Hazrat Umar (R.

A) Biography:
Umar was born in Mecca to the Banu Adi clan, which was responsible for arbitrations among the
tribes. His father was Khattab ibn Nufayl and his mother was Hantammah daughter of Khattab,
from the tribe of Banu Makhzum. He was the cousin of Khalid ibn al-Walid, a general who
would play an important role later in his life, and during a wrestling match between the two,
Umar had his leg broken. He is said to have belonged to a middle class family. In his youth he
used to tend to his fathers camels in the plains near Mecca. His father was famed for his
intelligence among his tribe. He was a middle class merchant and is believed to have been a
ruthless man and emotional polytheist who often treated Umar badly. As obvious from Umar's
own statement regarding his father during his later political rule, Umar said, "My father AlKhittab was a ruthless man. He used to make me work hard; if I didn't work he used to beat me
and he used to work me to exhaustion."
Despite literacy being uncommon in pre-Islamic Arabia, Umar learned to read and write in his
youth. Although not a poet himself, he developed a love for poetry and literature. According to
the tradition of Quraish, while still in his teenage years, Umar learned martial arts, horse riding
and wrestling. He was tall and physically powerful and soon became a renowned wrestler. Umar
was also a gifted orator, and due to his intelligence and overwhelming personality, he succeeded
his father as an arbitrator of conflicts among the tribes.
In addition, Umar followed the traditional profession of Quraish. He became a merchant and had
several journeys to Rome and Persia, where he is said to have met various scholars and analyzed
the Roman and Persian societies closely. However, as a merchant he is believed to have never
been successful.

Physical Appearance:
Umar is said to be blessed with a strong physique. He could travel on foot for miles. From
contemporary sources it appears that Umar had attained perfection in the art of wrestling. He was
an athlete and a wrestler. He is said to have participated in the wrestling matches on the occasion
of the annual fair of Ukaz. From firsthand accounts of his physical appearance Umar is said to
be vigorous, robust and a very tall man, in markets he would tower above the people. The front
part of his head was bald, always A'sara Yusran (working with two hands), both his eyes are
black, with yellow skin, however, ibn Sa'ad in his book The Book of Major classes (Tabaqat alKubra) stated that he never knew that 'Umar had yellow skin, except if the people took into
criterion a certain part of his life where his color changed because he always ate oil at that part of
his life,Others say he has reddish-white skin. His teeth were ashnabul asnan (very white
shining). He would always color his beard and take care of his hair using a type of plant.
Early Muslim historians Ibn Saad and Al-Hakim have recorded a description of Umar
mentioning that Abu Miriam Zir, a native of described Umar as:

I went forth with the people of Medina on a festival day, and I saw Umar walking barefoot.
He was advanced in years, bald, of a tawny colour- a left handed man, tall and towering above
the people.
Umar's eldest son described the physical appearance of his father as follows:
He was a man of fair complexion, a ruddy tint prevailing, tall, bald and grey.
another historian Salima bin al-Akwa'a said about him:
Umar was ambidexter, he could use both his hands equally well.
Ibn e Askir records on the authority of Abu Raja al-U'taridi that:
Umar was a man tall, stout, very bald, very ruddy with scanty hair on the cheeks, his
moustaches large, and the ends thereof reddish.

Family:
Main article: Family tree of Umar
Umar married a total of nine women in his lifetime and had fourteen children, ten sons and four
daughters. The details are as follow:
Wife: Zaynab bint Mazh'un (at the time of Jahiliyyah [Days of Ignorance])
Son: Abdullah ibn Umar
Son: Abdulrahman ibn 'Umar (The Older)
Son: Abdulrahman ibn 'Umar
Daughter: Hafsa bint Umar
Son: Zayd ibn 'Umar
Wife: Quraybah bint Abi Umayyah al-Makhzumi (divorced, married by Abdulrehman ibn Abu
Bakr)
Wife: Umm Hakim bint al-Harith ibn Hisham (after her husband, a former ally of 'Umar and a
companion Ikrimah ibn Abi-Jahl was killed in Battle of Yarmouk, later divorced but al-Madaini
says he did not divorce her)
Daughter: Fatima bint 'Umar
Wife: Jamilah bint Ashim ibn Thabit ibn Abi al-Aqlah (from the tribe of Aws)

Son: Asim ibn Umar

Wife: Atikah bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nifayl (cousin of Umar and former wife of Abdullah ibn
Abu Bakr married 'Umar in the year twelve AH and after 'Umar was murdered, she married azZubayr ibn al-Awwam)
Son: Iyaad ibn 'Umar
Wife: Luhyah (a woman from Yemen (Yaman) who's marital status with 'Umar is disputed, alWaqidi said that she was Umm Walad, meaning a slave woman)
Son: Abdulrahman ibn 'Umar (the youngest Abdulrehman while some say the middle
Abdulrehman from Luhyah)
Wife: Fukayhah (as Umm Walad)
Daughter: Zaynab bint 'Umar (the smallest child of 'Umar from Fukayhah)
Wife: Umm Kulthum bint Ali
Son: Zayd ibn Umar
Daughter: roqayya bint Umer
Another son is, az-Zubayr ibn Bakkar, called Abu Shahmah, though from which wife is
unknown.

