Khilafat of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and the Grandeur of Farooq-e-Azam (RA)

 

 # **Khilafat of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and the Grandeur of Farooq-e-Azam (RA)**

 *A Historical and Spiritual Analysis with References and Poetry*

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 ## **Introduction**

 The name "Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)" stands out as one of the most significant figures in Islamic history. He was the second Caliph of Islam after Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), and he was known as "Farooq-e-Azam" (The Great Distinguisher). His rule is widely regarded as a "golden age of justice, expansion, and governance." His unwavering commitment to truth, unparalleled sense of justice, humility in leadership, and profound wisdom have made him a role model for rulers, judges, and believers across the ages.

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 ## **Early Life and Acceptance of Islam**

 Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) was born in **583 CE** in the **tribe of Banu Adi**, a noble clan of the Quraysh in Makkah.  Before accepting Islam, he was known for his boldness, eloquence, and strength.

 His conversion to Islam was a significant event in the history of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself had made the following supplication:

 > "O Allah, strengthen Islam with the more adored of these two men: Abu Jahl or Umar ibn al-Khattab." **

 > *(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 537)*

 Umar (RA) embraced Islam in the sixth year of Prophethood, and his conversion brought a new era of public strength to the Muslim community.

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 ## **Title: Al-Farooq**

 The title **“Al-Farooq”** was bestowed upon him by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

 > **“Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar's tongue and heart.” **

 > *(Tirmidhi, Hadith 3682)*

 Farooq refers to "the one who distinguishes between right and wrong," and Umar (RA) became well-known for his steadfast adherence to principles of justice and truth. ---

 ## **The Appointment as Caliph**

 After the death of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) in **634 CE (13 AH)**, Umar (RA) was appointed as the second Caliph of Islam.  His caliphate lasted for **10 years, 6 months, and 4 days**, a period marked by monumental achievements, Islamic expansion, administrative reforms, and social justice.

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 ## **Justice of Umar (RA): The Hallmark of His Rule**

 Umar ibn al-Khattab’s sense of justice has been immortalized in Islamic literature.  His leadership was based on **accountability, equality, and transparency**.

 > **“If a dog were to die hungry on the banks of the Euphrates, I fear that Allah would question me about it.” **

 He did not consider himself above the law.  His personal life was simple, his doors open to the public, and he walked the streets at night to check on the welfare of his people.

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 ## **Poetry on Umar’s Justice**

 > **"A crownless king, yet mightier than all,**

 > **With staff in hand, he heeds the call. **

 > **Justice his creed, no fear nor pride,**

 > **In Umar’s rule, the truth did abide." **

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 ## **Expansion of the Islamic State**

 During his caliphate, the Islamic empire expanded at an unprecedented rate:

 ### **1.  Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE):**

 Defeated the Byzantine Empire, leading to the liberation of **Sham (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine)**.

 ### **2.  Battle of Qadisiyyah (636 CE):**

 annihilated the Sassanid Empire, which was ruled by Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) in Iraq. ### **3.  Conquest of Jerusalem (637 CE):**

 Umar (RA) personally traveled to receive the keys of **Bayt al-Maqdis** from the Christian patriarch **Sophronius**, a testament to his humility and status.

 ### **4.  Conquest of Egypt and Persia:**

 Commanders like **Amr ibn al-Aas (RA)** and **Khalid ibn al-Walid (RA)** extended Islamic rule into **Egypt and Persia**.

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 ## **Administrative Reforms**

 Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) laid the foundations of the Islamic administrative system.  Key contributions include:

 * **Establishment of Bait al-Mal (Public Treasury)**

 The Islamic calendar was created (Hijri). *Salaries that are consistent for public servants and soldiers** * **Appointment of Qadis (judges)**

 * **Census and land surveys**

 * **System of taxation (Kharaj, Jizya, Ushr)**

 * **Creation of postal and police systems**

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 ## **Shan-e-Farooq-e-Azam (Grandeur of Umar RA) in Hadith**

 Numerous occasions, the Prophet Muhammad praised Umar (RA): ### **1.  If There Were to Be a Prophet After Me:**

 > **“If there were to be a Prophet after me, it would have been Umar ibn al-Khattab.” **

 > *(Tirmidhi, Hadith 3686)*

 ### **2.  Satan Avoids His Path:**

 > **"Indeed, Satan flees the path that Umar walks on." **

 > *(Bukhari, Hadith 3683)*

 ### **3.  His Opinions Matching the Qur'an:**

 Umar (RA)’s several opinions were confirmed through revelations, such as:

 * **Hijab** (Surah An-Nur 24:31)

 * **Prisoners of Badr** (Surah Al-Anfal 8:67)

 * Wine prohibition (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219), gradually increasing to complete prohibition. ---

 ## **Poetry Praising Umar (RA)**

 > "The lion of Allah, he did not raise a sword," > **Yet empires trembled at his gaze. **

 > **Justice his armor, truth his shield,**

 > "Umar gave in to Allah alone." **

 > **"O Umar, O lamp of the night so still,**

 > **On Madinah's hill, you walked by yourself. **

 > **Seeking the hungry, the orphan's cry,**

 > **A Caliph so humble, whose standard stood high." **

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 ## **Legacy of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)**

 The era of Umar (RA) stands as a model of **Islamic governance**.  His legacy includes:

 *A welfare system founded on Islamic principles** * **Religious tolerance towards Christians and Jews**

 * **Public services accessible to all**

 * **Transparent financial system**

 Even **non-Muslim historians** such as **Sir William Muir** and **Edward Gibbon** admired Umar’s administrative brilliance.

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 ## **Martyrdom of Umar (RA)**

 In **644 CE (23 AH)**, Umar (RA) was **assassinated** by **Abu Lu’lu’ah Firoz**, a Persian slave, while leading **Fajr prayer** in Masjid al-Nabawi.  He was buried next to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA).

 His final request:

 > **“Ask Aisha (RA) if I may be buried beside the Prophet (PBUH).” **

 When granted permission, he wept and thanked Allah for that honor.

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 ## "Selected Sources and References" 1.  **Sahih Bukhari**, Kitab al-Manaqib

 2.  **Sahih Muslim**, Book of Virtues

 3.  Hadith 537, "Musnad Ahmad" 4.  **Tirmidhi**, Hadith 3682, 3686

 5.  **Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah** by Ibn Kathir

 6.  **Tarikh al-Tabari** by Imam Tabari

 7.  **Seerat al-Khulafa** by Jalaluddin Suyuti

 8.  **The Caliphate of Umar** by Dr.  Muhammad Hamidullah

 9.  The book "Al-Farooq" by Shibli Nomani ---

 ## **Conclusion**

 The life and legacy of **Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)** embody the **essence of Islamic leadership**.  He is an inspiration to future generations for his dedication to justice, bravery, humility, and service to humanity. The "model of Khilafat-e-Farooq" continues to serve as an "eternal guide" for Muslims and the entire human race today, as the world searches for moral and just governance. ---

 ### **Final Poem**

 > **"No crown, no throne, no guards in sight,**

 Despite this, he ruled the hearts with might and power. **

 > **From desert sands to Persian shore,**

 > **The justice of Umar echoes evermore." **

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