2"]• Then the senior Companions among those who fought at Badr (all those who fought at Badr having been promised Paradise).
• Then those who gave bay`at al-ridwân under the Tree and those Ansâr distinguished for the two pacts preceding Emigration (al-`aqabatayn) according to Abu Mansur al-Baghdadi as reported by Ibn Jama`a in al-Manhal al-Rawi (p. 112).
• Then those who entered Islam the year of the conquest of Mecca.
• Then the younger Companions who saw the Prophet as children. Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr would belong to this category.

As for Ahl al-Bayt such as our Mothers the wives of the Prophet and al-Sayyida Fatima and her two children, they are in a class apart with the Prophet . WAllahu a`lam.[/SIZE][/B]

[B][COLOR="Magenta"][SIZE="3"]love of Ahlul-bayt[ra] for Abu bakr[ra] and Umar[ra]the great[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]

[B] فهذه مقتطفات من كتاب ( فضائل الصحابة ومناقبهم وقول بعضهم في بعض ) للدارقطني .
وقد اقتصرت على نص الحديث وعلى الأحاديث الصحيحة أو الحسنة من خلال حكم محقق الكتاب : محمد بن خليفة الرباح ، وذكرت حكم المحقق بعد ذكر الرواية مباشرة .
وهذه الروايات هي من فصل ( ذكر ماروي عن آل أبي طالب وأولاد علي عليهم السلام في أبي بكر وعمر عليهما السلام ) .


1 – عن جعفر بن محمد عن أبيه أن عبدالله بن جعفر قال : رحم الله أبابكر كان لنا والياً فنعم الوالي كان لنا ، مارأينا حاضنا قط كان خيراً منه ، إنا لجلوس عنده يوماً في البيت إذا جاءه عمر ومعه أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقاموا في الباب فاستأذن عمر وكان الاستئذان ثلاثاً فاستأذن مرة فلم يؤذن له ثم استأذن الثانية فلم يؤذن له فما كان الثالثة استأذن فقال له أبوبكر : ادخل ، فدخل ومعه أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عيه وسلم .
فقال عمر : ياخليفة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم حبستنا بالباب استأذنا مرتين فلم تأذن لنا وهذه الثالثة .
فقال : إن بني جعفر كان بين أيديهم طعام يأكلونه فخفت أن تدخلوا فتشركوهم في طعامهم .
قال : ثم أمر أبوبكر بفتل الكلاب ، قال : ولي جرو تحت السرير ، قال : قلت : يا أبه وكلبي أيضاً ، قال : أما كلب ابني فلا .
ثم أشار بيده أن خذوه من تحت السرير ، قال : فلا أدري كيف ذهب به [ حسن لغيره ].

Ja’afar bin Muhammad from his Father from Abdullah ibn Ja’afar that he said: “May Allah have mercy on Abu bakr he ruled over us and he was the best of rulers, we never met one better than him…”
Grading: Hasan li-Ghayrihi.

2 – عن جعفر عن أبيه أنه سمع من عبدالله بن جعفر قال : ولينا أبوبكر الصديق ، فما ولينا أحد من الناس مثله . [ صحيح ] .

Ja’afar from his father that he heard from Abdullah bin Ja’afar that he said: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq became our ruler and no one ruled us like he did.
Grading: Sahih.

3 – عن سالم بن أبي حفصة قال : سألت أبا جعفر محمد بن علي وجعفر بن محمد عن أبي بكر وعمر عليهما السلام ، فقالا لي : ياسالم تولهما وابرأ من عدوهما فإنهما كانا إمامي هدى . [ حسن ] .

Salim ibn Abi Hafsa that he said: I Asked Abu Ja’afar Muhammad ibn Ali and Ja’afar bin Muhammad about Abu Bakr and ‘Umar peace be upon them and they told me: “Ya Salim, be loyal to them and cut your ties from their enemies as they were two Imams of guidance.“
Grading: Hasan.

4 – عن سالم بن أبي حفصة قال : قال لي جعفر بن محمد : ياسالم أيسب الرجل جده ؟ أبوبكر رضي الله عنه جدي ، لانالتني شفاعة محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم يوم القيامة إن لم أكن أتولاهما وأبرأ من عدوهما . [ حسن ] .

