Sayyidina Umar (RA) - A Glimpse into his Life

[ummtaalib]

 

Sayyidina Umar al-Farooq (RA)

 A glimpse into the life of the second rightly guided Khalifa

 

 

The divinely commissioned position of Risalaat denotes, inter alia, the faith of human accomplishment and excellence. By virtue of Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) declaring Hadhrat Umar (Radhi-Allaahu-anhu ) as being deserving of that prominent appointment, when he mentioned:- "If there be a Nabi after me it should be Umar".Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) definitely qualifies to be a colossal giant among mortals.

 

WHO WAS HADHRAT UMAR (RADHIALLAHU-ANHU)?

 

1. He for whom the Beloved Nabi (SallAllaahualayhi wasallam) of Allaah prayed for to fortify Islaam.

2. Whom Allaah Ta'aala selected and deputed to elevate Islaam.

3. Before he accepted Islaam, Hadhrat Jibreel(AS) brought the good news to Nabi (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) to welcome him.

4. Upon arrival Nabi (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) welcomed him warm-heartily.

5. He whose Imaan strengthened all the Sahaabahs Imaan.

6. By his help the Muslims were able to pray to Allaah in the Haram Shareef.

7. Even the earth expressed its happiness when he accepted Islaam.

8. The river Nile flowed strongly celebrating the happiness of his accepting Islaam.

9. He was fortunate to enter the Ka'bah before all the other Sahaabahs.

10. Due to his entering the Ka'bah, the walls boasted with pride to the throne of Allaah Ta'aala.

11. Whose advantageous arrival in Islaam caused the well of Zam Zam to flow its sweetness to the river of Salsabeel in Jannat

 

 

 

Ibn Mas'ud (RA) said that Hadhrat Umar's (RA) acceptance of Islaam was a great victory for Islaam,

his emigration its success and his Khalifaat was a boon. 

 

 

In the eleven years of his rule Islaam made the greatest strides and the Muslims accomplished their greatest triumphs for the cause of truth, yet Hadhrat Umar remained the humblest and simplest amongst the Muslims.

Truly the most deserving of following in Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) footsteps

 

al-islaam

[ummtaalib]

He was an administrator of that calibre that transformed the entire Arabia into a blossoming garden!

 

 

He belongs to that congregation of people whose immaculate character and foresight are a rarity in this world .Indeed , among those whom the world admire, few are on par. Whatever he stated, he did;and whatever he did, he stated. And his assertions were in harmony with the objectives of Rasulullaah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam ).

He did not simply provide comfort verbally; but his heart was sympathetic towards each individual who was distressed and inconvenienced. He was an opponent of trouble-makers and radicals, and he was a companion of those who loved to change for the better.

He was a most dynamic soldier, a genius commander, most courageous and dauntless - but he feared Allaah. He led a very modest life. There was no iota of pride in him. Large sums of money came to him by which the impoverished and needy were fed

 

He was such a humble ruler that he discharged his errands himself. He would proceed to the people's dwellings and enquire about their condition.

He was an administrator of that calibre that transformed the entire Arabia into a blossoming garden. He converted the pebbled plains and arid soil into diamond-filled territory, into productive land. A declaration was made throughout the country that whoever cultivated any infertile land, he would be made its proprietor. Canals were dug, and a separate department for irrigation was established. Just ponder! In Egypt alone there were 120 000 labourers who
laboured daily on these programmes.

 

Once canals were dug people commenced cultivating the barren lands.Courts were constructed in every district. Judges were designated who endeavoured so scrupulously that the flagstaff of Hadhrat Umar's (RadhiAllaahuanhu) justice is implemented to this day.

Courts were constructed, laws for courts were also formulated, e.g. for what duration must the judges work; when the courts should open and close; how should evidence be received; whose evidence should be approved and whose declined.A most fascinating fact was that if an accused person could not be present in court due to old-age or illness, then the plaintiff had to make transport arrangements for that person to be brought to court.

 

The court could not summon an ill or old person by force.The judges were of such status that they functioned with total justice and favoured none.Whether they were acquaintances or strangers, all were examined equally. They did not plead on behalf of anyone, nor did they release any guilty person due to the compassion or persuasion of another.

