When we go through the history of Islam, we get to know about the inspiring stories of the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Those were the people who accepted Islam with all their heart and soul. Among such personalities, the name Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) is also mentionable. His services for Islam and its expansion are commendable and serve as an inspiration for Muslims today.

EARLY LIFE

Hazrat Umar (RA) belonged to the Quraish tribe. His father was Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl and his mother was Hantamah bint Hashim bin Al Mugheerah. Hazrat Umar (RA)’ s father and grandfather were the influential personalities of their time that even Quraish used to go to them for judgments.

Hazrat Umar (RA) was born in 583 AC. He spent his childhood and young age in the pre-Islamic society and he followed the steps of Quraish and was an opponent of Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) spent his childhood in hard work and struggles. He (RA) was a wise, active, and strong person and  knew the skill of reading and writing which was known by very few people of that time. He (RA) was interested in many sports activities like wrestling, riding, and horsemanship. Moreover, Hazrat Umar (RA) also had an interest in the trade and social affairs of Arabs. He participated in many Arab affairs where he got the opportunity to know about the history of Arabs and also he got the chance to engage in trade activities which later made him among the richest men of Makkah.

CONVERSION TO ISLAM

Before accepting Islam, Hazrat Umar (RA) was against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and its teachings. When Quraish found out that the uncle of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) – Hazrat Hamza (RA) has accepted Islam they feared that soon Islam would be stronger and the number of Muslims will increase day by day. That time Hazrat Umar (RA) decided that he will assassinate the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

When he was on his way to harm the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he found out that his sister and brother-in-law has also accepted Islam and became Muslims. Hazrat Umar (RA) fumed into anger after getting this news and he instantly went to his sister’s place. He knocked on the door aggressively. His sister and brother-in-law were learning from the Quran teacher at that time. When they found out that Hazrat Umar (RA) is so mad and angry they hid their Quran teacher and opened the door. Hazrat Umar (RA) aggressively inquired his sister about the conversion to which she accepted that she has accepted the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He could not control his anger and hit her and his brother in law.

After some time, when he was calm, he asked his sister what she was reading, and he wanted to see it. Her sister said that you have to purify yourself before listening to the Quran. Hazrat Umar (RA) did so and started listening to the verses of the Holy Quran. Listening to the Holy Quran made him realize his mistake of not following the true religion.

He decided to accept Islam too and the same Umar (RA) who was going to kill the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was now going to accept Islam and the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

After accepting Islam he made Muslims who were very less in number not pray secretly and helped them to pray freely.

Abdullah Ibn Masood (R.A.) said

“We felt a sense of pride when Umar became Muslim, for we could not circumambulate the Holy Mosque and pray until Umar became Muslim. When he became Muslim, he fought them until they sent us free. Then we prayed and circumambulated the Kaaba.”

PARTICIPATION IN KEY EVENTS AND BATTLES DURING THE TIME OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)

Hazrat Umar (RA) after accepting Islam gave new strength and power to the newly formed Muslim community. He worked tirelessly for the expansion and protection of Islam. He was part of many significant events and battles of Islamic history where he proved his devotion and dedication towards the religion Islam. The events in which he participated during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are:

• Battle of Badr
• Battle of Trench
• Battle of Uhud
• Migration to Madina
• Conquest of Makkah
• The Final Pilgrimage of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

SERVICES OF HAZRAT UMAR (RA) AS THE SECOND CALIPH OF ISLAM

After the passing of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), there was an extreme need for the Caliph who could play his role in the progress of Islam and the Muslim community. Hazrat Umar (RA) was selected as the second Caliph of Islam. He (RA) carried out his duty as the Caliph of Islam tremendously. Umar worked selflessly for the welfare of Islam and Muslims. He made the judicial system which was just and the same for everyone. The judicial system was based on the principles of Islam. Moreover, he (RA) appointed capable governors for different regions to maintain peace and unity among the Muslims.

Hazrat Umar (RA) took several steps which played a vital role in the progress of Islam. He (RA) in his caliphate spread the message of Islam to different regions like the cities of Egypt, Persia, and the Levant. Additionally, Hazrat Umar (RA) initiated social welfare activities to help the needy people of society like widows and orphans, etc. He (RA) made sure that the wealth and resources are distributed equally and in a just way among the Muslims and also worked for the economic stability of the Muslim community.

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HAZRAT UMAR (RA)

Hazrat Umar (RA) was a man of wisdom and strength. He was among the richest men of Makkah but still spent his life with simplicity and modesty. He (RA) was a fearless and straightforward person and did not fear anyone except ALLAH. Also, he practiced justice and unity all his life and always took fair decisions as the Caliph of Muslims.

SAYINGS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) ABOUT HAZRAT UMAR (RA)

Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was a very close companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and stood with him in every thick and thin of life. The Holy Prophet showed his respect and love towards Hazrat Umar (RA) in many places. Some of his sayings about Hazrat Umar (RA) are

“No doubt, ALLAH has issued truth, on the tongue and in the heart of Umar.” (Source ~ Tirmizi-Shareef)

“If there were to be a Prophet it would have been Umar bin Khattab.” (Source ~ Tirmizi-Shareef)

MARTYDOM OF HAZRAT UMAR (RA)

He was assassinated on the 27th of Zull Hajj. He was attacked while praying Fajr in Masjid Al Haram (Makkah) by Abu Lulu’ah al-Majusi who attacked Hazrat Umar (RA) with a dagger multiple times. Hazrat Umar (RA) embraced martyrdom on the 1st of Muharram

FINAL WORDS

He is an example for every person in the world. His inspiring life and his passion and dedication towards the religion Islam made him one of the shining personalities of Islamic history. Umar (RA) with his characteristics of justice, bravery, and wisdom made Islam a strong religion. He was also given the title of Farooq because of his pious and just nature.

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