During Muhammad's (SAW) era:

Umar's hostility to Islam:
In 610 Muhammed started delivering the message of Islam. Umar, alongside others in Makkah,
opposed Islam and threatened to kill Muhammad. He resolved to defend the traditional,
polytheistic religion of Arabia. He was most adamant and cruel in opposing Muhammad and
very prominent in persecuting the Muslims. Umar was the first man who resolved that
Muhammad had to be murdered in order to finish Islam. Umar firmly believed in the unity of the
Quraish and saw the new faith of Islam as a cause of division and discord among the Quraish.
Due to the persecution at the hands of the Quraish, Muhammad ordered his followers to migrate
to Abyssinia. As a small group of Muslims migrated Umar felt worried about the future unity of
the Quraish and decided to have Muhammad assassinated.

Conversion to Islam:
Umar converted to Islam in 616, one year after the Migration to Abyssinia. The story was
recounted in Ibn Ishaq's Srah: On the way to murder Muhammad, Umar met his best friend
Nu'aim ibn Abdi 'Allah who had secretly embraced Islam but he did not tell Umar anything about
it. When Umar told him that he was going to kill Muhammad, he was afraid. He knew that Umar
would attempt what he said. So just to divert his attention he told him to set his own house in
order first, as his sister and her husband had converted to Islam. Umar was taken aback to learn
this. Upon arriving at her house, Umar found his sister and brother-in-law Saeed bin Zaid
(Umar's cousin), reciting the verses of the Qur'an (Surah Ta Ha). He started quarreling with his
brother-in-law . When his sister came to rescue her husband, he also started quarreling with her.
Yet still they kept on saying "you may kill us but we will not give up Islam". Upon hearing these
words, Umar slapped his sister so hard that she fell to the ground bleeding from her mouth.
When he saw what he had done to his sister, out of guilt he calmed down and asked his sister to
give him what she was reciting. She gave him the paper on which was written the verses of the
chapter Ta-Ha. He was so struck by the beauty of the verses that he became a Muslim that day.
He then went to Muhammad with the same sword he intended to kill him with and converted in
front of him and his companions. Umar was 27 when he became Muslim.
Following his conversion, Umar went to inform the chief of Quraish, Amr ibn Hishm, about his
new faith. According to one account, Umar thereafter openly prayed at the Kaaba as the Quraish
chiefs, Amr ibn Hishm and Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, reportedly watched in anger. This further
helped the Muslims to gain confidence in practicing Islam openly. At this stage Umar even
challenged anyone who dared to stop the Muslims from praying, although no one dared to
interfere with Umar when he was openly praying.

Umars conversion to Islam gave power to the Muslims and the faith in Mecca. It was after this
that Muslims offered prayers openly in Masjid al-Haram for the first time. Abdullah bin Masoud
said:
Umar's embracing Islam was our victory, his migration to Medina was our success and his reign
a blessing from Allah, we didn't offer prayers in Al-Haram Mosque until Umar accepted Islam,
when he accepted Islam Quraish were compelled to let us pray in the Mosque.

Devotion to the Prophet:

Omar stood by the side of the Prophet in all battles and expeditions. Great was his love for Allah
and His Apostle. He never allowed any blood ties or friendship to stand in the way of this love.
The death of the Prophet was a stunning shock to Omar. He could not believe it, so much so that
he drew his sword and swore that he would cut off the head of the man who said the Messenger
of Allah was dead. He was overwhelmed with grief. Life without the Prophet was unthinkable,
he thought. And if the Prophet was really no more, as people said, what was going to happen to
Islam and the Muslims? These dark thoughts blotted out all reason from Omar's head. Not till
Abu Bakr had reminded him of the clear verdict of the Quran on the point did he come to
himself. Abu Bakr, during his calpihate, depended on Omar for advice. That was because the
Master, in his life-time, gave great weight to what Omar said.

