Umar ibn Al-Khattab Al-Fârûq

‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab.

 Al-Fârûq (the one who distinguishes truth from falsehood) 

  In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.  

 In this tour we will be in the company of the second man in Islam, after the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and after Abu Bakr As-Siddîq. 

This is the man whose name is paired with justice and truth, strength and courage, and asceticism and godliness.  His name is linked to piety, observing and fearing Allah, and crying out of fearing Him.  This man is known for his intuition and intelligence, his accuracy of vision and insight, of being conscientious, and of conquering the desires of the self.   It is Al-Fârûk ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him.  

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab: Ancestry and Attributes

His full name was Umar ibn Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl ibn Abdul- Uzza. He was known as Abu Hafs and earned the nickname of Al Farooq (the Criterion) because he showed his Islam openly in Makkah and through him Allah distinguished between disbelief and faith. was born in 583 AC, thirteen years after the year of the Elephant. His father was Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl, and his grandfather Nufayl was one of those whom Quraysh used to refer for judgment. His mother was Hantamah bint Hashim bin Al Mugheerah.

With regard to his physical characteristics, he was white with a reddish complexion. He was muscular, tall, solid and bald. He was very strong, not weak or puny. When he walked, he walked quickly, when he spoke, he spoke clearly, and when he stuck, he caused pain (Al-Sayed,1996).

Umar ibn Al-Khattab in the Pre-Islamic Society

Umar spent half of his life in the pre-Islamic society 'Jahiliyah', and grew up like his peers of Quraysh, except that he has an advantage over them in that he was one of those who had learned to read, of whom there were very few. He bore responsibility at an early age, and had a very harsh upbringing in which he knew no type of luxury or manifestation of wealth. His father Al-Khattab forced him to tend his camels. His father's harsh treatment had a negative effect on Umar which he remembered all his life. Undoubtedly, this job -tending

livestock- which was the constant work of Umar in Makkah, before he entered Islam, caused him to acquire good characteristics, such as forbearance, patience and toughness. But tending sheep was not the only work that the son of Al-Khattab did during the pre-Islamic era (Ibraheem, 2005: 226).

Ibn al-Jawzi said, “you should know that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, is one of those for whom the good has preceded from Allah. He was honoured both in Islam and in the pre-Islamic period.” (The Enlightenment 1/415).

From his early youth he also excelled in many kinds of sports, such as wrestling, riding and horsemanship. He enjoyed and narrated poetry, and he was interested in the history and affaires of his people. He was keen to attend the great fairs of the Arabs, such as Ukaz, Mijannah and Dhu al-Majaz, where he would make the most of the opportunity to engage in trade and learn the history of the Arabs, and the battles and contests that had taken place among the tribes. Besides, he engaged in trade and made profit, which made him one of the rich men of Makkah. He became acquainted with many people in the countries that he visited for the purpose of trade. He travelled to Syria in the summer and Yemen in the winter. Thus, he occupied a prominent position in Makkan society during the pre-Islamic era, and played an effective role in shaping events. He was assisted by the outstanding history of his forefathers. His grandfather Nufayl ibn Abdul-Uzza was one to whom Quraysh referred their disputes for judgment, and his ancestor Kaab was held in high esteem by the Arabs. They had recorded their history from the year of his death until the event of the Elephant. Umar inherited this status from his forefathers which brought him a great deal of knowledge about the life and circumstances of the Arabs, in addition to his own smartness and intelligence. So they would come to him to resolve their disputes (Al-Ani & Zaien, 1989: 16).

Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was wise, eloquent, well spoken, strong, tolerant, noble, persuasive and clear of speech, which made him qualified to be an ambassador for Quraysh, to speak up for them before the other tribes. Ibn al- Jawzi said: the role of ambassador fell to Umar ibn Al-Khattab. If there was a war between Quraysh and another tribe, they would send him as an ambassador, and if another tribe was boasting against them, they would send him to respond in kind, and they were pleased with him (Ibn Al-Jawzi, 2001: 11).

Umar lived during the pre-Islamic era and knew it inside out.

He knew its true nature, its customs and traditions, and he defended it with all the power he possessed. Therefore, when he entered Islam he understood its beauty and true nature, and he recognized the great difference between guidance and misguidance, disbelief and faith, truth and falsehood, and he spoke his famous words: "The bonds of Islam will be undone one by one when there will be a generation brought up in Islam who do not know what ignorance is" (Aashour, 1998: 144).

