Hazrat Umar (RA) is regarded as one of the greatest Muslim role models in a variety of ways. His entire life’s work serves as a perfect model for Muslims across all eras. Al Farooq Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s (R.A.) life is a brilliant chapter in Islamic history that surpasses and illuminates all other histories. His life was full of honorable deeds, glory, sincerity, jihad, and inviting people to follow Allah; it is not even close to being fully captured in the history of every nation combined.
The second khalifa of the Rashidun Caliphate was Umar ibn al-Khattab. He was one of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) close companions and an early convert to Islam. Following the death of Muhammad (SAW), he offered Abu Bakr, the first caliph, his wholehearted and unwavering support. Following the demise of Abu Bakr in 634 CE, Umar (RA) assumed the role of caliph, carrying on his predecessor’s military expeditions and expanding his area of influence beyond the Arabian Peninsula. Throughout his rule, remarkable achievements in administration were made in addition to numerous military victories. Uthman ibn Affan succeeded him as the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate after his death.
His birth and Ancestry:
Umar ibn Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl ibn Abdul-Uzza is his full name. Being openly Islamic in Makkah, he was known by the name Abu Hafs and gained the title of Al Farooq. It was through him that Allah made the distinction between faith and unbelief. He was born in Makkah in 583 CE. Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl was his father, and Nufayl, his grandfather, was one of the people the Quraish Tribe used to consult for guidance. Hantamah bint Hashim bin Al Mugheerah was his mother.
Early Years of His Life:
Having spent half of his childhood in the pre-Islamic society (Jahiliyah), Umar(RA) grew up much like his Quraish peers, with the exception that he was one of the few people who had learnt to read. He took on responsibilities at a young age, and due to his extremely strict upbringing, he was never exposed to luxury or material prosperity. His father Al-Khattab compelled him to take care of his camels. Umar (RA) carried this memory of his father’s brutal treatment with him throughout his life. He also demonstrated exceptional skill in a variety of activities from an early age, including riding, wrestling, and horsemanship.
He was also interested in the history and affairs of his people, and he loved to read and narrate poems. He couldn’t wait to visit the major Arab fairs, including Ukaz, Mijannah, and Dhu al-Majaz, where he would take advantage of the chance to trade, learn about Arab history, and the battles and contests that had taken place among the tribes. Additionally, he traded and made money, which raised him to the status of one of Makkah’s wealthy men. He made a lot of friends in the nations he traveled to in order to conduct business. He therefore held a significant position in Makkan society prior to the advent of Islam.
Because of his wisdom, eloquence, strength, tolerance, noble character, persuasiveness, and clarity of speech, Umar (RA) was a suitable ambassador for the Quraish and could represent them in front of the other tribes.
Umar (RA) lived during the pre-Islamic period and knew it inside out. He protected it with all of his strength as he knew its actual nature as well as its traditions and practices. As a result, upon entering Islam, he realized its beauty and true essence and realized the profound distinction between faith and unbelief, truth and untruth, and guidance and misguidance.
Conversion to Islam: A Journey to Faith:
Before converting to Islam, Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab(RA) was a fierce opponent of the Islamic faith and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He was renowned for his bravery, courage, and persistent resistance to Islam.
When Hazrat Umar(RA) discovered that his sister and brother-in-law had converted to Islam, he went out to confront and kill Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He met someone along the way who told him that his brother-in-law and sister-in-law had converted to Islam. He rushed straight to his sister’s house and knocked on the door because he was furious. They covered the Quranic verses they were reading when they heard him. Hazrat Umar(RA) insisted on knowing what his sister and brother-in-law were reading after seeing their determination. They finally admitted that they were reading the Quran. In a state of rage, Hazrat Umar(RA) hit his brother-in-law, causing injuries to his sister.
However, he was moved by his sister’s unwavering faith and resolve. His heart melted when he noticed the blood that his attack had caused on his sister’s face. He wanted to see what they were reciting, and when he read the verses, something changed within him. It was then that Hazrat Umar(RA) converted to Islam after the verses had such a profound effect on him.
His conversion was a pivotal point in Islamic history since the early Muslim society was strengthened by his acceptance. Faith can change a person, as demonstrated by Hazrat Umar’s (RA) remarkable journey from fierce opponent of Islam to one of its most well-known supporters.
