The Greatness of Hazrat Umar (RA)

The Greatness of Hazrat Umar (RA)\r\nHis name is Umar, his Kunyah (patronymic name) is Abu Hafs, and his title is Farooq-e-Azam. His father\'s name was Khattab, and his mother\'s name was Hantamah, who was the daughter of Hisham bin Mughirah and the sister of the cursed Abu Jahl. His family lineage meets the family lineage of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) at the eighth generation. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, Arabic, p. 86 / Tabaqat Ibn Sa\'d, Vol. 3, p. 59)

وَالسّٰبِقُوْنَ الْاَوَّلُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُهٰجِرِيْنَ وَالْاَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِيْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُمْ بِاِحْسَانٍ ۙ رَّضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوْا عَنْهُ وَاَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِيْ تَحْتَهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِيْنَ فِيْهَآ اَبَدًا ۗ ذٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيْمُ۔ (سورہ التوبہ، آیت: 100 قال النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَعَلَ الْحَقَّ عَلَى لِسَانِ عُمَرَ وَقَلْبِهِ۔ جامع ترمذی قال النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَيَخَافُ مِنْكَ يَا عُمَرُ۔ جامع ترمذی قال النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم لَوْ كَانَ بَعْدِي نَبِيٌّ لَكَانَ عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ قال النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَيَفِرُّ مِنْ ظِلِّ عُمَرَ The Birth of Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) He was born in Makkah thirteen years after the Event of the Elephant (Waqia-e-Feel). By the time he accepted Islam, forty men and eleven women had already entered the fold of Islam. According to another narration, he embraced Islam after thirty-nine men and twenty-three women. He accepted Islam in the sixth year of the Proclaimation of Prophethood (Elaan-e-Nabuwwat) at the age of 26 or 27. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, Arabic, p. 86) Name and Lineage of Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) His name is Umar, his Kunyah (patronymic name) is Abu Hafs, and his title is Farooq-e-Azam. His father's name was Khattab, and his mother's name was Hantamah, who was the daughter of Hisham bin Mughirah and the sister of the cursed Abu Jahl. His family lineage meets the family lineage of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) at the eighth generation. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, Arabic, p. 86 / Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd, Vol. 3, p. 59) The Choice of the Prophet: Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam Whenever our Master, the Beloved of Allah, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) saw Umar bin Khattab or Abu Jahl, he would pray to Allah: "O Allah! Whichever of these two is more pleasing to You, grant honor and strength to Your religion through him." The narration of the Hadith is as follows: It is narrated by Hazrat Sa'eed bin Al-Musayyib (Radi Allahu Anhu): كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا رَأَى عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ أَوْ آبَا جَهْلِ بْنِ هِشَامٍ قَالَ اللَّهُمُ اشْدُدُ دِينَكَ بِأَحَبِّهِمَا إِلَيْكَ (Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd, Vol. 3, p. 58) Here is the translation of your text into easy and fluent English, keeping the Arabic text exactly as it is: The Choice of the Prophet: Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam Whenever our Master, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) saw Umar bin Khattab or the cursed Abu Jahl, he would pray: "O Allah! Whichever of these two is more beloved to You, grant power and strength to Your religion through him." وَكَانَ أَحَبَّهُمَا إِلَيْهِ عُمَرُ And between the two, Hazrat Umar was the one more beloved and pleasing to Allah. (Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, p. 209) The Beloved of Allah, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) had made a special prayer for Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu): اللَّهُمَّ أَعِزَّ الْإِسْلَامَ بِعُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ خَاصَّةً Meaning: "O Allah! Specially grant honor and strength to Islam by bringing Umar bin Khattab into its fold." (Ibn Majah, p. 11 / Mustadrak Imam Hakim, Vol. 3, p. 83) The Acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Umar Farooq Seeing the growing power and strength of Islam, the disbelievers and idolaters became worried. Finally, one day, the disbelievers of Makkah gathered together. Abu Jahl announced to the crowd, "Whoever kills Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) [Allah forbid], will be rewarded with one hundred camels and forty thousand Dirhams." Hazrat Umar was also present