Salim bin abi Hafsa said: Ja’afar bin Muhammad told me: “Ya Salim would a man insult his grandfather? Abu bakr may Allah be pleased with him is my grand father, may the intercession of Muhammad SAWS never reach me on the day of Judgement if I wasn’t loyal to them and didn’t disassociate myself from their enemies.“
Grading: Hasan.

5 – عن بسام بن عبدالله الصيرفي قال : سألت أباجعفر قلت : ماتقول في أبي بكر وعمر رضي الله عنهما ، فقال : والله إني لأتولاهما وأستغفر لهما وما أدركنا أحد من أهل بيتي إلا وهو يتولاهما . [ حسن ] .

From Bassam bin Abdullah al-Sayrafi: I asked Abu Ja’afar: What do you say about Abu bakr and ‘Umar may Allah be pleased with them? He replied: “By Allah I am loyal to them and I ask Allah to forgive them and we never met anyone from my family who was not loyal to them.“
Grading: Hasan.

6 – عن عيسى بن دينار المؤذن مولى عمرو بن الحارث الخزاعي قال : سألت أباجعفر عن أبي بكر وعمر فقال : مسلمين رحمهما الله .
فقلت له : أتولاهما وأستغفر لهما .
فقال : نعم .
قلت : أتأمرني بذلك .
قال : نعم ثلاثاً ، فما أصابك فيهما فعلى عاتقي ، وقال بيده على عاتقيه ،
وقال : كان بالكوفة علي رضي الله عنه خمس سنين فما قال لهما إلا خيراً ولا قال لهما أبي إلا خيراً ولا أقول إلا خيراً . [ صحيح ] .

From Isa bin Dinar al-Muatthin the mawla of ‘Amro bin al-Harith al-Khuza’ee: I asked Abu Ja’afar about Abu bakr and ‘Umar and he answered: Muslims may Allah have mercy on them.
I told him: Should I be loyal to them and ask Allah to forgive them?
He said: Yes.
I said: Do you order me to do so?
He said: Yes, Yes, Yes (three times) and I take responsibility for what I say.
He continued saying: Ali may Allah be pleased with him was in al-Kufa for five years and he always spoke good of them and so did my father and so do I.
Grading: Sahih.

7 – عن علي بن هشام عن أبيه قال : سمعت زيد بن علي يقول : البراءة من أبي بكر وعمر ، البراءة من علي رضي الله عنه . [ حسن لغيره ] .

From Ali bin Hisham from his father: I heard Zaid bin Ali say: “If one disassociates himself from Abu Bakr and ‘Umar then he also disassociates himself from Ali may Allah be pleased with him.”
Grading: Hasan li-Ghayrihi.

8 – عن فضيل بن مرزوق قال : قال زيد بن علي بن الحسين : أما أنا فلو كنت مكان أبي بكر رضي الله عنه لحكمت بمثل ماحكم به أبوبكر عليه السلام في فدك [ حسن ] .

From Fudayl bin Marzouq that he said: Zaid bin Ali bin al-Hussein said: As for me, If I were in the place of Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him I would have ruled the same as he did regarding the land of Fadak.
Grading: Hasan.

9 – عن هلال بن خباب عن الحسن بن محمد بن الحنفية أنه قال : يا أهل الكوفة اتقوا الله ولاتقولوا في أبي بكر وعمر ماليسا له بأهل ، إن أباكر الصديق رضي الله عنه كان مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في الغار ثاني اثنين ، وإن عمر أعز الله به الدين . [ حسن ] .




From Hilal bin Khabab from al-Hassan ibn Muhammad bin al-Hanafiyyah that he said: “O people of Kufa fear Allah and do not say bad things about Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, Abu bakr was al-Siddiq may Allah be pleased with him and he was the second of the two in the cave with the Prophet PBUH, and as for ‘Umar, Allah had strengthened Islam with ‘Umar.“
Grading: Hasan.

10 – عن أبي خالد الأحمر قال : سألت عبدالله بن حسن عن أبي بكر وعمر فقال : صلى الله عليهما ولا صلى على من لايصلي عليهما . [ حسن ] .