Migration to Medina:
In 622 due to the growing popularity of Islam in the city of Yathrib (later renamed Al-Madnah
Al-Munawwarah, the enlightened city, or simply Medina) Muhammad ordered his followers to
migrate to Medina. Muslims usually migrated at night due to fear of Quraish's resistance to that
migration, but Umar is reported to have migrated openly during the day time. Ibn Asakir narrated
that Ali said: I dont know of anyone who didnt emigrate in secret except for Umar ibn alKhattab; because when he wanted to emigrate he strapped on his sword, put his bow over his
shoulder, carried his arrows in his hand, and came to the Kabah where the nobles of Quraysh
were in the courtyard. He performed seven circuits, and then prayed two rakaat at the Station (of
Ibrahim). Then he approached their circle one step at a time and said, "Whoever wishes to
bereave his mother, orphan his children and widow his wife then let him meet me behind this
valley." Not one of them followed him. Umar migrated to Medina accompanied by his cousin
and brother-in-law Saeed ibn Zaid.

Life in Medina:
Medina became the new center of Islam and the religion spread rapidly across Arabia. When
Muhammad arrived in Medina, he paired off each immigrant (Muhajir) with one of the residents
of the city (Ansari), joining Muhammad ibn Maslamah with Umar(R.A) making them brothers in
faith. Later in Umar's reign as caliph Muhammad ibn Muslamah would be assigned the office of
chief inspector of Accountability. Muslims remained in peace in Medina for approximately a
year before the Quraish raised an army to attack them. In 624 Umar participated in the first
Battle between Muslims and Quraish of Mecca i.e. Battle of Badr. In 625 he participated in the
Battle of Uhud. In the second phase of Battle when Khalid ibn Walid's Cavalry attacked Muslims
at the rear changing the victory of Muslims to defeat, rumors of Muhammads death were spread.
Many Muslim were warriors routed from the battle field, Umar too was initially routed but
hearing that Muhammad was still alive he went to Muhammad at the mountain of Uhud and
prepared for the defenses of the hill to keep the Quraishi army down the hill. Later in the year
Umar was a part of campaign against the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir. In 625 Umars(R.A)
daughter Hafsah was married to Muhammad. Later in 627 he participated in the Battle of the
Trench and also in the Battle of Banu Qurayza. In 628 Umar participated in the Treaty of
Hudaybiyyah and was made one of the witness over the pact. In 628 he was a part of Muslims'
campaign to Khaybar. In 629 Muhammad sent Amr ibn al-Aas to Zaat-ul-Sallasal from where he
called for reinforcement and Muhammad sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah with reinforcement,
serving under him were Abu Bakr and Umar, they attacked and defeated the enemy. In 630 when
Muslim armies rushed for the Conquest of Mecca he was part of that army. Later in 630 he was
part of Battle of Hunayn and Siege of Ta'if. He was part of Muslim's army that went for the
campaign of Tabuk under Muhammad's command and he was reported to have given half of his
wealth for the preparation of this expedition. He also participated in a farewell Hajj of
Muhammad in 631.

Umars battle:
Muslims remained in peace in Medina for approximately a year before the Quraish raised an
army to attack them. In 624 Umar participated in the first Battle between Muslims and Quraish
of Mecca i.e. Battle of Badr.In 625 he participated in the Battle of Uhad. In the second phase of
Battle when Khalid bin Waleed's Cavalry attacked Muslims at the rear changing the victory of
Muslims to defeat, rumors of Muhammads death were spread many Muslim were warriors
routed from the battle field, Umar too was initially routed but hearing that Muhammad was still
alive he went to Muhammad at the mountain of Uhud and prepared for the defenses of the hill to
keep the Quraishi army down the hill. Later in the year Umar was a part of campaign against the
Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir. In 625 Umars daughter Hafsah was married to Muhammad. Later in
627 he participated in the Battle of Trench and also in the Battle of Banu Qurayza. In 628 Umar
participated in the Treaty of Hudaibiah and was made one of the witness over the pact. In 628 he
was a part of Muslims' campaign to Khaybar. In 629 In 629 Muhammad sent Amr ibn al-Aas to
Zaat-ul-Sallasal from where he called for reinforcement and Muhammad sent Abu Ubaidah Ibn
Al Jarrah with reinforcement, serving under him were Abu Bakr and Umar, they attacked and
defeated the enemy. In 630 when Muslim armies rushed for the Conquest of Mecca he was part

of that army. Later in 630 he was part of Battle of Hunayn and Siege of Teife. He was part of
Muslim's army that went for the campaign of Tabuk under Muhammad's command and he was
reported to have given half of his wealth for the preparation of this expedition. He also
participated in a farewell Hajj of Muhammad in 631.

