The second caliph of Islam, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattâb faced more struggles than any other Muslim leader in the early onset of Islam. His life began in a time of ignorance and ended during the Golden Age of Islam. Under his leadership, the Muslim world was witnessing some of its most notable conquests in the history of Islam. The strength and resilience of Islam’s leaders were being tested, and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattâb’s true commitment to Allah shone to reveal an Islamic spirit unlike that found in any other Muslim leader. The standards by which he lived can teach us a lot about determination, hardship, and success.
He was born three years after the years of the Elephant, and he was one of the noblemen and ambassadors of the Quraish. When he was a child his father put him to the task of taking care of camels. Khattab, his father, was a hard taskmaster.
In his youth, he practiced the professions the noble Arabs practiced. He practiced genealogy, wrestling, oration and horsemanship. He eventually became a skillful senior genealogist and an unsurpassed wrestler. During that time, he also learned to read and write and was one of the 17 people of the Quraish who were able to read and write.
Umar (ra) was fair in complexion, bald, thick- bearded and tall. His beard hair was long and gray at the ends.
Al-Farooq (The one distinguishing between right and wrong) was the title given to Umar (ra). He narrated the reason as follows: ” After I had embraced Islam, I asked the Prophet : ‘Aren’t we on the right path here and Hereafter?’ The Prophet answered: ‘Of course you are! I swear by Allâh in Whose Hand my soul is, that you are right in this world and in the hereafter.’ I, therefore, asked the Prophet ‘Why we then had to conduct clandestine activism. I swear by Allâh Who has sent you with the Truth, that we will leave our concealment and proclaim our noble cause publicly.’ We then went out in two groups, Hamzah leading one and I the other. We headed for the Mosque in broad daylight when the polytheists of Quraish saw us, their faces went pale and got incredibly depressed and resentful. On that very occasion, the Prophet attached to me the epithet of Al-Farouque.”
Out of fear of the polytheists, the believers used to emigrate secretly. Umar (ra) was the only one who did not fear the blame of anyone, and emigrated publicly.
Moreover, Umar Ibn al Khattab had the unique distinction of having his views confirmed by revelations in the Quran on more than one occasion. Three of the important ones are: the decision regarding the captives of badr, the taking of the station of Ibrahim (pbuh) as a place of prayer and the veiling of Muslim women.
He was the first one to establish teh Taraweeh in congregation at the Masjid. and to make the lunar year the official calendar for Muslims.
It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say, “Among the nations who came before you there were muhaddathoon (men who were inspired) and if there are any such men among my ummah, then ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab is one of them.” Narrated by Muslim, 2398
Al-Tirmidhi (3682) narrated from ‘Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has placed truth on the tongue of ‘Umar and in his heart.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2908.
It was narrated from Abu Juhayfah that ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) ascended the minbar and praised and glorified Allaah and sent blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then he said: “The best of this ummah after its Prophet is Abu Bakr. The second is ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), and after that, whoever Allaah wants to be good will be good.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, 839
He was the model of an ideal Muslim leader, one who felt responsible before Allah for the well being of all those under his rule, including his troops, women, infants, non-Muslim subjects and even animals. He was very generous and very modest.
‘Umar (ra) was a ‘hands on’ leader who kept himself informed and consulted scholars and experts before every major decision.His tenure lasted ten years, four months and some days. He was martyred at the age of 63, and buried beside the Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr (ra).
May Allah be pleased with him.
LIFE 