 

In his time, the road to Makkah was arid. Furthermore, there was no arrangements for water.Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) built benches, resting-places and fountains. Guest houses for travellers, lodgings and army barracks were constructed.

 

The splendid city of Basra was developed. The Tigris river was 10 miles from Basra. A canal was dug from the Tigris to Basra. It was developed into such an enormous city with a population not less than 200 000. Kufa was also built. Houses were built, accommodating 40,000 people. Separate residential areas were constructed for every family. Spacious roads, as well as open clean alleys were made. There was a marvellous central Masjid which had wide, open land on all four sides of it. There were guest houses for travellers. 

 

The city of Mosul, which has many oil wells today, was beautified. al-islaam

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His Serving the People

 

Hadhrat Umar's (RA) prevailing law was that the country's disabled, old and maimed should all receive an allowance from the treasury, whether they be Muslims, Christians, or people of any other religion. 

 

He would frequently go and give the daily stipulated allowances of his people himself. He worked for the people of his vicinity and his neighbours. He brought people's commodities from the bazaar. 

 

He did not boast about being the leader of the Muslims. He delivered letters of soldiers to their homes personally and would express: "Keep your reply ready ! When the messenger goes your letter will also be given to him". 

If there was no ink or ink-pot at anyone's home, he brought it. If there was no one to write at any home he sat at the door and wrote whatever the family people dictated. 

 

He would then read the letter back to them. He gave these letters personally to the messenger. He ate simple food, wore plain clothes and did not have lavish dishes. 

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) was an authority on genealogy family ties. In his youth he did athletic exercises, wrestled and arranged wrestling bouts. He would sit so rigidly on a horse as if he was fused to it.

 

 

Oratory Skills

 

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) attained distinction in oratory and poetry. 

 

When he became a Muslim he discarded these. During the period under discussion very few Arabs could read and write. 

 

During the time of Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) there were only 17 persons among the Quraish tribe who could read and write and among them was Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu). 

 

Because of his business ventures he travelled to Iraq and Syria, and frequently had the opportunity of meeting very affluent people.

 

 
He was seasoned in travelling and he understood business transactions so well that he had a full mastery of its basis. 

 

Initially, he was a great enemy of Islaam. If any weak Muslim ever came under his control he would beat him or her very viciously.

 

There was a maid-servant named Sabeena who became a Muslim. Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) had supervision over her. He clobbed the poor servant very cruelly and when he became exhausted, he said: "I am just retrieving my breath before commencing to beat you again". 

 

But he became a Muslim he proved to be such a Muslim that narrations about him will remain till Qiyaamat.

al-Islaam

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The Miracle during his Khilaafah

 

There was an army commander in Nahaawand, named Saariya. When the enemy's army exerted great pressurehe became scared.
Nahaawand was many miles away from Madinah. There was neither telephone, nor electricity in Madinah. While Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) was delivering a Khutba he exclaimed,
" O, Saariya! Get to the back of the mountain and fight the enemies firmly so that there remains no fear of them attacking from the rear. Do not flee!"Saariya heard the voice in Iraq and saw Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) standing and exclaiming.

The people of Madinah who were listening to the khutba became amazed that he spoke about Saariya going to the back of the mountain.
Once the Salaat terminated the people enquired: "Sir, what mention was that about Saariya?"
Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) said: Saariya was apprehensive of the pressure by the enemies. I conversed with him concerning that."After a long time when the messenger from Iraq arrived he stated the time and day when they had heard Umar's (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) voice, and that Saariya had actually seen Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) exclaiming.

 

From this we can judge what an illustrious saint Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) was, and the level of his spiritual status.

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War Techniques

 

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) issued guidelines to the commanders concerning troop manoeuvres, their organisation and dissemination, All these matters were mandated by means of writing letters to the people concerned. He provided counsel about these proceedings so explicitly as if the battle-field lay before his eyes. He was constantly perturbed whenever a battle was in progress :

 

"I do not know whether the Muslims have obtained victory in the battle or have endured defeat."

Once a battle was fought against the Iranians (Persians). Today there are Muslims in Iran, but in those days they were not Muslims. They continued being derogatory to the Arabs, especially to Rasulullaah (Sallahu Alahi Wasalaam).