From Abu Khaled al-Ahmar: I asked ‘Abdullah bin al-Hassan about Abu bakr and ‘Umar so he said: “May the peace of Allah be upon them and no peace on those who don’t send peace upon them.“
Grading: Hasan.

11 – عن عمار الضبي عن عبيدالله بن الحسن قال : ما أرى رجلاً يسب أبابكر وعمر تثبت له توبةً أبداً . [ حسن ] .

From ‘Ammar al-Dhabbhi from ‘Ubeidullah bin al-Hassan that he said: I do not see that Allah will accept the repentance of any man who insults Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.
Grading: Hasan.

12 – عن عمرو بن قيس الملائي قال : سمعت جعفر بن محمد يقول : برىء الله ممن تبرأ من أبي بكر وعمر . [ حسن ] .

From ‘Amro bin Qays al-Mallaee: I heard Ja’afar bin Muhammad say: “Allah has disassociated himself from those who disassociated themselves from Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.”
Grading: Hasan.

13 – عن مسعدة بن اليسع عن جعفر بن محمد عن أبيه : إن آل أبي بكر كانوا يدعون على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آل محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم [ حسنٌ لأبي جعفر ] .

From Mus’adah bin al-Yasi’i from Ja’afar bin Muhammad from his father: “During the time of the Prophet SAWS the Family(Aal) of Abu bakr used to be also called the Family(Aal) of Muhammad SAWS.“
Grading: Hasan li-Abu Ja’afar.

14 – عن سالم بن أبي الجعد أنه كان مع محمد بن علي بالشعب قال : فقلت له يوماً : يا أبا عبدالله أكان أبوبكر أول القوم إسلاماً .
قال : لا ، فقلت : فبأي شيء علا وسبق حتى لايذكر أحد غيره .
قال : لأنه كان خيرهم إسلاماً يوم أسلم ثم لم يزل كذلك حتى قبضه الله على ذلك . [ حسن ] .

From Salim bin abu al-Ja’ad that he was with Muhammad bin Ali in al-Shu’ab: I told him one day:O Abu Abdullah was Abu Bakr the first of the people to accept Islam?
Muhammad bin Ali replied: “No he was not.”
Then I asked: So how is it that he holds such a high status that everyone keeps speaking of him?
He answered me: “Because he was the best of them in Islam when he accepted it and he remained like that until Allah took his soul.”[/B]

[SIZE="2"][B][COLOR="Magenta"][SIZE="3"]
Hazrat Ibn Umar radiyallahu anhu reports, "The Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a ring made of silver. The top portion remained towards the inside. On it was engraved 'Muhammad the Rasoolullah'. The people were prohibited from making this inscription on their rings. This is the same ring which fell from the hands of Hazrat Mu'ayqib radiyallahu anhu into the well of Arees during the reign of Hazrat Uthman radiyallahu anhu." Commentary.The reason for the Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam prohibiting the Sahabah radiyallahu anhum to make the same inscription on their rings is because the Sahabah radiyallahu anhum followed and imitated the Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam in every sphere of life, and by doing so it was feared that there would be a confusion with the original seal. Hazrat Mu'ayqib radiyallahu anhu was a Sahabi and the guardian (keeper) of the ring of the Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam. When the Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam did not wear the ring it was kept by Hazrat Mu'ayqib radiyallahu anhu. In the same manner it was kept by him during the reign of Hazrat Abubakr, Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Uthman radiyallah anhum. During the reign of Hazrat Uthman radiyallahu anhu, while sitting at the well of Arees, Hazrat Mu'ayqib radiyallahu anhu was giving the ring to Hazrat Uthman radiyallah anhu or was taking it from him and it accidentally fell into the well. This incident is mentioned in many ahaadith. As to whether it fell from the hands of Hazrat Uthman radiyallahu anhu or from the hands of Mu'ayqib radiyallahu anhu, the Ulama have adopted the view that it was the latter. Both ahaadith agree that it happened between them. [/SIZE][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE]

[B] Farooq-e-Azam (ra) the great [/B]