HOW 'UMAR IBN AL KHATTAB BECAME MUSLIM

‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) was one of the nobles of the Quraysh, broad-shouldered, tall and brave. He was feared and respected by all. How the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wished that he should accept Islam, as he often prayed to God for showing him the right path.

Fatima bint al-Khattab (adhiallahu ‘anha), the sister of ‘Umar, accepted Islam and shortly thereafter, her husband Sa’id Ibn Zayd (radhiallahu ‘anhu), too, followed suit. But both kept it a closely guarded secret since they feared the violent inclination of ‘Umar’s nature. They knew that ‘Umar was a zealous adherent of his forefathers’ religion and carried a bitter aversion to the new faith in his bosom. Khabbab Ibn Aratt secretly taught the Qur’an to Fatima bint al-Khattab after her conversion.

‘Umar planned to murder the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). One day he sallied forth, with a sword hanging from his neck to find out the house near as-Safa where the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his companions were reported to have assembled. Nu’aym Ibn ‘Abdullah, who belonged to ‘Umar’s tribe of Bani ‘Adiy and who had already acknowledged faith in the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), happened to see ‘Umar along the way armed and fiercely agitated. He asked, “Umar, where are you going?”

“I seek for Muhammad,” was ‘Umar’s reply, “And I will slay him; he has forsaken our religion, shattered the unity of the Quraysh; ridiculed them and vilified their gods. Today I will settle the matter once and for all.”

“Anger has blinded you,” retorted Nu’aym, “Would it not be better to set your own family in order?”

‘Umar was taken aback. He asked, “And who are they in my family?”

Nu’aym replied, “Your brother-in-law and cousin Sa-id Ibn Zayd and your sister Fatima. They have given faith to Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and accepted his religion. Better deal with them first.”

‘Umar immediately hurried on to the house of his sister. Khabbab was at that time reading the Surah Ta Ha (20th Chapter of the Qur’an) to the couple from a manuscript he had with him. When they caught the footsteps of ‘Umar, Khabbab hid himself inside a small room whereas Fatima instantly concealed the manuscript beneath her thigh. But as ‘Umar had already heard Khabbab reciting the scripture, he demanded on entering the house, “What was this nonsense murmur that I heard?’

“Nothing,” both answered, but “What have you heard?”

“Yes, I accidentally discovered,” continued ‘Umar angrily. “I know that both of you have joined the sect of Muhammad.” With these words, ‘Umar threw himself upon his brother-in-law. Fatima rushed in to save her husband, but ‘Umar struck her hard and wounded her.

All this happened abruptly, but now, both husband and wife boldly and openly asserted: “Yes, we are Muslims; we believed in Allah and His Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam); do whatever you will.”

‘Umar saw the blood flowing from the wound he had inflicted on his sister; his anger gave in to shame coupled with admiration for his sisters courage. Cooled down, he asked for the manuscript that he had heard Khabbab reading. He said “Show me the manuscript. I want to know what Muhammad has brought.” In reality, ‘Umar knew the art of reading and writing.

Fatima, however, replied, “I fear what you might do with it.”

“Umar promised, with solemn assurance, not to destroy it. Fatima, too, thought that he might change his views after reading the scripture. She said to him politely but firmly, “My brother, you are unclean because of your polytheism, and only the pure can touch it.” ‘Umar rose and took a bath. His sister then gave him the pages on which Surah Ta Ha was written. He had read only a few lines when he exclaimed in amazement,

“How noble and sublime is this speech!”

Thereupon Khabbab came out of his concealment and said, “O ‘Umar, by God, I hope that Allah would bless you with His Prophet’s (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) call; for I heard him just last night imploring earnestly; “O Allah, strengthen Islam by Abul Hakam (Abu Jahl) or ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab. Now, ‘Umar have some fear of God.”

‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) asked Khabbab to lead him to the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) so that he might accept Islam. On being told by Khabbab that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was in a house at as-Safa with his companions, ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) immediately took his sword and headed for him. When ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) knocked at the door indicated by Khabbab(radhiallahu ‘anhu), one of the companions got up through a chink in the door to be sure of the person. Seeing ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) with his sword on, he hurried back appalled to report, “Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) of Allah, ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab is here armed with his sword.”