Iran had one very courageous leader named Rustam. He was so powerful that he is still remembered today, and about a powerful person we say that he is as strong as Rustam. A battle was waged in an Iranian city called Qudisiya. Rustam was also fighting in this battle.

Rustam's army retreated before the Arab army approached and did not hold ground in the battle-field. So Rustam also dashed for his life and jumped into a stream. He swam briskly, rotating his arms and feet. An Arab soldier, named Bilaal, grabbed Rustam's leg, jerked it and cut it off.

During this ferocious battle Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) rose at dawn everyday and went outside Madinah in order to obtain news of the battle from the messengers before anyone else. His concern for the Muslims was so great.

One day he was standing in anticipation when he saw a rider approaching on a camel. What did this naive fellow know that this person clad in simple and patched clothes is that very same Khaleefa of the Muslims whose armies had overthrown the Throne of Iran!

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Peace with the Inhabitants of Jerusalem

 

All the battles which resulted during the era of the successors of Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) were engaged to protect the Muslims and were for defence. The intention of the Muslims was neverto kill, maim of to cause disruption and distress.

Once, in the midst of battle, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Baitul Muqaddas were constrained to make peace. They stipulated a condition that the Commander of the Believers must come personally andissue a peace pact written by his own hands.

 

Hadhrat Abu Ubaidah (RadhiAllaahu-anhu), a renowned Companion, was the commander-in-chief of the army. He, too, yearned to have peace without fighting and bloodshed.

There were few among the Muslims who said: "Of what significance are these impoverished people! We have triumphed over the entire Syria. We have implanted our flagstaff on enormous forts. If we make this pact, it will mean that we have made it under pressure." It was resolved that the sentiments of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be communicated in writingto the Commander of the Believers. His verdict would be conclusive.

When this news reached Madinah, Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) conferred with the Sahaaba. Some were of the opinion that this request should not be approved and the city should be seized by force.Others emphasised that if by Hadhrat Umar's (RA) going to Jerusalem thousands of people's lives would be salvaged and the work accomplished without bloodshed, he should definitely go.

 

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) said: 

"My opinion is to go Jerusalem". 

 

He departed from Madinah. When he left for his journey there were no troops accompanying him nor was there any band playing music; no flags, and no bodyguards walked ahead of or behind.  

 

He wore simple clothes and rode a horse. He gave instructions to the commanders to proceed to Jaabiya. When the commanders came they adorned very decorative, long gowns. On seeing this Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) began to throw pebbles at them and said: "Have you abandoned the simplicity of the Arabs and become non-Arabs (Persians)?"

 

When the commanders removed their cloaks revealing that they were all armed with weapons, Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) felt content. 

The commanders said : "O Commander of the Believers! We are only adorning splendid clothes on account of the enemies, lest they classify us for some destitute, desolate people. Otherwise we are Muslims, and one does not become a Muslim by wearing fine clothes".

 

 

When the peace pact was signed Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) inspected Jerusalem with the Christian leaders. These Christian leaders showed him a Church when the time of Salaat approached. The Christian leaders requested : "Perform your Salaat here".

The Commander of the Believers, Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) said:

"If I perform Salaat here today the Muslims will express tomorrow that our Khaaleefa performed Salaat here. This place is yours. Your Church will become a matter of controversy".

By bearing these subjects in mind Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) did not perform Salaat in the Church.

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The Peace Treaty with the inhabitants of Jerusalem

 

The text of the peace pact, which has already been mentioned was as follows:

The servant of Allaah and Commander of the Believers, Umar makes the following pact with the inhabitants of Jerusalem by the Munificence and Grace of Allaah:

1. The lives of everyone, their belongings, places of worship, Churches and crosses - which they revere - shall be protected in every manner. It will be the responsibility of the government to safeguard them.

2. They shall have the privilege to pray either inside or outside the Churches, according to their religious belief.

3. Their possessions and properties shall not be confiscated under any circumstances.

4. Their Churches shall remain as they are. No Masjid or any other building shall be built in its place. Their crosses shall not be impounded.

5. No `jizya'-land tax will be received from them until the next harvest would be available".

Hadhrat Khalid bin Waleed (RadhiAllaahu-anhu), Amr bin al Aas (RadhiAllaahu-anhu), Mu'aawiya bin Abi Sufyaan (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) and 'Abdur Rahmaan bin al - Auf (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) signed this pact as witnesses.