[COLOR="Magenta"][B][SIZE="2"]Greatness and sweetness and beauty of beloved farooq-e-azam(radi allah anhu)[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]

[B]Once when Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umar and Hazrat Hussain , were small kids, they were playing. And as it usually happens, when kids play they end up fighting, the same happened here, Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umar , And Hazrat Imam Hussain , began fighting, so Hazrat Abdullah hit Hazrat Hussain . Because he hit him, Hussain , he got really angry, and as he was a kid, he retailiated back, but Abdullah , kept gettin the better of him, so in frustation Hazrat Hussain said to Hazrat Abdullah

"How dare you hit me, when you know that your father (Hazrat Umar is the slave/ ghulam of my grandad "

When Abdullah , heared this, he began crying and went to his dad Hazrat Umar , and Hazrat Umar , cheered him up and asked him why was he crying. So Abdullah , told him that Hussain , had said that "your father is my grandads slave", upon hearing this Hazrat Umar , jumped up!! and he said to Abdullah , "did he really say that?", Abdullah , told him "yes".

So Hazrat Umar , said to his son, go to Hussain , and tell him to write what he said on paper, so Abdullah , did that and he bought the paper back to Hazrat Umar .

Then Hazrat Umar , said to his son, "when i die, bury this paper with me, so the angels know that i am RasoolAllahs , slave, and they might forgive me for me being his slave"[/B]

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Magenta"][SIZE="2"][B]Umar came and people forgot the justice of Kisra,
Such was the legacy of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs…’[/COLOR][/SIZE]

During the caliphate of Umar bin Al-Khattab (radiallahu ‘anh), Amr bin Al-Aas (radiallahu ‘anh) was appointed the Governor of Egypt. One of Amr’s first projects was to expand the main mosque of Cairo, which was at the time surrounded by the dwellings of ordinary Egyptians. Amr’s workers proceeded to buy the houses of the Egyptians so that they could be destroyed to pave the way for the expansion. All the people agreed to sell their houses except one Coptic Christian man. He refused to give up his home as it was of sentimental value to him. The matter reached all the way to Amr, so he asked to see the Copt. Amr offered the Copt double, triple and quadruple the value of his house but the Copt refused to sell it whatever the price. After much persuasion the Copt refused to budge so Amr became angry and ordered the Copt’s house to be destroyed by force and for him to be offered to take or leave its price.

The Copt was distraught and felt that he had been wronged by this new Muslim Governor of Egypt. Unsure who to seek help from he was eventually advised: “Go to Madinah and speak to the Caliph, Umar bin Al Khattab, for no man is wronged in his lands.” So the Copt decided to travel to Madinah to complain to the Caliph about how he had been unjustly treated by one of his governors. When he arrived in Madinah and asked to see the Caliph he was told, “Go to the Sacred Mosque of the Prophet (salallahu ‘alayhe wasalam) and there you will find a man sweeping the floor. Speak to him.” The Copt thus went to the Sacred Mosque hoping that its sweeper would be able to direct him to the Caliph.

When the Copt entered the Sacred Mosque, he found this man sweeping its floor so the Copt asked him if he could help him get to the Caliph. The Sweeper asked him, “And what business do you have to speak to the Caliph about?” The Copt replied, “I have been wronged by one of his governors so the people asked me to complain to the Caliph as he is a just man and no one is wronged in his lands,” and he related to the Sweeper the story of what had happened to his house in Cairo.

Having listened attentively to the Copt’s story, the Sweeper picked up a stone and with another stone he scratched two lines on it, one crossing the other at right angles. He gave the stone containing the lines to the Copt and told him to give it to the Governor of Egypt with the words, “This stone is from the Sweeper of the Sacred Mosque of Allah’s Messenger .” The Copt thought that the Sweeper was mocking him but the Sweeper reassured him to do as he said and his problem would be resolved. The Sweeper made no mention of the Caliph. The Copt thus returned to Egypt with the stone given to him by the Sweeper of the Sacred Mosque of Allah’s Messenger .

