The Jewel of the Forehead: Sayyiduna Umar (RA)

Iqbal had said that in deep darkness, the foreheads of those who perish shine like stars, showing the way. Then what happened that the memory of such esteemed personalities has become merely a title for paying homage? Every year the day of Farooq Azam passes by, but our rulers do not even have the grace to think that our future can be illuminated and honoured by remembering them, and their personality can still guide us today! A few years ago, a young politician was my travel companion. Their biggest weakness is that if the person sitting with them ignores them, they themselves begin a passionate and scholarly conversation after introducing themselves. After introducing himself, he said, “These days I am reading Mao Zedong and Imam Khomeini.” I responded, “Do read them; they are indeed among the most significant figures of our era, who have left a profound impact on history and changed the destiny of their nations. But if you want to learn politics, improve your decision-making ability, and understand the qualities and principles required for good governance, then you must read about Sayyiduna Umar (RA) bin Khattab.”

Do Muslims read about Sayyiduna Umar (RA) bin Khattab? The answer would be no! They take pride in him, love him, remember his greatness and glory to steady themselves and find support, but they do not read about him. When the head of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Muhammad Salahuddin, was severely criticized by his colleague, his eyes filled with tears, and he fell silent after replying, “Leaders do not read biographies; they do not know that without sympathy, goodwill, and benevolence, life is incomplete.”

If the Muslims, who are caught in the trap of conservatism and live in the past, study the life of Sayyiduna Umar (RA) Farooq, they will realize that fearing the new constitution and clinging to old ways is a form of ignorance. Even non-Muslim historians, after thorough research and diligence, have been compelled to write that Caliph Umar (RA) was such a great personality who presented Islam as a living system of life, which even today is sufficient to guide the world.

If Muslims had another Umar (RA), Islam would dominate the world. Certainly, the personality of Sayyiduna Umar Farooq (RA) is so great and his status so high that when the name “Umar” is heard, no one is in doubt. Whenever there is talk of Islam’s practical welfare system, everyone immediately understands that the discussion is about Sayyiduna Umar (RA) bin Khattab. There is no question that anyone who knows Sayyiduna Umar Farooq (RA) would be unaware of the remarkable achievements during his ten years, six months, and four days of caliphate.

In Jumada al-Akhira 13 AH, the first Caliph, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), on his deathbed, appointed Sayyiduna Umar (RA) as his successor. Immediately after writing the testament in his house, he addressed the people gathered and said, “I have not appointed any of my kin as caliph, but rather I have appointed Umar. Do you accept him?” Everyone said in unison, “We hear and obey.” After the death of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) on 22 Jumada al-Akhira 13 AH, the Muslims unanimously pledged allegiance to Sayyiduna Umar (RA) Farooq (RA), and he ascended to the position of caliph.

On the very first day of assuming the responsibilities of the caliphate, he clarified to the people how the government would deal with them. He said, “People! The chain of revelation has ended, now whatever will be done will be based on apparent circumstances and actions. Whoever adopts a stance of goodness and virtue, we guarantee them peace and security. We will not probe into hidden intentions and secrets; this is between Allah and His servant. Allah will judge according to what is hidden and the intentions. Similarly, whoever shows evil and corruption, we will take legal action against them. Even if they claim that their heart and intention did not harbour mischief and turmoil, we will not accept this claim over their apparent actions.”

Sayyiduna Umar (RA) administered the responsibilities of the caliphate according to this fundamental principle. Revelation had indeed ceased, and its principles were clear and firm in the form of the Quran and Sunnah. Thus, no one, not even the ruler, had the right to overlook apparent actions and decide what was in people’s hearts. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself stated this, “I have not been commanded to pierce the hearts of people or slit their bellies to find out their secrets” (Bukhari). Fourteen centuries ago, Sayyiduna Umar (RA) laid down the fundamental principles for the rights and duties of the ruler and the subjects for a righteous society.

An organization is founded on the pillars of goodwill and obedience. In the words of Sayyiduna Umar (RA), “As long as there is obedience, the community will remain intact. Without obedience, the community cannot remain intact.” The truth is that without obedience, no community, institution, family, or organization can stay intact. Sayyiduna Umar (RA) fulfilled his duties during his caliphate and then held the subjects accountable for their duties, establishing an exemplary society where every individual performed their religious, social, and legal responsibilities in the best manner. That is why the enviable Farooq era is remembered as a solution to our problems even today.

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) passed away at the end of Jumada al-Thani, and Sayyiduna Umar (RA) ascended to the caliphate. During the previous caliph’s tenure, the campaigns against false prophets, apostates, and deniers of Zakat had concluded, and the conquests had begun. In 12 AH, as a result of the expedition to Iraq, all the districts of Hira were conquered. Similarly, in 13 AH, an attack on Syria was launched, and the Muslim armies spread across the border districts. These campaigns had just begun when the caliph of the time passed away, and Sayyiduna Umar (RA) took over the reins of government, immediately focusing all his attention on the completion of these crucial campaigns.