Hamza (radhiallahu ‘anhu) intervened to say, “Let him in. If he comes with a peaceful intent, then it is alright, but if not, therewith we will kill him with his own sword.” The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered the companion to open the door for ‘Umar to enter and thus join them.

As ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) entered the door, the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went forth to meet him in the room. He seized his cloak and pulling it rather firmly, said to him, “What for have you come, O son of Khattab? By God, I see that some calamity is to befall you before you have the final summons.”

But ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) replied submissively, “O Messenger of Allah, I have come to attest my faith in Allah and His Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and what he has brought from God.”

The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) raised the cry of Allah-O-Akbar so loudly that all the companions present in the house came to know that ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu), had just accepted Islam (Ibn Hisham, Vol. I, pp. 342-46).

‘Umar’s (radhiallahu ‘anhu) conversion was a turning point in the fortunes of Islam as it made Muslims feel all the more confident and strengthened. Hamza (radhiallahu ‘anhu) had already accepted Islam beforehand, and now with ‘Umar’s (radhiallahu ‘anhu) conversion, the Muslims knew that it was likely to send the Quraysh in jitters. They were particularly embittered on learning of ‘Umar’s (radhiallahu ‘anhu) conversion. The Muslims were thus right in their reckoning for none of those who had embraced Islam in the past made such a stir nor created such a tense excitemen and impact as did that of ‘Umar’s.

‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) proclaimed his faith publicly. As soon as the Quraysh came know about , they drew the sword against him but found the same person prepared to take the course. Ultimately, with his inherent might, the people who valued their lives did not dare put up a clash with ‘Umar (radhiallahu ‘anhu) but decided rather to keep their hands off him. (Ibn Hisham, Vol. I, p. 349)

Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood said: "We felt a sense of pride when Umar became Muslim, for we could not circumambulate the Holy Mosque and pray, until Umar became Muslim. When he became Muslim, he fought them until they sent us free. Then we prayed and circumambulated the Ka'bah." He also said: "Umar's becoming a Muslim was a victory, his migration was help, and his caliphate was a mercy. We could not pray or circumambulate the House until Umar became Muslim. When he became Muslim, he fought the unbelievers until they left us alone and let us pray." (Ibn Sa'ad, V.3:269)

‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, embraced Islam in the sixth year of the revelation. He was twenty seven years old. He has witnessed the battles of Badr, Uhud and all the battles which the Prophet peace of Allah be upon him, went through.

He participated in many brigades and was the commander of some of them. He was among those who stood firm with the Messenger of Allah, peace of Allah be upon him, on the day of Uhud.

He is one of the foremost to embrace Islam and one of the ten men who were given the glad tidings that they are to enter Paradise. He is one of the guided Caliphs and one of the in-laws of the Prophet peace of Allah be upon him. He is also one of the senior scholars and ascetics of the companions.

His conversion to Islam, may Allah be pleased with him, is considered the beginning of a new phase of the call, therefore, Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “We are still strong since ‘Umar’s embracing of Islam.”

His Migration to Madinah:

When Umar decided migrate to Madinah, he insisted on doing it so openly. 

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Ali bin Abi Talib said to me: 'I do not know of any of the migrants who did not migrate in secret, except Umar ibn Al- Khattab. 

When he decided to migrate, he put on his sword, put his bow over his shoulder, picked up his arrows and carried his stick. He went out to the Ka'bah, where a number of Quraysh were gathered in its courtyard, and he did tawaaf around the Ka'aba seven times, at a leisurely pace. Then he went to the Maqam and prayed tranquilly. Then he went to the circles of people, one by one, and said to them, 'May your faces become ugly! Allah will only rub theses noses in the dust. Whoever wants his mother to be bereft of him and his children to become orphans and his wife to become a widow, let him meet me behind this valley,' 'Ali said, 'No one followed him except a few of those who were weak and oppressed. He taught them and told them about Islam, then he went on his way.' " (Al-Sayed, 1996: 30).

Selected Instances of Umar's Biography

Revelation of the Qur'an Agreeing With His Opinion

Narrated Anas: that Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I had the same idea as Allah in three things: I said, 'O

Allah's Messenger! I wish that you take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.' So Allah revealed:

"And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim [or the stone on which Ibrahim stood while he was building the Ka'bah] as a place of prayer." (Al-Baqarah: 125)

He also said, 'O Allah's Messenger! (prayers and Peace be upon him) Good and bad people enter upon your wives, I wish that you order them to cover themselves with veils.' So the verses of Al-Hijab (i.e. veiling of the women) were revealed. The wives of the Prophet (prayers and Peace be upon him) gathered against him and I said to them: 'It may be If he divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you.' Thereupon Allah revealed a verse with similar wordings." (Al- Bukhari and Muslim).

