The Ten Promised Paradise: Sayyiduna Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
This is the third in a series of articles based on the On-Demand Course The Ten Promised Paradise: Life and Lessons. Known for their unwavering commitment to Islam and their close companionship with the Prophet, their righteousness has earned them a special place in Islamic history.
Sayyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him), the second of the ten companions promised paradise, stands as one of the most prominent figures in Islamic history. His journey from a staunch adversary of Islam to one of its strongest pillars exemplifies the transformative power of faith and commitment to truth.
Early Life and Opposition to Islam
Born into a noble Qurayshi lineage, Sayyidina Umar was an influential figure in Meccan society. Known for his wealth, strength, and position as an ambassador of the Quraysh, he was respected and feared. However, this same influence made him a fierce opponent of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) and the early Muslim community.
Initially, Umar’s hostility stemmed from his staunch loyalty to Qurayshi traditions and his belief in their custodianship of the Ka’ba. Viewing Islam as a threat to these traditions, he relentlessly persecuted Muslims.
The Transformation
At one point, he resolved to kill the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). On his way to confront the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), Umar stopped by the house of his sister, Fatima, and her husband. Upon hearing them recite the Quran, Umar was captivated by its verses, particularly from Sura Taha. Struck by its beauty and truth, he accepted Islam. His conversion marked a turning point for the Muslim community, as his strength and influence became assets for the faith.
Upon declaring his faith, Umar boldly approached Dar Arqam, where Muslims were secretly gathering. Despite initial fear among the believers, they rejoiced upon realizing he had embraced Islam. This moment signified a shift, allowing Muslims to practice their faith more openly.
Umar’s Role in Medina
After the Hijra, Umar became one of the Prophet’s closest confidants, alongside Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him). Known as the two “Shaykhs,” they played pivotal roles in guiding the nascent Muslim community.
Umar’s migration to Medina itself was a testament to his courage. Unlike others who migrated discreetly, Umar announced his departure openly, daring anyone to stop him. His boldness symbolized the newfound confidence of the Muslim community.
The Essence of Umar’s Character
Umar is often remembered for his justice, strength, and unwavering commitment to truth. One of his defining traits was his anger, which was never whimsical or self-serving. As described by companions like Ali ibn Abi Talib (Allah be pleased with him), Umar’s anger was always directed at matters that displeased Allah. This righteous anger was coupled with an intense concern for upholding justice and correcting wrongs.
An example of his firm but caring nature is seen in his interaction with a man praying lazily. Umar corrected him by patting his head and saying, “Reverence in prayer is not here,” teaching him the importance of sincerity in worship. Such firmness, however, was always tempered with wisdom and compassion.
In his personal life, Umar displayed humility and patience. A story recounts a man approaching Umar to complain about his wife. Upon witnessing Umar’s own wife raising her voice at him, the man decided to leave, assuming that Umar faced similar challenges. Umar later explained his patience by highlighting the many sacrifices and services his wife provided for him, showcasing his gratitude and understanding.
Unfortunately, modern interpretations often misrepresent Umar’s firmness as harshness. Such views fail to appreciate the context of his actions, which were always grounded in love for Allah, His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), and the community. Umar’s life reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge from authentic sources and avoiding shallow or biased narratives.
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) once remarked, “Umar treads no path except that Shaytan flees from it.” This statement encapsulates Umar’s role as a defender of Islam and an embodiment of divine justice. His leadership style, rooted in sincerity and accountability, became a model for Muslim governance.
The Legacy of Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab’s Leadership
Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam, presided over one of the most transformative periods in Islamic history. His Khilafa, which lasted nearly two decades, saw not only the geographical expansion of Islam but also the establishment of vital political, economic, and religious systems that served as a foundation for future Muslim governance.
The Expanding Frontiers of Islam
During Sayyiduna Umar’s rule, the Islamic empire expanded rapidly, reaching regions as far as Khorasan in Central Asia, modern-day Afghanistan, Persia, the lands of Sham (Greater Syria), Egypt, and North and East Africa. This era witnessed the opening of Jerusalem and the regions surrounding it. Remarkably, local populations, including Christians in many territories, often welcomed the Muslim armies. Historians like Juan Cole highlight instances where local communities saw the Muslims as liberators rather than conquerors.