Got the Title “Al-Farooq”:
As a skilled jurist, Umar(RA) is mostly renowned for his impartiality toward both Muslims and non-Muslims. Because of this virtue, he was given the nickname “Al-Farooq,” which means “the one who knows the difference between right and wrong.”
Migration from Makkah to Madina:
In order to protect the Muslims from the persecution of the Makkan disbelievers, Allah SWT gave them an order to leave Makkah as soon as possible in 622 A.D. During that period, Muslims lived in constant fear and dread, believing that if non-Muslims learned of their departure, they would be slaughtered. All were moving silently in the direction of Madina, with the exception of the gallant Umar (RA), who, upon completing the prayer in the Kaaba, publicly announced his intention to everyone and extended an invitation for anybody with the courage to go against him.
His Reign: A Golden Era
There was confusion regarding the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) successor after his passing in 632 CE. Umar immediately encouraged the nomination of Muhammad’s (SAW) father-in-law and close friend Abu Bakr (RA). This minimized the risk of disputes about who should lead.
Though Abu Bakr(RA) passed away after just two years, he had chosen Umar (RA) as the second Caliph. From 634 to 644, Umar ruled as Caliph for ten years. Umar stretched the Arab conquest region during this period. The Arab troops under Umar conquered Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and made their way into Iraq and Iran. The Arab forces were able to establish one of the greatest empires of the era in every nation.
The Battle of Qadisiya (637) was a significant war that resulted in the Arab army defeating the Sassanid Empire of Persia and allowing the Muslim Arab armies to invade Iraq.
Jerusalem was also taken by Muslims during his rule. The city’s Christians made the decision to admit defeat to the Muslim army under siege. Hazrat Umar (RA) was personally given the keys to the city by the king, and a treaty was made assuring the security of the city’s residents.
His accomplishments as Caliph are too many to list here. Nonetheless, these are a few of his greatest achievements from his “Khilafat” period:
- One of his greatest accomplishments was the establishment of Bait-ul-Maal, the State’s treasury for the people.
- He is credited with founding the Lunar Calendar. (Hijri Year i-e according to the date of Prophet Mohammad’s (SAW) hijrat to Madinah).
- During his reign, Islam experienced significant growth, with the Islamic Empire encompassing all of Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tripoli, Persia, Khurassan, Eastern Anatolia, South Armenia, and Sijistan. All of the Sassanid Persian Empire, including Jerusalem (the first Qiblah), and two thirds of the Eastern Roman Empire fell under his rule.
- The introduction and implementation of several positions in politics and civil administration, including Treasury Officer (Sahib Bait-ul-Maal), Chief Secretary (Khatib), Chief Military Secretary (Khatib ud Diwan), Revenue Collector (Sahib ul Kharaj), Police Chief (Sahib ul Ahdath), and many other official roles.
- In order to look into accusations against State officers, Umar (RA) was the first to create a special department.
- The public ministry system, which kept official and military records, was initially introduced by Umar (RA). In order to maintain civil order, he was also the first person ever assigned police units.
- A proper judiciary system was set up, where Judges and magistrates would have courts and would make decisions on cases.
How and When He was Assassinated?
A Persian slave named Abu Lulu Al-Fayruz, a nonbeliever, killed Umar (RA) in 644 AD as he was performing the Fajr Salah, by stabbing him with a dagger that had two blades. He gave him three stab wounds, one beneath the naval. Hence, Umar (RA) collapsed bleeding heavily. This occurred on November 7, 644 AD, Wednesday, 26 Dhul Hijjah, 23 AH. His reign lasted ten years, and he was sixty-three years old.
With permission from Aishah (RA), Umar (RA) was buried at Masjid Al-Nabawi according to his will, beside Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and caliph Abu Bakr (RA).
Conclusion:
In short, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) is still regarded as a legendary character in Islamic history because of his piety, leadership, and services to the Muslim community. Umar’s life story is a tribute to the strength of faith and the ability for individual development and transformation, as he went from being a ferocious opponent of Islam to being one of its most powerful leaders. For Muslims looking to preserve justice, equality, and compassion in the modern world, his legacy provides inspiration. After studying his life and accomplishments, may we be inspired by his incredible journey and try to adopt his noble qualities in our own lives.