His Asceticism

Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was most humble to Allah and led an austere life. His food was very coarse and he would patch his cloth with leather. He used to carry a water skin on his shoulders in spite of his great esteem. He used to laugh little and never joked with anyone. Engraved on his ring was: "Death is sufficient as an admonition, O' Umar."

When he was appointed as the Caliph, he said: "Nothing is permissible (for me) from the treasury more than two clothes, one for the cold season and the other for the dry season. The sustenance of my family will be the equivalent of an average man of Quraish and not the rich amongst them, for I am just an ordinary man among the Muslims (i.e. nothing special about me)."

O' Creator of these men, glory be to you. See what the Qur'an did to the soul of these people. Return your gaze, dear readers, and see the condition of the Caliph and what was sufficient for him. May Allah bless the right religion that groomed them and may He bless the Prophet that taught them.

Mu'awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (one of the Companions, may Allah bless him) said: "As for Abu Bakr, he never desired the world and the world did not desire him. As for Umar, the world desired him but he never desired the world. As for us, we have been soiled by the world inside-out."

At the time of drought, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), ate bread and oil until his skin turned pale dark and he would say: "What a bad leader I am if I eat my fill and the people go hungry." (Ibn Katheer, 1988, V.5: 214).

His virtues and merits, May Allah be pleased with him

A man from the dwellers of Paradise.

Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “[While l was asleep I saw as a dream that] I entered Paradise where I have seen a house or a palace. I said, ‘For whom is it meant?’ They said, ‘It is meant for ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.’ I wanted to enter it but I remembered your jealousy [so I turned back and went away]. ‘Umar wept and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Could I, at all, feel any jealousy about you?’” [Reported by Muslim]   «دخلت الجنَّة فرأيت فيها دارًا أو قصرًا فقلت: لمن هذا؟ فقالوا: لعمر بن الخطاب، فأردت أن أدخل، فذكرت غيرتك فبكى عمر وقال: أي رسول الله! أو عليك يغار؟» متفق عليه واللفظ لمسلم

The knowledge of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him

Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, reported that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “While I was asleep I saw (in a dream) a cup containing milk being presented to me. I drank out of that until I perceived freshness being reflected through my nails. Then I presented the leftover to ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah! How do you interpret it? He said, ‘This implies (religious) knowledge.” [Agreed upon and the wording is by Muslim 2391]  

 «بينا أنا نائم، إذ رأيت قدحًا أتيت به، فيه لبن، فشربت منه حتَّى إنِّي لأرى الرّي يجري في أظفاري ثمَّ أعطيت فضلي عمر بن الخطاب، قالوا: فما أولت ذلك؟ يا رسول الله! قال: العلم» متفق عليه واللفظ لمسلم

The religion and integrity of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him

Saad ibn Abu Waqas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “By Him in Whose Hands my life is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours.” [Agreed upon]

«والَّذي نفسي بيده، ما لقيك الشَّيطان قط سالكًا فجًّا إلا سلك فجًّا غير فجّك» متفق عليه

Abu Sa’îd Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, saying, “While I was sleeping I saw (in a dream) some people wearing shirts of which some were reaching up to the breasts only while others were even shorter than that. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab was shown wearing a shirt that he was dragging.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah! How do you interpret it?” He said, “This implies religion.” [Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim]

«بينما أنا نائمٌ، رأيت النَّاس يعرضون علي وعليهم قمص، منها ما يبلغ الثَّدي، ومنها ما يبلغ دون ذلك، ومرَّ عليَّ عمر بن الخطاب وعليه قميص يجره، قالوا: ما أولت يا رسول الله؟ قال: الدِّين»رواه البخاري ومسلم

Abu Bakr's Appointment of Umar as His Successor

When Abu Bakr's sickness grew intense, the people gathered around him and he said: "There has befallen me what you see and I think I am going to die soon. Allah has freed you from your oath of alliance to me, and your oath is no longer binding. Your affairs are in your hands, so appoint over you whomever you like. If you appoint someone whilst I am still alive, I think it is less likely that you will become divided after I am gone." (Ibn Katheer, 1988, V.7:18).