The extent of conquests during your Caliphate is vast. By the time of Hazrat Umar’s demise, the Islamic state covered an area of 2,511,665 square miles. Out of this, approximately 1,309,501 square miles were incorporated into the Islamic territory due to the remarkable wisdom and strategic prowess of Syedna Farooq Azam. The unparalleled strategic planning and exceptional skills of Syedna Umar can be gauged from the fact that during his reign, the Islamic armies were expanding the state by 300 square miles daily. By the end of 23 Hijri, the boundaries of Farooqi conquests extended northward beyond the Caspian Sea along the western shore to about a hundred miles beyond Derbent, southward to Jordan and the islands south of it, eastward to Makran in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, and westward to the Libyan city of Tripoli.

During his Caliphate, Syedna Umar Farooq achieved such monumental feats that it is challenging to determine which of his accomplishments is the greatest. Perhaps his most significant achievement was the establishment of a governance system based on religious and consultative foundations, which not only ensured the welfare and progress of Muslims but also guaranteed fundamental human rights regardless of religion, race, or colour. This governance system trained individuals in a manner unparalleled even today.

When Abu Hurairah(RA) arrived in Medina with 500,000 dinars after a long journey from Bahrain, Umar ibn Khattab (RA)  could not believe his ears. “Is your mind sound? Do you know how to count?” Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) replied that his mind was indeed sound, and he was well-versed in counting. Due to the constant activities that prevented free time, the collection of tax money continued. Consultations and discussions would take place. Hazrat Ali (RA) ibn Abi Talib advised, “Distribute it.” Umar(RA)  replied, “The needy have already been given what they required.” Then he asked, what did the kings of Persia do in such situations? Buildings were constructed, accounting registers were prepared, and Coptic clerks were employed, leading to the establishment of the first treasury in Islam. Twenty-six institutions…yes, twenty-six new institutions were established on a permanent basis, such as Military Intelligence and Social Security, reaching such heights that even the collective human intellect of the next 14 centuries could not add to them.

Twenty-six institutions…yes, twenty-six new institutions were established on a permanent basis. For instance, Military Intelligence and Social Security were elevated to such heights that the collective human intellect of the subsequent 14 centuries could not add anything further. This is why in Scandinavia, Social Security is called “Umar Law,” and in Britain, the architect of this concept claimed to have derived it from the biography of a Muslim genius.

Although set up on an emergency basis, a new institution was established on durable and permanent foundations. The system of stipends was initiated, with funds quietly delivered to the homes of the needy, parents of young children, senior companions, and the Ahl al-Bayt. The Ahl al-Bayt would receive larger stipends, but they would distribute them as soon as they received them. With increased revenue, stipends were not just started after weaning, but immediately after the birth of children. Subsequently, when he saw unemployed people and a destitute Jew begging, he ordered a list of needy non-Muslims to be made so that their poverty could be permanently alleviated. On one journey, when he learned that the desert dwellers would stop feeding their sick, dying, and old animals, he ordered fodder to be provided from the state treasury.

Hazrat Umar’s faithful sincerity, bravery, and devotion, his determined spirit for jihad in the way of Allah, and the experience of a wise leader, coupled with natural abilities, soon brought the powers boasting of being the superpowers of that era under Islam’s control. Hazrat Umar struck down Caesar and Khosrow with such force, just as one kicks a football in an open field. He accomplished, with his individual capabilities, feats within the barren valley of Arabia that even grand governments and assemblies would find extremely difficult. Appointing governors, selecting judges, choosing military officers, organizing and training armies, sending orders for military movements and reinforcements, drawing maps, defining city boundaries, legislating, distributing war booty, enforcing Hudud and Tazeer, (Islamic Laws of Limitation and Punishment) and numerous other services were carried out based on his discretion, insightful opinions, quick wit, foresight, and determination. Along with these immense services, he lived humbly among the people. This is why his period of Caliphate is still regarded as the highest exemplary era in terms of justice, peace, and administration.

He had countless virtues, but the fundamental one was that he had a heart full of compassion. The Quran stipulates that a ruler should be knowledgeable, powerful, and pure. He embodied these qualities, never delaying decisions. When faced with a scholarly issue, he would inquire and scrutinize deeply from senior companions. He held Abdullah ibn Abbas and Abdullah ibn Masood dear because they were knowledgeable. Justice was his topmost priority. He did not show leniency even to the veterans of Badr. He had observed his master (SAW) and Siddiq Akbar (RA) practicing this and remained steadfast on it throughout his life. When he found any of his opinions to be wrong, he would not only publicly acknowledge it but also apologize, never nurturing the ailment of pride. He would always stand in respect for Bilal Habshi (RA) and once said about Ali ibn Talib (RA), “If it were not for Ali, Umar would have been ruined.”