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"If I relax who will undertake the responsibility of governing."

 

The deeds of Muslims, their exertions, their sacrifices in the way of Allaah, their integrity and fortitude. All provide us with lessons. If we study these lessons
and forget then what deficiency is it of the lesson? It is our shortcoming that we do not remember the lessons we read. Narrated below is the anecdote of
the victory of Alexander.

Hadhrat Amr bin al -'Aas (RadhiAllaahu-anhu), who was very brilliant and courageous, was in command of the army at Alexandria. He reported on each
matter to the Khaleefa. It took rather long in conquering Alexandria so Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) wrote him a letter stating: "Perchance you have become fond of extravagance. On receiving my letter you must instantly command the army to attack and let that person be in the forefront whom I have appointed as commander. The army must attack the enemy simultaneously".

When Umar's (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) letter reached Hadhrat Amr (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) he commanded a ferocious attack. By the Will of Allaah, Alexandria was conquered. Amr bin al Aas (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) noted this good news, summoned a messenger and instructed him to stop at every two and three `manzils' and communicate the glad tidings to the Commander of the Believers. The Messengers name was
Mu'aawiya.

This is not that Mu'aawiya who was Abu Sufyaan's son, and who had a son named Yazid. This was Mu'aawiya, son of Khadeej.

When Mu'aawiya reached Madinah it was already early afternoon. He thought it best to rest and not to go to the Khaleefa straight away. After resolving thus he proceeded in the direction of Masjid-e-Nabawi.

By coincidence, Hadhrat Umar's (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) maid-servant saw Mu'aawiya, who was riding on a camel and enveloped in dust. She inquired :"Where are you coming from?"

Mu'aaywiya replied: "From Alexandria". The maid-servant ran and told Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) that the messenger from Alexandria had arrived. Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) replied:"Bring him here instantly".

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) was setting his sheet which he wore before emerging when Mu'aawiya approached him and conveyed the good news of the victory to him. Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) fell down in sajda forthwith; he then proclaimed that the people should come to the Masjid.

When the inhabitants of Madinah learnt that the messenger from Alexandria had arrived the Masjid was overflowing. Mu'aawiya (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) narrated all the events of the victory. Subsequently, Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) took him to his house.

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) inquired: "Why did you not come to me instantly on reaching Madinah?"

Mu'aawiya replied:"I did not come pondering that as it was already early afternoon You would have been in relaxation". 

Hadhrat Umar (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) retorted : "Mu'aawiya! If I relax who will undertake the responsibility of governing."

 

 

 

From those who were appointed administrators of districts and towns, and under-took the responsibility of collecting taxes, an oath was taken: 

• They would not wear splendid clothes; 
• They would not eat refined flour; 
• They would not ride Turkish horses; 
• They would not keep butlers or door-keepers; 
• Their doors would constantly be open to the destitute. 

 

Occasionally, these conditions were also written in their documents of appointment and read aloud in public congregation so that the people were aware of the administrators constraints.

If any account was received stating that an administrator's expenditure was more than his income, the issue was investigated. And if the expenditure was definitely more than the income, an explanation was demanded.

 Enormous amounts were deposited in the Baitul Maal, The National Public Treasury

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Hadhrat Umar R.A had great control of his nafs, the story that follows shows how he dealt with the Romans

 

Heraculeus, the Roman emperor, sent some gifts to Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu). Of the four items he sent, one was an exquisite golden casket filled with diamonds. The second item was a stunningly beautiful slave girl dressed in the most beautiful garments with jewels. The third item was a bottle of such perfume which was priceless. Only kings and emperors could afford it. The fourth item was a bottle of such lethal poison, the odour of which was sufficient to kill a person.

 

When the emperor’s representative arrived in Madinah Munawwarah in great style and pomp, the inhabitants were intrigued. He asked the people to direct him to the palace of the Muslim Emperor, Ameerul Mu’mineen Umar. The people said that their Ameerul Mu’mineen had neither palace nor fortress. At that time he was in the Musjid in all probability taking a nap because during the night time he would tour the streets taking care of the citizens.