The Companions consulted one another, each of them trying to refuse the position of Caliph for himself and seeking it for his brother whom he thought was fit and qualified for it. Hence they came back to him and said: "We have decided to leave it to you, O' Successor of the Messenger of Allah." He said: "Give me time so that I may choose someone who will be most pleasing to Allah, most protective of His religion and His slaves.

Abu Bakr wanted to tell the people himself whilst he was conscious and aware of what he was saying, so that there would be no confusion. So he looked out over the people and said to them: "Do you accept the one whom I appoint as your leader? For by Allah I have tried to appoint the best; I have not appointed a relative. I have appointed as your leader Umar ibn al-Khattab, so listen to him and obey." They said: "We will listen and obey." Then Abu Bakr turned in supplicating to Allah, expressing his concern to his Lord. He said: "I have appointed him not by the command of Your Prophet, seeking nothing but what is in their best interests. I fear sedition for them and I have thought long and hard about the matter. I have appointed over them the best of them and the one who is most keen to lead them in the right way. Now here I am with Your decree about to be fulfilled. Take care of them after I am gone for they are Your salves."

Umar inb al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with his) started to act as the caliph of the Muslims as soon as Abu Bakr passed away (Al-Shuja'a, 1999: 272).

It may be noted that Abu Bakr's nomination of Umar ibn al- Khattab could not have made him caliph unless it was based on the consent of the majority. This was achieved when Abu Bakr asked the people to look themselves for a successor to take the reins of leadership after he died. They put the matter back in his hands and said, we will follow your opinion. But Abu Bakr did not nominate Umar until he consulted the most prominent Companions. He asked each one individually, and when he realized that they all agree, he announced his nomination of Umar. So Abu Bakr's choice was based on the general opinion of the community as expressed through its most prominent figures. Nonetheless, this nomination could not make Umar the caliph except with the community's consent, as the election of the ruler is the entire right of the public, and the role of the caliph is to act as an agent on behalf of the community. His words indicate that the community is responsible to control its own affairs (Al-Keelani, 1997: 172).

Hence, we see that the appointment of Umar was done in accordance with the most sound and fair principles of Consultation 'Shura'.

Hence, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) succeeded Abu Bakr as a second Caliph on August 23, 634 AD.

Corresponding 22 of Jumad 2nd, 13 AH. Umar was an expert jurist and is best known for his justice, in the same way for Muslims and non-Muslims. This value earned him the title of Al- Farooq (the one who distinguishes between wright and wrong) (Shabaro, 1995).

He was the first Caliph to be nominated as "Prince of the Believers". He is the one who founded the Lunar Calendar (Hijri), (i.e. according to the date of Prophet Mohammad's migration to Medinah). In his era Islam gained a great position, as the Islamic Empire expanded at an unprecedented rate ruling the whole Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tripoli, Persia, Khurassan, Eastern Anatolia, South Armenian and Sajistan. Umar is the first one who conquered Jerusalem to be within the Muslim Empire, as it is the first Qiblah and the third holiest city in Islam. Thus, the Islamic Empire ruled the whole Sassanid Persian Empire and more than two thirds of the Eastern Roman Empire. His attacks against the Sassanid Persian Empire resulted in the conquest of the Persian Empire in less than two years. His political wisdom and administrative ability were demonstrated in protecting the unity of the state in spite of its growing scope and the increasing population of varied ethnicity.

The Speech Given by Umar When he Became Caliph

It was reported that two days after Umar was appointed as caliph, the people started talking and saying how worried they were about his harshness punishments, so Umar realized that he had to clarify the matter himself. He ascended the rostrum (minbar) and addressed them, describing how the Prophet (prayers and peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr had been pleased with Umar when they died. Then he said:

"I have been appointed as your leader, O' people, so understand that this harshness has become less, and it will only be applied to wrongdoers and oppressors. I will not permit anyone to oppress anyone else or to transgress the rights of others, but I will put his cheek on the ground and until he submit to the truth. In contrast to that former harshness of mine, I will lay my own cheek on the ground before those who are humble and modest. 