When the Copt arrived back in Egypt he went to Amr straight away and gave him the stone saying that it was from the Sweeper of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. No sooner had Amr seen the lines on the stone except that his face went pale in fright. Amr began to apologise profusely to the Copt and immediately ordered that the part of the mosque built over the Copt’s house must be rebuilt exactly as and where it was. Puzzled by this sudden change of heart in the Governor, the Copt asked Amr what the significance was of a simple stone with two lines on it. Amr thus related to him the story behind The Stone of Justice.

During their early adulthood in Makkah before the advent of the Prophet , Umar bin Al Khattab and Amr bin Al-Aas were the best of friends. They were also business partners, trading in fine Arabian horses. Once they received an order for a significant quantity of horses from King Numan, the Arab King of the Al-Mundhir Governate which, being under the rule of the Persian Empire was a buffer region between Arabia and Persia (represented today by parts of modern-day Iraq). King Numan made a down payment to Umar and Amr, who promptly set about finding and training horses to meet the King’s requirements. When the horses were ready, the two friends set off to Al-Mundhir to deliver them to their buyer, King Numan.

Whilst they were travelling through the desert in Al-Mundhir, they came across a royal entourage. It turned out to belong to a Persian prince, a son of the Emperor Kisra, who had come on a hunting expedition to Al-Mundhir. The Prince, upon sighting the fine Arabian horses, asked to see their owners. He offered to buy the horses from the two friends but was told by them that they had already been sold to a buyer, but that he could place a fresh order with them if he wanted to. The Prince doubled and trebled his offer but Umar and Amr refused to go back on their contract with King Numan, so they politely declined the Prince’s offers. After much haggling the pompous Prince grew impatient and ordered his guards to seize (without payment) the horses from the two men and to send them away.

Distraught, Umar and Amr were unsure of what to do. Local tribesmen advised them to travel to the capital of the Persian Empire itself and speak to the Emperor, Kisra, as he was a just man and no one was wronged in his empire. The two friends thus journeyed into Persia and, weary and dishevelled, eventually reached Kisra’s court. They complained to him that their horses had been stolen by a man who claimed to be a son of the Emperor. Kisra listened to them intently and then asked the two men to return to him the following day whilst he looked into the matter. He ordered his palace courtiers to arrange hospitality for the two men, as guests of the Emperor.

The following day Umar and Amr went to Kisra and he came down to them from his throne, asking the two to accompany him. He led them to a courtyard where, lo and behold, they saw their stolen horses. Kisra asked them to confirm if these were their horses that the Prince had seized from them and if so, that they should check that they were okay. Umar and Amr carefully checked each horse and informed Kisra that everything was just fine. Kisra then profusely apologised to the two for what had happened and he asked them if he could be of any further assistance to them. They told him that they were satisfied now and would like to continue on their journey. Kisra ordered his staff to give the men some provisions and he guaranteed them safe passage until they left the precincts of his territory. Just before they left, Kisra asked the two to leave the palace grounds from their two different gates: the Eastern Gate and the Western Gate.

Umar bin Al Khattab left via the Eastern Gate and, to his astonishment, he saw hanging there half of the body of the Persian Prince, son of Kisra, as if he had been sawn in two. When he rejoined Amr, Amr told him that he had seen the other half of the Prince’s corpse hanging from the Western Gate. Kisra was not prepared to let a spoilt son of his damage his widespread reputation as the beacon of justice in the East. He not only wanted justice to be done, but he wanted that justice must be seen to be done.

Having related this story to the Copt, Amr bin Al Aas , by now Governor of Egypt, told the Copt that the man sweeping the Sacred Mosque of the Prophet was none other than the Caliph himself: Umar bin Al Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. And what Amr understood from the two lines scratched on the stone was that if he did not return the house to the Copt then Umar would cut him not in two halves like the Persian prince was, but into four quarters. Since Amr knew that whenever Umar said something he meant it, he took no chances and ordered the Copt’s house to be rebuilt, albeit at the expense of destroying part of the newly built mosque. No sooner had the Copt seen with his own eyes the concept of justice amongst the Muslims that he accepted Islam immediately and gave his consent for the mosque grounds to remain on the same spot where his house used to be.

