Biography of Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RA), the Second Caliph of Islam
Introduction and Brief Introduction
Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RA) was the second Caliph of Islam and one of the most powerful and just rulers in the history of Islam. He was awarded the title "Al-Faruq", which means "the Distinguisher of Truth and Falsehood". During his reign, the Islamic empire expanded unprecedentedly and the Islamic administration was well-organized.
Birth and Early Life
Hazrat Umar (RA) was born in Mecca in 584 AD into the original tribe of the Quraysh tribe. His father's name was Khattab ibn Nufail and his mother's name was Hantama bint Hisham. He was a powerful and respected leader of Arabia before embracing Islam.
Conversion to Islam
Initially, Hazrat Umar (RA) was a staunch opponent of Islam and persecuted Muslims. However, one day he felt a change of heart when he saw his sister Fatima (RA) and her husband Saeed ibn Zayd (RA) reciting the Quran. Then he went directly to the Prophet (SAW) and embraced Islam. His acceptance of Islam made the Muslims more courageous and made it easier to preach Islam publicly.
Hazrat Umar's (RA) reign as Caliph
In 634 AD, after the death of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), he was appointed as the Caliph of the Muslims. His reign was 10 years (634-644 AD). During this time, an important change occurred in the history of Islam and the Islamic empire expanded.
Hazrat Umar's (RA) Contribution to Islam
Contribution of Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RA)
Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RA) was the second Caliph of Islam and one of the most just and powerful rulers in history. During his reign, the Islamic Empire expanded at an unprecedented rate and brought about groundbreaking reforms in governance. His contributions are so extensive that they continue to inspire the Muslim world today. His contributions are discussed in detail below:
1. Expansion of the Islamic Empire
During his reign, the Islamic Empire expanded rapidly and many new territories came under the banner of Islam. Notable victories are:
Conquest of the Persian Empire: Muslim forces defeated the Sasanian Empire of Persia in the battles of Qadisiya and Nehwand.
Conquest of the Byzantine Empire: Large parts of Syria, Palestine, and Egypt came under Muslim control.
Conquest of Jerusalem: In 638 AD, Hazrat Umar (RA) himself entered Jerusalem and peacefully occupied it. He ensured the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews there.
2. Reforms in the administrative and judicial system
Strengthened and organized the Islamic administration.
He formed new provinces and appointed governors there.
He founded new cities named Qadisiya, Basra, Kufa and Fusat.
He established separate courts for the judiciary and ensured the independence of judges.
(a) Establishment of an independent judiciary
He allowed judges to work independently and prohibited the influence of rulers on them.
The judiciary was run on the basis of the Quran and Sunnah.
(b) Strict justice
Once his son committed a crime, he was also punished, which is an example of his justice.
He said, "If anyone is wrongfully harmed during my reign, I will take responsibility for it."
3. Establishment of an Islamic economic system
He established a state treasury (Baitul Mal).
He introduced allowances for the poor and disabled.
He created a specific salary structure for the army.
4. Economic and Social Reforms
(a) Establishment of the State Treasury (Baitul Mal)
He established the State Treasury (Baitul Mal) for the first time in the Islamic Empire, where state revenues were saved and spent for the welfare of the people.
(b) Introduction of allowance system for the poor and destitute
He introduced regular allowances for widows, orphans, the elderly and the disabled.
(c) Introduction of a salary structure for the army
He introduced regular salaries and allowances for the army, which made the military more organized.
5. Introduction of the Hijri calendar
He introduced the Islamic calendar (Hijri year) based on the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which is still used as the calendar of Muslims today.
6. Urban planning and infrastructure development
Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) played an important role in establishing new cities and developing infrastructure.
(a) Establishment of new cities
He established several new cities including Kufa, Basra, and Fusat.
These cities became centers of Islamic knowledge and administration.
(b) Development of roads and drinking water systems
He ensured roadways and drinking water systems.
He dug wells and built canals in various places.
7. Establishment of educational and religious institutions
He built and renovated mosques.
He established educational centers in various regions to spread education.
He took special initiatives for teaching the Quran.
8. Rights and coexistence of non-Muslims
He ensured security and religious freedom for Christians, Jews and followers of other religions.
He kept the churches and religious institutions of Christians intact after the conquest of Jerusalem.
9. Reform of the military system
He trained and equipped the Muslim army with modern equipment.
He deployed guards on the borders.
10. Personal life and ordinary life
He lived a very simple life and did not use state resources for himself.
He sewed his own clothes and ate ordinary food.
Martyrdom of Hazrat Umar (RA)
In 644 AD, a Persian slave named Abu Lulu Firuz stabbed him during the Fajr prayer.
Three days later, he was martyred and was buried next to the Prophet (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
Personality and Character Traits of Hazrat Umar (RA)
1. Justice and Strict Judicial Policy
Hazrat Umar (RA) was very just. Once his son committed a crime, he was also punished. He was strict with judges and rulers and ensured the fair rights of the people.
2. Simple Life
He wore simple clothes, worked with his own hands and did not misuse state resources. He always worked for the benefit of the people.
3. Kindness and Compassion towards the People
Once he visited the city in disguise at night and seeing the condition of a poor woman, he himself carried food and took it to her house.
Martyrdom of Hazrat Umar (RA)
In 644 AD, a Persian slave, Abu Lulu Firoz, stabbed him. Three days later, he was martyred and was buried in the Prophet's Mosque next to the Prophet's (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
Conclusion
Hazrat Umar (RA) was one of the greatest and most just rulers in the history of Islam. His reign is known as the golden age of Islamic civilization. His justice, administrative skills, military success, economic reforms and outstanding contribution to the spread of Islam are remembered even today. Under his leadership, Islam became a powerful empire and the foundation of the Muslim Ummah was strengthened.
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