O' people, I make some promises to you, which I will mention so that you will hold me to them. I promise that I will not take anything of your taxes or of the booty (faya') that Allah grants to you, except in the proper manner. I promise you that whatever I take, I will not spend it except in the proper manner. I promise you that I will increase your stipends, if Allah wills, and I will protect your boarders. I promise you that I will not throw you into dangerous places or keep you away from your families for a long time in order to guard the boarders.

When you are away in military campaigns, I will be responsible for your children until you come back.

Fear Allah O' slaves of Allah, and try to help me by keeping your evil away from me and by enjoining what is good and what is evil and by giving me sincere advice with regard to the way I am running your affairs. I say these words of mine and I ask Allah to forgive me and you." (Majdalawi, 1998: 106).

From this speech we can perceive clearly the method that Umar followed in his rule, from which he never deviated.

Sayings of Umar that Became Well Known Wisdom

Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Whoever concealed his secrets will have the choice (of telling whomever he wants to tell), but whoever speaks or acts in a specious manner should not blame anyone who thinks badly of him. Do not think badly of a word spoken by your brother (fellow) when you can still find good ways to interpret it. Think positively of your brother until you are certain that he is not like that. Do not swear a great deal lest Allah humiliate you. There is no better reward for one who disobeys Allah concerning you that your obeying Allah concerning him. You should seek sincere friends and maintain good relations with them, for they are a pleasure at times of ease and a support at times of hardship." (Ibn Asaker, 1987, V44:359).

These are well-expressed wisdom from which we may learn a great deal.

His Advice to the Army

Whenever Umar sent forth an army he would advise them to fear Allah. Then he would say when the standard of war is hoisted: 'In the name of Allah and upon the help of Allah, proceed with the backing of Allah and His support. Adhere to truth and patience. Fight in the cause of Allah against those who disbelieve in Allah and do not disobey, for Allah does not like the disobedient. Do not be coward at the time of meeting (the enemy) and do not mutilate when you have the upper hand, and do not be immoderate when you conquer. Do not argue during fighting.

'Do not kill women, the aging, and the children. Avoid killing them when two enemies meet and in the heat of attack (in front of your enemy). Do not go to the extreme with regard to spoils of war, distance (your intention for) the sacred war –Jihad- from seeking with it worldly honors, and rejoice at the profit that you have gained from the transaction you have entered. That is indeed the great success (Al-Baltaji, 2006).

The praise of the companions, the family of the Prophet and the righteous ancestors on him, may Allah be pleased with him:

- Abu Bakr As-Siddîq, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “there is no man on earth whom I love more than ‘Umar.”

- Abu Bakr was asked on his death bed, “What will you say to your Lord after that you have appointed ‘Umar as your successor?” He answered, “I will tell him that I have appointed the best man among your men.”

- Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “when the righteous are mentioned, then ‘Umar is certainly mentioned. We did not consider it impossible that calmness would talk with the tongue of ‘Umar.”

- Ibn Mas’ûd, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “‘Umar is the most knowing amongst us about the Book of Allah. He is also the most understanding amongst us of the religion of Allah.”

- Ja’far As-Sadiq, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “I renounce whoever mentions Abu Bakr and ‘Umar with anything than good.”

- Shurayk said, “This who considers Ali ibn Abu Talib superior to Abu Bakr and ‘Umar has no good in him.”

- Abu Usama said, “Do you know who Abu Bakr and ‘Umar are? They are the father and mother of Islam.”

The praise of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him:

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, “When (the dead body of) ‘Umar was put on his deathbed, people gathered around him and invoked Allah and prayed for him before the body was taken away, and I was amongst them. Suddenly I felt somebody taking hold of my shoulder and found out that he was ‘Ali ibn Abu Talib. ‘Ali invoked Allah’s Mercy for ‘Umar and said, “O ‘Umar! You have not left behind you a person whose deeds I like to imitate and meet Allah with more than I like your deeds. By Allah! I always thought that Allah would keep you with your two companions, for very often I used to hear the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, saying, ‘I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar went to (somewhere); I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar entered (somewhere); and I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar went out.”’ [Reported by al-Bukhari 3685]   «ذهبتُ أنا وأبو بكر وعمر، ودخلتُ أنا وأبو بكر وعمر، وخرجتُ أنا وأبو بكر وعمر» رواه البخاري

It further demonstrates the love of Ali ibn Abu Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, for ‘Umar and venerating him that he gave his daughter, Umm Kulthum, in marriage to him. She is the daughter of Fatima, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. ‘Umar asked her hand in marriage from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, and he accepted. ‘Umar gave her forty thousand as a dowry and she bore him Zaid and Ruqayyah, may Allah be pleased with them all.

