Omar, The Criterion (part 3 of 3)
Omar Ibn Al Khattab was the second Caliph of the Muslim
Ummah (Nation), and the first Muslim leader to be called the
Commander of the Faithful. After Prophet Muhammad's death, his
closest friend Abu Bakr became his successor and led the Muslims
for around two years. When Abu Bakr felt his own death approaching,
he gathered his closest friends and advisors around him and
informed them that their allegiance to him was over. Abu Bakr hoped
that these men would choose his successor from among themselves.
However, after much discussion Abu Bakr's companions returned to
him and asked him to choose for them for they trusted his choice
beyond question. Abu Bakr chose Omar.
Some of the men around Abu Bakr voiced their concern that Omar,
known to be a very harsh and tough man would be too hard on the
people. Abu Bakr responded by saying that he considered Omar to be
the best among them. Despite these initial reservations among some
men of Medina, Omar was appointed as the second Caliph of the
Muslims. He began his reign by addressing the people and
immediately explaining his expectations for himself. Omar knew the
people were wary of his reputation for toughness and he addressed
this issue.
He said, "Oh people, know that I have been appointed to govern your
affairs, so recognise that my roughness is now weakened, but I will
continue to be rough and harsh on the people of oppression and
transgression and will put their cheeks into the dirt[1]. Know also that I will put my own
cheek into the dirt to defend the people of piety."
Omar went on to explain to the people that he would take nothing
from what their land produced or from the spoils of war except what
God ordained and that he would only spend that money in a way that
was pleasing to God. Omar was acutely aware of the importance of
financial justice, and that he would be held accountable for every
penny or dirham that belonged to the Muslim Ummah. Omar also
informed the people that he would increase their salaries and
provisions and guard their borders.
The young Muslim nation that Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him,
and his companions had worked so hard to establish was an Ummah
unlike no other. Benefits were paid to every member of the Ummah
from the Muslim treasury; it was not necessary to be a government
employee, the wealth of the ever-expanding nation was shared
equally. Omar did not institute this, he was merely following the
already established way of his predecessors, but he did promise to
increase the payments.
Omar also promised not to send the Muslim armies "into
destruction", meaning that he would not send the armies out unless
the risks were evaluated and deemed acceptable. He promised not to
keep the soldiers away from their families for an extended period
and reassured the men that while they were away fighting for the
Muslim Ummah, and if they did not return, he, the Caliph would be
the father of their children and the caretaker of their wives. Omar
believed the role of the leader was to protect the people.
This concept seems very unusual now days when we see Presidents and
Prime Ministers surrounded by bodyguards and willing to trample
over anyone to protect themselves and their power. Omar Ibn al
Khattab, although he was the leader of an Empire, never felt it
necessary to have a bodyguard. He walked the streets of Medina like
any ordinary citizen, even at night. In fact, it was during the
nights that he roamed the streets checking up on those under his
protection and anonymously distributing charity.
One of the years of Omar's reign came to be known as the Year of
Ashes. This year was a great test for the Muslim Ummah. It was a
time of drought and famine, when the wind was so hot it burnt the
skin as if with hot ashes. Meat, butter, and milk became
unavailable, and the people existed on little more then dry bread
sometimes dipped in oil. Omar took an oath that he would not eat or
drink anything that was not available to the people. Even when
foodstuffs became available in the markets again, Omar refused to
buy them for inflated prices. He was heard to say, "How can I be
concerned about and understand my own subjects if I am not going
through the same trials that they go through?"
More then fourteen hundred years after his reign Omar, is still
remembered as a man of justice. Drawing on the principles of
justice, mercy and compassion inherent in Islam, Omar treated all
those under his care equally, whether they were rich or poor, black
or white, powerful or weak. He constantly feared that God would
question him about his actions. He worried that there may be sick
or poor people among the believers that he had not cared for
correctly. Omar ibn Al Khattab never appointed judges or governors
who expressed a desire for such a job but chose wisely from the
most pious members of the Ummah.
Omar considered himself an ordinary Muslim but history has
recorded that he was anything but ordinary. Omar was strong,
physically and spiritually, he was generous, noble and lived a life
of humility. Omar followed in the footsteps of his beloved Prophet
Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, he
followed his example and upheld his traditions. Omar's whole being
was focused on pleasing God; he feared God's punishment but hoped
for Paradise. Omar was able to distinguish between the truth and
falsehood, he felt pain when the Ummah or any member of it was
hurting, and he felt joy when those under his care were content and
happy worshipping their Lord. Omar was one of four rightly guided
Caliphs. Even today, he continues to be a role model for strength,
justice, love, and mercy.
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Footnotes:
[1] This was an expression used by the Arabs of that time,
to denote a harsh response, one that leaves no doubt that
oppression of others and the transgression of their rights will not
be tolerated.
By Aisha Stacey
IslamReligion.com
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