Seeing the simplicity and devotion of Amin Al-Umat in Damascus brought tears to many eyes. He wore humble clothes, lived in a modest house, and mingled freely with ordinary Muslims, allowing each one to question and challenge him. For him, the recipe for a reformed society was that the ruling class should remain upright, and its conduct should guide the common people. Therefore, he treated officials, governors, and even senior companions with strictness when it came to principles. This was evident in the case of Khalid bin Walid. Governance typically relies on alliances among the powerful and concessions to influential people. Islam changed this approach, and Umar was the guardian of this new method. He promoted education, enforced strict justice, made the state responsible for the treatment of the sick and provision of sustenance for the needy, maintained peace at all costs, and although he was strict with influential governors like Muawiyah and Amr ibn al-As, he sometimes swallowed bitter pills for political stability. Thus, he reprimanded them but did not remove them because stability was necessary for peace.

Throughout history, the success of many rulers has often been attributed to a famous advisor or general. If that advisor or general was no longer there, the conquests would halt, or the governance structure would collapse. However, Umar had trust in Allah and confidence in his own abilities. People began to think that the key to victory lay solely in Khalid bin Walid’s exceptional military skills, but when Umar removed him, no one felt that a crucial part was missing. Similarly, people had a similar belief regarding Saad bin Abi Waqqas, the conqueror of Persia, but he too was removed without causing any disruption. Indeed, Umar managed the government so effectively that he could move and replace parts as needed, removing some altogether and preparing new ones when necessary.

The populace enjoyed an honourable, peaceful, and purposeful life, the likes of which are hard to find in history. A sense of accountability and self-examination filled the earth with Allah’s light during his reign. Although it was a short period in the vast expanse of history, Umar’s era remains a shining chapter of conquest, politics, governance, democracy, fraternity, freedom, equality, justice, and human welfare. It serves as a beacon of light and an ideal for nations and states. The golden age of virtue, action, and movement that Umar epitomized could not be fully replicated even in later Islamic history. Umar’s emergence as a significant figure on the stage of history was a blessing of the Muhammadan legacy.

Profound sympathy for all human beings formed the basis of his governance, clearly a fruit of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and a legacy from Abu Bakr, who had less time. He possessed great qualities: although he had a temper, he would not hesitate to apologize if he made even a small mistake. Initially, he did not give much importance to women. He himself said, “We did not know that women were anything until we learned it from the Prophet.” He was tall, fair, very dignified, and eloquent, always immersed in thought, constantly learning, extremely humble, never proud of his virtues, and always concerned about improving himself.

In the last days of his life, he dreamt that a red rooster pecked him three times in the stomach. He shared this dream with people and said that his death was near. One day, as per his routine, he went to the mosque for prayer. Upon reaching the mosque, he instructed the worshippers to straighten their rows. Just as he began to say the opening Takbir, Abu Lulu (Feroz), a slave of Al-Mughira (RA) who was hiding in the mosque’s niche with a poisoned dagger, attacked him with three fatal blows to his stomach. He fell unconscious, and Abdur-Rahman (RA) bin Aouf stepped forward to lead the prayer and complete it. After concluding the brief prayer with Salaam, Abu Lulu attempted to flee the mosque but found it difficult to escape through the densely packed rows of worshippers. In his desperation, he injured thirteen more companions, seven of whom did not survive. By the time the prayer was finished, Abu Lulu was captured. Realizing he was caught; he used the same dagger to kill himself.

Eventually, Umar’s prayer for martyrdom was granted. He was wounded on the 27th of Dhul-Hijjah (Wednesday) and passed away on the 1st of Muharram (Sunday) at the age of 63. Suhaib led his funeral prayer, and he was buried next to Abu Bakr in the Prophet’s chamber.

When we obtained Pakistan, we repeatedly promised our Lord that we would free those who had been enslaved by others, bringing them under the servitude of God instead of men. However, we have spent our lives breaking this promise. Now, we wonder why such rulers have been imposed on us who demand further subjugation while looting the country’s wealth and presenting themselves as innocent.

Today, we speak of our predecessors with love, pride, and respect, but sadly, we learn nothing from them. If we decide even now to live our lives based on the Quran and the Seerah, the teachings of Umar ibn al-Khattab can enlighten and dignify our character. Umar’s governance is the best model and ideal example of Muslim rule and society, preserved in history. Without embarking on the journey towards this ideal, all claims of an Islamic system, no matter how appealing, are essentially hollow.

تمہیں جو ناز ہے آزادئیِ سوال پہ آج

خبر بھی ہے یہ اجازت عمرؓکے ساتھ  آئی

خدا نے یوں بھی دیا ان کے مشوروں کو مقام

کبھی تو یوں کہ شریعت عمرؓ کے ساتھ آئی

وہ جس کا عدل”عمرؓلاز” بن کے جاری ہے

وہ باوقارعدالت عمرؓ کے ساتھ آئی

A couplet to ponder:

“The pride you take in the freedom to question,

Do you know that this permission came with Umar?

God gave his counsel such a place,

That sometimes Shariah came with Umar.

The justice that runs as ‘Umar Laws’,

That dignified court came with Umar.”

7 July 2024