His asceticism and justice, may Allah be pleased with him:

Al-Jawzi said, “When he was appointed the caliph, he took it seriously. He suppressed the desires of himself, and carried responsibilities in Allah above his endurance.”

Alert he is, since determinations has since risen To loftiness, he has not become dull And almost from insight he can see in his day The consequences of tomorrow.

He rejected this worldly life, and threw out weights for the race (to paradise). He used to preach while there were twelve patches in his lower garment. He restrained his hand from money that he exposed his family to abject poverty.

In the year of the great famine, he ate oil till his belly rumbled. He said, “You can rumble or you cannot. By Allah, you will not taste fat till the children of the Muslims eat their full.”   O you who see ‘Umar wearing his garment Eating oil and inhabiting a hut. Chosroes in his throne is shaking And the kings of the Rome are afraid of him.

His fear of Allah, may Allah be pleased with him   There were two black lines on his face, may Allah be pleased with him, out of his crying.   He used to recite his allocated verse of the Quran at night and starts to cry till he falls; stays at home that people visit him for being ill. He said during his death, “Woe to ‘Umar if Allah does not forgive him.”

Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “One day I went out with ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab till he entered into a place. I heard him saying, and there was a wall between me and him, “Umar Ibn al-Khattab! The Prince of the Believers! O Allah! Well-done O family of al-Khattab. You must fear Allah or that He will certainly torture you.”

His compassion for his subjects, may Allah be pleased with him :

Al-Awza’i said, ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, came out in the depths of the night, and was sighted by Talha, may Allah be pleased with him. ‘Umar went and entered a house and then entered another one. The following morning, Talha went to this house, where he saw a blind crippled old lady. He said to her, ‘Why does this man come to you?’ She said, ‘he has been taken care of me since such and such. He comes and helps me with what is good for me and takes away the harm.’ Talha said, ‘O Talha, may your mother be bereft, are you following the slips of ‘Umar?’” (The Virtues of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, by Ibn al-Jawzi, p. 68)

His worship and diligence, may Allah be pleased with him:

Sa’id ibn al-Musayyib said, “Umar loved to pray in the middle of the night.”

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said “Umar, may Allah be pleased be upon him, did not die until he became dark from fasting.”

In the Morning Prayer, he used to read Surat Yûsuf, people heard his crying from the last row while he was reading, {“I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allâh,} [Surat Yûsuf 12:86]   {إِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّـهِ} يوسف: 86   Transliteration: innama ashkoo baththee wahuznee ila Allahi

(The virtues of the Prince of the believers; ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab 168-169):

He died a martyr, may Allah be pleased with him

Ibn Kathir said, “When ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, finished performing hajj (pilgrimage) in the year twenty two of the Hijri calendar, and the Mothers of the Believers were with him, he supplicated Allah, Glorified and Exalted, and complained to Him that he has become old. He also supplicated Him that he has become weak and the subjects have increased; and that he was afraid of being negligent. He asked Allah to take him and bestow martyrdom upon him in the city of the Prophet (Medina), prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. It was established in the authentic books of Hadith that he used to say, “O Allah! I ask You a martyrdom in your cause, and a death in the city of Your Messenger.”

Allah has responded to this supplication and gathered for him the two things. He was martyred in the city of the Prophet. This is too dear but Allah is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He wills, Glorified and Exalted He is.

When death became near, he fainted and his head was on the ground. His son, Abdullah put his head in his lap. When he woke up he said to his son, “Put my head on the ground,” which he did. ‘Umar wiped his face with dust and said, “Woe to ‘Umar, Woe to ‘Umar. Woe to ‘Umar’s mother if Allah does not forgive ‘Umar.”

When he died Sa’id ibn Zaid wept; he was asked, “What makes you cry?” He answered, “I cry over Islam. By the death of ‘Umar Islam has been cut. This cut will not be patched till the Day of Judgment.” (the Layers of Ibn Sa’d, 3/284).

May Allah be pleased with ‘Umar ibn Al-khattab and may He please him.

O Allah, we take You as our witness that we love ‘Umar ibn Al-khattab and all the Guided Caliphs and the companions of Your prophet. Prayers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.