The emperor’s representative was extremely astonished to learn that the king whose name sent shudders down the spines of emperors and kings was sleeping in the Musjid, had neither palace nor fortress, and would walk the streets guarding the citizens. He went to Musjid-e- Nabawi where he found a man sleeping in the sand.

There were no carpets in the Musjid. It was a date-palm structure with a sand floor. The Christian was dumbfounded. He stared in bewilderment at the sleeping Ameerul Mu’mineen.

His garments and the covering sheet were full of patches and he was sleeping on the sand. He had no weapons. Only a whip was at his side. But the face of Hadhrat Umar was so awe- inspiring that the Christian began to shiver uncontrollably.

 

While the emperor’s man was riveted in the place where he stood, Hadhrat Umar’s eyes opened. Seeing the stranger in gaudy apparel shivering, he exclaimed:“Don’t fear! Don’t fear!” On Hadhrat Umar’s enquiring, the Christian explained who he was and the purpose of his mission. Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) said: “Let me see the gifts.” The Christian first presented the golden casket filled with diamonds. Hadhrat Umar opened and admired it. Then he handed it to a Sahaabi with the instruction to deposit it into the Baitul Maal (Public Treasury). 

 

Then he said: “What else have you brought?” The emperor’s man called the girl who was waiting outside dressed in splendid garments and jewellery.

 

 He instructed that she remove her Niqaab (face-covering). When Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) saw her stunning beauty, he exclaimed: “Glory to Allah Who is the Creator of the most beautiful appearances.” This is an aayat in Surah Al-Mu’minoon. 

 

Accepting the gift, he looked around the Musjid and saw a slave. He called the slave and asked: “Do you prefer this girl?” The slave in delight exclaimed: “Undoubtedly, I love her.” Hadhrat Umar presented her as a gift to the slave.

 

He asked: “What else have you brought?” The Christian presented the bottle of perfume and extolled its wondrous virtue. 

Hadhrat Umar said: “The Musjid is most deserving of it.” He opened the bottle and emptied the contents all over the Musjid. 

The Christian was stunned by the behaviour of Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu). 

Here was a mighty conqueror, emperor and ruler, yet he had no desire for worldly possessions. He simply eliminated whatever was given to him.

 

Lastly the representative presented the bottle of poison explaining its lethal effect, and that it was a wonderful protection against enemies. 

 

Just one whiff and a man would be killed. Hadhrat Umar said: “I have no enemies except one great enemy, that is my evil nafs which needs to be killed. So saying, he took the bottle, recited Bismillaahoir Rahmaanir raheem, and with one gulp drank the entire contents of the bottle.

 

 The Christians as well as the Sahaabah who were present were shocked. What will now happen? Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) perspired profusely.

 

 His garments were drenched with perspiration. But besides this, there was no detrimental effect whatsoever on him. This was Ameerul Mu’mineen Sayyiduna Umar Bin Khattaab (radhiyallahu anhu). 

 

Even Shaitaan would not walk in the same street when he would see Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) approaching. And about him, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “If a Nabi had to come after me, it would have been Umar.”

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The Knowledge of Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu

 

عَن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَ سَلَّمَ رَأَيتُ كَأَنِّي أُتِيتُ بِقَدَحٍ مِن لَبَنٍ فَشَرِبتُ مِنه فَأَعْطَيتُ فَضْلِي عُمَرَ بنَ ا لخَطَّاب قاَلوُا فَمَا أَوَّلْتَه يا رَسُولَ الله ؟ قَالَ العِلْمُ (الترمذي  رقم 2284 

 

Hadhrat ibn Umar (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “I had seen a dream wherein I was presented with a utensil of milk. I drank from it and gave the remainder to Hadhrat Umat (Radhiallahu Anhu). The Sahaabah (Radhialahu Anhum) asked: “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), what is the interpretation for this dream?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “(Milk refers to) Knowledge.”

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Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) Serving the Creation

 

During the Khilafat of Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anho), Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anho) would patrol the streets and suburbs of Madinah Munawwarah during the night to keep watch. During one of his night patrols, he noticed a camelhair tent pitched in an open space. He had never seen this particular tent before. Approaching the tent, he found an individual sitting outside, and from inside the tent groans of a sick person could be heard. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) greeted the stranger with salaam and sat down beside him and the following dialogue ensued:

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu): Where are you from, my brother?