there at that time. He stood up and said, "I will kill Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam)." He took his naked sword and set out with the intention to kill. Respected listeners! Hazrat Umar was unaware that he was going to attack that Pure Being whose protection has been personally guaranteed by Allah, the Creator and Master of everything. This is that lantern of light and guidance which has neither been put out, nor can it ever be extinguished. Anyway, Hazrat Umar set out. On the way, he met Hazrat Nu'aym bin Abdullah. Seeing Hazrat Umar’s angry face, he asked, "Umar, where are you going?" Hazrat Umar replied, "Today, I am going to finish the matter of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam)." Hazrat Nu'aym said, "O Umar! First take care of your own home. Your sister Fatima bint Khattab and your brother-in-law Sa'eed bin Zaid have accepted Islam." As soon as he heard this news, Hazrat Umar turned back and reached his sister’s house. At that moment, Hazrat Khabbab (Radi Allahu Anhu) was teaching the Holy Quran to the husband and wife. Hazrat Umar knocked on the door. When they looked through a gap and saw it was Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Khabbab went and hid in another part of the house, and his sister hid the pages of the Quran on which Surah Ta-Ha was written. Hazrat Umar came inside the house and asked, "What was that sound I just heard?" Both the sister and brother-in-law became nervous. Hazrat Umar said, "I have come to know that both of you have become Muslims." Saying this, he started beating his brother-in-law, Hazrat Sa'eed. When his sister tried to save her husband, he beat her so much that she started bleeding heavily. His sister Fatima and brother-in-law Hazrat Sa'eed then said, "We both have believed in Allah and His Beloved Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) and have accepted Islam. Now, do whatever you can!" His sister added, "O Umar! Listen carefully! If the blood of Khattab flows in your veins, the blood of Khattab flows in my veins too. You can take my life by beating me, but you cannot take away my faith (Iman)." Seeing the blood flowing from his sister's body and hearing her brave words, Hazrat Umar's heart softened. He said to his sister, "Show me that book you people were reading." His sister replied, *"O Umar! لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ Only those who are pure can touch this book."* Hazrat Umar took a bath, took the sacred pages of the Holy Quran, and started reading. When he read this verse of Surah Ta-Ha: إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي Meaning: "Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance." At that moment, the world of Hazrat Umar's heart completely changed. He said, "Take me to the presence of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)!" Hearing Hazrat Umar’s words, Hazrat Khabbab (Radi Allahu Anhu) came out from hiding and said, "O Umar! I give you glad tidings. Just last night, my Kind and Merciful Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) prayed: 'O Allah! Whichever of the two is more beloved to You, Umar bin Khattab or Abu Jahl, grant honor and strength to Islam through him.' It seems that this prayer has been accepted in your favor." Then, Hazrat Umar set out with Hazrat Khabbab (Radi Allahu Anhu) to present himself before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). At that time, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) was staying at the house of Hazrat Arqam (Radi Allahu Anhu) near Mount Safa. Present in his sacred company were Hazrat Hamzah, Hazrat Talhah, and other companion companions (Radi Allahu Anhum). Seeing Hazrat Umar coming, everyone became worried as to why Umar was approaching, especially with a sword. Hazrat Hamzah (Radi Allahu Anhu) stood near the door to guard and said, "If Umar has come with a good intention, then well and good; otherwise, I will cut off his head." When Hazrat Umar reached the door of Dar-e-Arqam, the Master (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) came out of the room, and his prophetic gaze fell upon Hazrat Umar. The Master (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) grabbed the garment of Hazrat Umar and said, "O Umar! Will you continue to create mischief until disgrace and humiliation are inflicted upon you?" As soon as he heard this, Hazrat Umar cried out: أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّكَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولُهُ When Hazrat Umar (Radi Allahu Anhu) accepted Islam, the noble companions (Radi Allahu Anhum) chanted the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) so loudly that all the hills of Makkah echoed with the sound. And thus, the prayer of our Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) in favor of Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) was fulfilled and accepted. (Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd, Vol. 3, p. 85 / Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 185) The Beloved of Allah, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) made Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) sit close to him, placed his blessed, prophetic hand on his chest, stroked it three times, and prayed: اللَّهُمَّ أَخْرِجْ مَا فِي صَدْرِهِ مِنْ غِلٍّ وَأَبْدِلْهُ إِيمَانًا (He repeated this three times). Meaning: "O Allah! Remove whatever malice or hostility is in Umar's chest, and illuminate his heart by replacing it with the light of faith (Iman)." And the Prophet prayed like this three times. (Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim, Vol. 3, p. 83) The Dwellers of the Heavens Celebrated the Islam of Hazrat Umar Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma) narrates that our Beloved Prophet, the Soul of Light, Mustafa Kareem (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) said: لَمَّا أَسْلَمَ عُمَرُ نَزَلَ جِبْرَائِيلُ فَقَالَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ لَقَدِ اسْتَبْشَرَ أَهْلُ السَّمَاءِ بِإِسْلَامِ عُمَرَ Meaning: "When Hazrat Umar Farooq (Radi Allahu Anhu) accepted Islam, Hazrat Jibrail (Alaihis Salam) came to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah! The dwellers of the heavens are celebrating and rejoicing over Umar’s acceptance of Islam.'" (Ibn Majah, p. 11 / Mustadrak al-Hakim, Vol. 3, p. 83 / Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 189) The Dominance of Muslims Upon Hazrat Umar Embracing Islam Respected listeners! The noble purpose for which the Beloved of Allah, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) had repeatedly prayed for Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) to become a Muslim, its luminous result appeared immediately. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (Radi Allahu Anhuma) narrates: وَاللَّهِ مَا اسْتَطَعْنَا أَنْ نُصَلِّيَ عِنْدَ الْكَعْبَةِ ظَاهِرِينَ حَتَّى أَسْلَمَ عُمَرُ (Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah / Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 190) It is narrated by Hazrat Suhaib bin Sinan (Radi Allahu Anhu): لَمَّا أَسْلَمَ عُمَرُ ظَهَرَ نَصْرُ الْإِسْلَامِ وَدُعِيَ إِلَيْهِ عَلَانِيَةً وَجَلَسْنَا حَوْلَ الْبَيْتِ حِلَقًا وَطُفْنَا بِالْبَيْتِ وَانْتَصَفْنَا مِمَّنْ غَلُظَ عَلَيْنَا Meaning: "When Hazrat Umar (Radi Allahu Anhu) accepted Islam, Islam was granted dominance, and the preaching of Islam began openly. We started sitting around the Holy Kaaba in circles and performing Tawaf of the Grand Kaaba. Now, if anyone tried to mistreat us, we were capable of taking back our rights from them." (Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah / Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd, Vol. 3, p. 59) The Appearance of Hazrat Umar Farooq Ibn Asakir narrates that Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) was tall in height and had a strong, large-built body. The hair on the front of his head had receded significantly (he was mostly bald). His complexion was very fair with a reddish glow. His cheeks were slightly lean, and the ends of his mustache were quite long. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 188) The Migration (Hijrah) of Hazrat Umar Farooq Hazrat Maula Ali Sher-e-Khuda (Radi Allahu Anhu) narrates: "I do not know of any person other than Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) who migrated openly. Out of fear of the disbelievers of Makkah, everyone migrated secretly and hiddenly from Makkah to Madinah. However, Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) openly performed Tawaf of the Grand Kaaba and offered prayer at Maqam-e-Ibrahim." Then, he went to the chiefs of the Makkah disbelievers who were sitting near the Holy Kaaba at that time. Going up to each chief one by one, he said: شَاهَتِ الْوُجُوهُ Meaning: "May your faces be ruined and distorted, and may evil be your fate!" He kept on proclaiming to them, "Who among you wishes for his mother’s lap to become empty? Who among you wants to leave his children as orphans? Who among you wants to make his wife a widow? If anyone has the courage and strength, come and fight me on the other side of this valley!" In this way, the Choice of the Prophet, the Prince of Islam, Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) kept challenging those cowardly disbelievers, but not a single one among them had the courage or strength to step forward and face him. