His Lineage and Title
He is ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab al-Qurashi al-‘Adawi, also known as Abu Hafs and Amir al-Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful), the second of the rightly guided caliphs. He was titled "Al-Faruq" for his ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Allah strengthened Islam through him and enabled the expansion of Muslim lands. He was one of the ten companions promised Paradise. Born 13 years after the Year of the Elephant, he was prominent among the nobles of Quraysh during the pre-Islamic era and served as their ambassador.
1.The Strengthening of Islam through Him
‘Umar ibn al-Khattab embraced Islam in Dhul-Hijjah of the sixth year of prophethood, three days after Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him) accepted Islam. The Prophet ﷺ had prayed: "O Allah! Honor Islam through the most dear of these two men to you: Through Abu Jahl or through 'Umar bin Al-Khattab." He said: "And the most dear of them to Him was 'Umar."
‘Umar was initially a fierce opponent of Muslims but was moved by their steadfastness and unity. One day, he heard the Prophet ﷺ reciting Surah Al-Haqqah at the Ka‘bah and, believing the Qur’an to be poetry or sorcery, he was struck by the verse: "And it is not the word of a poet; little do you believe... Nor the word of a soothsayer; little do you remember. [It is] a revelation from the Lord of the worlds." This stirred something in his heart, though he still harbored remnants of his pre-Islamic tendencies, leading him to set out with the intent to kill the Prophet ﷺ.
On his way, he learned that his sister Fatimah and her husband Sa‘id ibn Zayd had embraced Islam. Enraged, he attacked Sa‘id, and when his sister tried to intervene, he struck her, causing her to bleed. Seeing her unwavering faith, he regretted his actions and asked to read the scripture they were reciting. When he read from Surah Ta-Ha and reached the verse: "Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance," the words deeply impressed him. He decided to meet the Prophet ﷺ to declare his Islam.
‘Umar went to Dar al-Arqam, where the Prophet ﷺ and his companions were gathered. Upon entering, the Prophet ﷺ held his garment and asked, "Has the time not come for you, O ‘Umar, to embrace Islam?" ‘Umar responded, "I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." The Muslims rejoiced, and their loud takbir echoed throughout Makkah.
‘Umar’s conversion marked a significant shift. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "We could not pray at the Ka‘bah until ‘Umar embraced Islam." On that day, he was named Al-Faruq, as his acceptance of Islam distinguished truth from falsehood. Accompanied by Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, he led the Muslims in two orderly rows to the Ka‘bah, causing the Quraysh to feel humiliated. With his conversion, the Muslims became emboldened in practicing their faith, and the power of the disbelievers began to wane. Suhaib al-Rumi remarked, "When ‘Umar embraced Islam, the truth became evident and Islam was declared openly." Ibn Mas‘ud added, "We have remained honored since the day ‘Umar accepted Islam."
2.The Justice of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab
‘Umar was renowned for his justice and firmness in upholding the truth. The Prophet ﷺ said about him: "whenever Satan sees you taking a way, he follows a way other than yours!" He also said, "here had been among the people before you inspired persons and if there were any such among my Umma Umar b. Khattab would be one of them." Several times, ‘Umar's opinions coincided with subsequent divine revelations.
‘Umar was known for advising people in even the smallest matters. Once, he passed by a shepherd grazing his flock on barren land and advised him to move to more fertile land. He quoted the Prophet’s saying: "All of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) This reflects ‘Umar’s concern for public welfare, even in minor issues.
Throughout his caliphate, ‘Umar sought to follow in Abu Bakr's footsteps. When Abu Bakr was on his deathbed, he requested to be buried in an old garment and asked that his current clothes be returned to the public treasury. Upon hearing this, ‘Umar wept and said, "You have set a difficult example for those who follow you, O Abu Bakr!"
His justice was unparalleled. Once, the envoy of the Byzantine Emperor arrived in Madinah seeking the palace of the caliph. He was directed to ‘Umar, whom he found sleeping under a tree with his sandals as a pillow. Astonished, the envoy remarked, "O ‘Umar, you ruled with justice, so you felt secure, and thus you slept in peace." His justice instilled a sense of safety among the people.
3.‘Umar’s Humility and Piety
‘Umar’s humility and asceticism were central to his successful leadership. He viewed himself as a servant of the people and avoided indulging in comfort or luxury. He possessed only one garment, which he would wash to wear for Friday prayer. The companions once noticed three patches on the garment between his shoulders. Despite his high status, he avoided refined foods like fine flour and contented himself with vinegar and oil. When hungry, he would address his stomach, saying, "Growl as you wish, for you have no food other than this."
He personally checked on the welfare of the people at night and fed the hungry with his own hands. Once, when a charity camel went astray, he exclaimed, "Will my workers answer on my behalf before Allah?" Such was his fear of accountability that two lines of sorrow formed on his face from his frequent weeping.
He often held himself to account, bringing his hand near a fire and saying, "O son of al-Khattab, do you have the endurance for this?" He would also say, "Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable."
4. Criticism of Excessive Displays of Wealth
When ‘Umar saw a grand house, he sat in its shade until its owner arrived. He asked him why he had built such an elaborate structure, to which the man replied that he had imitated another city’s architecture. ‘Umar ordered him to rebuild the house modestly to discourage others from competing in extravagance. When Abu ‘Ubaydah suggested that ‘Umar improve his appearance upon entering Syria, he responded: "We are a people whom Allah has honored through Islam. If we seek honor through anything else, Allah will humiliate us."
His sincere faith, fear of accountability, humility, and dedication to his responsibilities were the pillars of his leadership, which led to the prosperity of the Muslim nation during his rule. His countless acts of service leave an indelible mark on Islamic history.
The Death of Al-Faruq
As his death approached, ‘Umar rested his head in the lap of his son Abdullah and asked to have his cheek placed on the ground, expressing his fear of Allah's judgment. He repeatedly said, "Woe to ‘Umar," fearing Allah’s displeasure despite being among the ten promised Paradise.
Before passing, he instructed his son to seek permission from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to be buried beside the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr. After receiving her consent, he asked that his body be washed and shrouded. As he was carried to the burial site, he requested that they ask Aisha for permission again.
‘Umar’s profound faith, fear of accountability, humility, and sincere dedication were the foundations of his leadership. The Prophet ﷺ once described him as one of the elders of Paradise. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud said: "His acceptance of Islam was a victory, his migration was a triumph, and his caliphate was a mercy."
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The Sources:
1. “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum” Book by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri
2. “The Virtues of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab” by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Tayyar
3. “The Virtues of the Companions” by Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Abdel Ghaffar