 

The person: I am from the desert and a stranger to this place. I have come to request the Amir ul-Mu’mineen for some assistance in my need.

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu): Who is groaning inside your tent?

 

The person: Please mind your own business.

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu):  Please inform me. Perhaps I can be of some assistance to you.

 

The person: If you wish to know, it is my wife groaning due to labour pains.

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu): Is there anybody present to attend to her?

 

The person: No one is present.

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu), thereupon, got up and hurried to his home. He immediately informed his wife Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiallahu Anha) saying: “O my wife, indeed Allah Ta’ala has brought about an opportunity for us to receive great blessings.”

 

Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiallahu Anha): ' What is it, O Amir-ul-Mominin?

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho): A poor woman from the desert is in labour, with no one to attend to her.

 

Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiallahu Anha): If it pleases you, I am ready to attend to her.

 

Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiallahu Anha) was after all the daughter of Hadhrat Fatimah (Radhiallahu Anha), and the granddaughter of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).  How could she hesitate in fulfilling what is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala in serving her forlorn sister at the time of need?

 

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu): Then you should hasten. Also take with you a pan, some butter, provisions and things required during the child birth.

 

Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiallahu Anha) immediately complied and accompanying Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) set out to the place where the tent was pitched. She entered the tent, while Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) made a fire and occupied himself with cooking something which those people could eat. After some time, Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiallahu Anha) called out from inside the tent: “Amir-ul-Mu’mineen, congratulate your friend on the birth of a son.”

 

The person was put to shame and felt greatly embarrassed when he heard the address of “Amir-ul-Mu’mineen” and realized the position of the person who had been serving him. However Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) allayed his fears saying: “There is nothing to worry about.”

He then placed the pan near the tent, asking his wife to take it and feed the woman. She fed her and returned the pan. Then Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) asked the bedouin to partake of the food, as he had remained awake the entire night.

 

Having rendered this service, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) returned home with his wife, telling the person: “Come to me tomorrow, and I shall see what I can do for you.”

 

Is there any king, or even an ordinary middle class person of our time, who will thus render service to the creation like how Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) and his wife rendered? We should realize that unless we really follow in the footsteps of those God-fearing people whom we profess to look up to as our role-models, we cannot deserve and wish for the special blessings that Allah Ta’ala bestowed upon them.  ^[1]

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Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) and the Hajr-e-Aswad

 

 

عن عابس بن ربيعة قال رأيت عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه يقبل الحجر يعني الأسود ويقول إني لأعلم أنك حجر لا تنفع ولا تضر ولولا أني رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يقبلك ما قبلتك. رواه البخاري ومسلم وأبو داود والترمذي والنسائي (الترغيب والترهيب 1/99)

 

Hadhrat Aabis bin Rabee’ah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports: “I saw Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) kiss the Hajr Aswad saying, ‘certainly I know that you are a stone which can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) kiss you, then I would have not kissed you.’” (i.e. I only kiss you in compliance with the mubaarak sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) mentioned this to remove the doubts in the hearts of people who could misconstrue this action as a resemblance of idol worship.)

ihyaauddeen.co.za

[ummtaalib]

Virtues of Sayyiduna Umar RA

 

Title: A Glimpse into the Virtues of Amir al-Mu’minin ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab

 

Author: Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury

 

Foreword by: Shaykh Abdullah Dabhelia (Hafizahumullaah), Senior Lecturer at Darul Uloom Azaadville, South Africa

 

"Many books have been compiled and written with regards the life of this great companion, ʿUmar (R), in many languages. However, the approach and style of Muftī Muajul I. Chowdhury in this treatise is indeed commendable and praiseworthy. In this concise yet comprehensive treatise, Muftī Muajul I. Chowdhury has presented the amazing virtues of this great personality, ʿUmar (R) with references. After reading this treatise, the reader will be empowered with an insight into the life of this great companion of Rasūlullāh, Sayyidunā ʿUmar (R)."

 

 

Hard copy available on Amazon:

 

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If anyone wishes to sponsor copies to donate to institutions, masjids, etc., feel free to reach out to the author.

 

 

*Published by:* 

Darul Iftaa New York

https://askthemufti.us/

 

Virtues of Sayyiduna Umar RA final.pdf