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 188) The Revelation of the Quran According to the Opinion of Hazrat Umar Farooq Ibn Mardawayh narrates from Mujahid that whenever the Leader of the Believers (Ameer-ul-Momineen), Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu), gave an opinion on any matter, Allah Almighty would reveal the command of the Holy Quran according to the opinion of Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu). (Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, p. 209 / Usd al-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 657 / Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 252) 1. The Verse of Maqam-e-Ibrahim Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate from Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) himself. He states, "On several occasions, my Lord revealed the Quran according to my opinion." Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) explains that once, while performing Tawaf of the Kaaba with my beloved Master, Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam), a thought came to my heart that I should offer two Rakat of prayer near Maqam-e-Ibrahim. I presented my thought and desire to the Beloved of Allah, the dear Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam). Consequently, Allah Almighty revealed this blessed verse according to my thought and intention: وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى Meaning: "And take the standing-place of Abraham as a place of prayer." (Buhari, Vol. 1, p. 57 / Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 197) O Believers! Look at how beloved and accepted Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) is in the court of Allah and His Beloved Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam). Allah did not wish to dismiss the thought and desire of Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu); instead, He revealed the blessed verse according to his desire. Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu) expressed the desire to pray at Maqam-e-Ibrahim just once, but his thought was so accepted and appreciated in the court of Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) that it was made necessary and binding (Wajib) until the Day of Judgment for all pilgrims performing Hajj and Tawaf. Now, every person performing Tawaf of the Grand Kaaba must offer two Rakat of prayer (Wajib-ut-Tawaf) at Maqam-e-Ibrahim after their Tawaf. This proves that if Maqam-e-Ibrahim is a memorial of Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salam) due to the blessings of the footprints of Hazrat Khalil (Alaihis Salam), then offering two Rakat of prayer at Maqam-e-Ibrahim is also the Sunnah and memorial of Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu). Yet, the hypocritical and misguided person claims, "We only know and acknowledge the Kaaba, the House of Allah; we do not recognize or respect the memorial of any Prophet or Saint (Wali)." If such a hypocritical person thinks this way, then they should not offer the two Rakat of prayer at Maqam-e-Ibrahim after Tawaf. Because Maqam-e-Ibrahim itself became a Sign of Allah (Sha'airullah) due to the footprints of Allah's Prophet, Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salam), and praying those two Rakat near it is the Sunnah and memorial of Allah's righteous and beloved servant, Hazrat Umar Farooq-e-Azam (Radi Allahu Anhu). Furthermore, such a misguided person should not drink the water of Zamzam either, because Zamzam is a memorial of Allah’s glorious Prophet, Hazrat Ismail (Alaihis Salam). They should also not run between the hills of Safa and Marwah for Sa'ee, because performing Sa'ee is the Sunnah and memorial of Allah's righteous female servant, Hazrat Hajar (Radi Allahu Anha). If you distance yourself from the people of Allah (the Awliya), you will distance yourself from the true religion of Allah, which is Islam. All the pillars and rituals of Islam are either the Sunnah and memorial of a Prophet of Allah, or the Sunnah and memorial of a righteous, beloved servant of Allah. Therefore, love the people of Allah and stay close to them, so that Allah Almighty may bless you with the honor of becoming one of His chosen servants. (p. 197) Respected brothers, To conclude, the life of Hazrat Umar Farooq (Radi Allahu Anhu) shows us what true leadership, absolute justice, and deep fear of Allah look like. He was a man who loved Allah and His Messenger ﷺ wholeheartedly, and in return, Allah honored him by revealing Quranic verses according to his thoughts. His life teaches us that honoring Islam brings true success, and staying close to the righteous people of Allah protects our faith. Let us make a sincere Dua to Allah Almighty: • May Allah fill our hearts with the same love and respect for Islam that Hazrat Umar (RA) had. • May Allah grant us the qualities of justice, honesty, and piety in our daily lives. • May Allah bless us with the true love of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and his noble Companions. أَقُولُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ لِي وَلَكُمْ۔