Systemic Innovations
Sayyiduna Umar was not only a military and political leader but also a visionary reformer. He introduced comprehensive systems to manage the burgeoning Islamic state. These included:
- Economic Reforms:
Sayyiduna Umar established economic registers to ensure the fair distribution of resources. He recognized the rights of various groups, including the early companions of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), the poor, the prophetic household, scholars, and those who served in jihad. By adopting accounting and treasury systems from the Persians, he laid the groundwork for economic accountability. - Agricultural Development:
In Iraq, he initiated a revolution in agriculture by constructing canals and irrigation systems, turning previously unfertile lands into productive agricultural hubs. He also introduced the concept of Kharaj (land tax), ensuring that the local farmers retained ownership of their lands while contributing taxes to the treasury. This move reflected his foresight in balancing the needs of the Muslim state with the rights of the local populations. - Merit-Based Appointments:
Sayyiduna Umar was rigorous in appointing qualified individuals to positions of authority, regardless of familial ties. He strongly warned against nepotism, stating that appointing unqualified relatives to public positions was a betrayal of the Muslim community and Allah.
Religious and Educational Advancements
Sayyiduna Umar prioritized the spiritual and intellectual growth of the Muslim community:
- Educational Efforts:
He sent thousands of companions, including some of the most learned, to teach and spread knowledge in the newly opened lands. Iraq, particularly Kufa and Basra, became centers of Islamic scholarship, known for their contributions to Arabic language, Hadith, and Fiqh. The Hanafi school of thought later became synonymous with “Ahl al-Iraq” due to these educational efforts. - Systematic Dissemination of Knowledge:
Initially, Sayyiduna Umar restricted scholars from leaving Medina to ensure they were available for consultation and teaching. However, as the empire expanded and stabilized, he allowed their migration to newly conquered areas, ensuring that Islamic teachings were firmly rooted in these regions.
The Opening of Jerusalem
One of the most iconic moments of Sayyiduna Umar’s Khilafa was his peaceful entry into Jerusalem. Responding to the request of the city’s patriarch, he traveled from Medina to accept their surrender personally. His humility and adherence to Islamic principles left a profound impression on the city’s residents. Notably, when offered the keys to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and invited to pray inside, he declined and prayed on its steps, ensuring that the church remained in Christian hands—a testament to his respect for religious coexistence.
Miracles and Spiritual Insight
Sayyiduna Umar is also remembered for instances that reflected his extraordinary spiritual insight. One famous event occurred when, during a sermon in Medina, he called out to a Muslim army commander, Sariya, warning him of an ambush. The commander, miles away, reportedly heard Umar’s voice and was able to avert the danger.
Another remarkable aspect of his life was his alignment with divine revelation. Several verses of the Quran corresponded to concerns raised by Sayyiduna Umar, including those on alcohol prohibition and interactions between men and women.
Wisdom and Humility
Sayyiduna Umar’s governance was marked by his deep sense of accountability and humility. His famous saying, “Take yourselves to account before you are taken to account,” encapsulates his emphasis on self-reflection and responsibility. During a severe famine, his relentless efforts to ensure no one went hungry took a visible toll on his health, demonstrating his profound concern for his people.
Legacy of Justice and Virtue
Sayyiduna Umar’s leadership was characterized by justice, humility, and unwavering commitment to Islamic principles. Despite his immense power, he maintained a simple lifestyle and always prioritized the rights and well-being of others. His actions serve as a model for righteous leadership, reminding Muslims of the importance of serving others with integrity and compassion.
Through his reforms and personal example, Sayyiduna Umar laid the foundation for a legacy of justice and governance that continues to inspire Muslims worldwide. His life exemplifies the prophetic ideal of leadership—one rooted in service, foresight, and a deep connection to divine guidance.
Sayyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s journey from an adversary to a champion of Islam highlights the transformative power of faith, sincerity, and courage. His legacy as a just leader, a devoted companion, and a fearless advocate for truth continues to inspire Muslims worldwide. May Allah be pleased with him and grant us the ability to emulate his virtues.