Justice is a bedrock of every successful nation, society and civilisation. Justice, especially when given to the poor and downtrodden, creates an atmosphere of secure, peaceful coexistence in which not only the people, but the society itself prospers for the good of humankind. Kisra’s intolerance of injustice, even if perpetrated by his own kith and kin, was one reason why the Persian Empire flourished as a superpower for over 500 years. Since the Emperor was just, all of his subjects were just and people felt safe in his lands. Had the Persian Empire not been conquered by a Muslim army whose soldiers established individual justice (through the fear of Allah) as well as societal justice, then it may have remained a world superpower until today. The Persians’ rejection of the Divine Message eventually led to the decay which destroyed their civilisation. When the Muslims arrived, people forgot the justice of the Persians. When Umar bin Al Khattab came, people forgot the justice of Kisra.

And what was the justice of Umar? Ink will dry and paper will finish before it is possible to describe all the living examples of justice established by the Prophet and embodied in the legacies of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs who succeeded him. Yet one statement, made by a Roman, reveals a glimpse into the justice of Umar , the second Caliph after the death of the Prophet . One afternoon a Roman emissary arrived in Madinah on important diplomatic business with the Caliph. When he enquired as to the whereabouts of Umar , he was directed to a man sleeping peacefully under a tree: with no bodyguards, no weapons, no fortifications and no security. The Roman messenger marvelled at this sight: the sight of the leader of millions of people sleeping peacefully under a tree without a care in the world. He then remarked his famous words that remain etched into history until today: “O Umar! You ruled. You were just. Thus you were safe. And thus you slept.”

Such is the security that justice brings to both the ruler and the ruled. Umar was just to his people so he had nothing to fear from them. He rendered to everyone their rights so they had no grievances against him. His people slept in peace. So he too slept in peace. How the world yearns for this sleep!

[COLOR="DimGray"]O Umar! If only you would return,

To spread justice so the world would learn,

That even a stone of your justice,

Would rescue it from this fathomless abyss.[/COLOR]
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[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Magenta"][B]Family tree of Umar(ra) the great[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Umar married a total of 9 women in his lifetime and had 14 children, 10 sons and 4 daughters.

The details are as follow:

Wife: Zaynab bint Mazh'un (at the time of Jahiliyyah [Days of Ignorance])

Son: Abdullah ibn Umar
Son: Abdulrahman ibn 'Umar (The Older)
Son: Abdulrahman ibn 'Umar
Daughter: Hafsa bint Umar

Wife: Umm Kulthum bint Jarwila Khuzima (divorced)

Son: Ubaidullah ibn Umar
Son: Zayd ibn 'Umar

Wife: Quraybah bint Abi Umayyah al-Makhzumi (divorced, married by Abdulrehman ibn Abu Bakr)
Wife: Umm Hakim bint al-Harith ibn Hisham (after her husband, a former ally of 'Umar and a companion Ikrimah ibn Abi-Jahl was killed in Battle of Yarmouk, later divorced but al-Madaini says he did not divorce her)[85]

Daughter: Fatima bint 'Umar

Wife: Jamilah bint Ashim ibn Thabit ibn Abi al-Aqlah (from the tribe of Aws)[84][86][87]

Son: Asim ibn Umar

Wife: Atikah bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nifayl (cousin of Umar and former wife of Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr[86][88] married 'Umar in the year 12 AH and after 'Umar was murdered, she married az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam)

Son: Iyaad ibn 'Umar

Wife: Umm Kulthum bint 'Ali (the daughter of Ali ibn Abi Talib).

Son: Zayd ibn 'Umar, (famously known as Ibnul Khalifatayn; the son of the two Caliphs i.e Umar and Ali).
Daughter: Ruqayyah bint 'Umar

Wife: Luhyah (a woman from Yemen (Yaman) who's marital status with 'Umar is disputed, al-Waqidi said that she was Umm Walad, meaning a slave woman)

Son: Abdulrahman ibn 'Umar (the youngest Abdulrehman while some say the middle Abdulrehman from Luhyah)

Wife: Fukayhah (as Umm Walad)

Daughter: Zaynab bint 'Umar (the smallest child of 'Umar from Fukayhah)

[/B]