Title Al-Farooq:
Mujahid, on the authority of Ibn Abbas related that he had asked 'Umar bin Al-Khattab why he
had been given the epithet of Al-Farooq (he who distinguishes truth from falsehood), he replied:
After I had embraced Islam, I asked Mohammad: 'Aren't we on the right path here and
Hereafter?' He answered: 'Of course you are! I swear by Allah in Whose Hand my soul is, that
you are right in this world and in the hereafter.' I, therefore, asked Mohammad 'Why we then had
to conduct clandestine activism. I swear by Allah Who has sent you with the Truth, that we will
leave our concealment and proclaim our noble cause publicly.' We then went out in two groups,
Hamzah leading one and I the other. We headed for the Masjid Al Haram in broad daylight.
When the polytheists of Quraish saw us, their faces went pale and got incredibly depressed and
resentful. On that very occasion, Mohammad attached to me the epithet of Al-Farooq

Death of Muhammad (SAW):

Muhammad died on 8 June 632. Umar was full of grief upon hearing the news of demise of
Muhammad(SAW). Umar, the devoted disciple, could not accept the reality that the "Messenger
of God" has died. According to the Qur'an, "Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have
passed away before", i.e. died or killed. It is said that Umar promised to strike the head of any
man who would say that Muhammad died. At this point Abu Bakr is reported to have come out
to the Muslim community and gave his famous speech which included:
Whoever worshipped Muhammad, let them know that Muhammad is dead, and whoever
worshipped God, let them know that God is alive and never dies.
Ab Bakr then recited these verses from the Qur'an:
Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. If,
then, he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heel?
Hearing this from Abu Bakr, the most senior disciple of Muhammad, Umar then fell down on his
knees in great sense of sorrow and acceptance of the reality. Sunni Muslims say that this denial
of Muhammad's death was occasioned by his deep love for him.

Foundation of the Caliphate:

Umar's political genius first manifested as the architect of the caliphate after Muhammad died in
8 June 632.While the funeral of Muhammad was being arranged a group of Muhammad's
followers who were natives of Medina, the Ansar (helpers), organised a meeting on the outskirts
of the city, effectively locking out those companions known as (The Emigrants) including Umar.
Umar found out about this meeting at Shafiqah Bani Saadah, and taking with him two other
Muhajirs, Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaidah Ibn Al Jarrah, proceeded to the meeting, presumably to
head off the Ansar's plans for political domination. Arriving at the meeting Umar was faced with
a unified community of tribes from the Ansar who refused to accept the leadership of the
Muhajirs. However Umar was undeterred in his belief the caliphate should be under the control
of the Muhajirs. Though they Khazraj were in disagreement, Umar after strained negotiations
lasting up to one or two days, brilliantly divided the Ansar into their old warring factions of Aws
and Khazraj tribes, Umar resolved the divisions by placing his hand on that of Abu Bakr as a
unity candidate for those gathered in the Saqifah, most others gathered at the Saqifah followed
suit with the exception of the Khazraj tribe and their leader, Sa'd Ibn Abadah, whose tribe was
ostracized. The Khazraj tribe is said to have posed no significant threat as there were sufficient
men of war from the Medinan tribes such as the Banu Aws to immediately organize them into a
military bodyguard for Abu Bakr.

The creation of the Islamic caliphate would be one of Umar's most enduring legacies, and its
significance to world history is hard to overestimate.

According to various Twelver shia sources and some western scholars, Umar and Abu Bakr had
in effect mounted a political coup against Ali at the Saqifah According to one version of
narrations in primary sources, Umar and Abu Bakr are also said to have used force to secure the
allegiance from Ali and his party. It has been reported in main early history sources such as
history of Al Tabari that after Ali's refusal to pay homage, Abu Bakr sent Umar with an armed
contingent to Fatimahs house where Ali and his supporters are said to have gathered. Umar is
reported to have warned those in the House that unless Ali succumbed to Abu Bakr, he would set
the House on fire, with its inhabitants ablaze, and under these circumstances Ali was forced to
capitulate. This version of events, fully accepted by Shia scholars, is generally rejected by Sunni
scholars who in view of other reports in their literature believe that Ali gave oath of alliance to
Abu Bakr without any grievance, However, according to the main Sunni sources such as Sahih
Al Bukhari reports, Ali was reluctant to swear allegiance to Abu Bakr after the attack on his
house but gave his allegiance six months later after the death of his wife Fatimah.

Caliph Abu Bakr's era:

During Abu Bakr's reign as caliph, during which he remained occupied with Ridda wars, Umar
was one of his chief advisers and secretary. Umar along with Khalid ibn Walid, probably was the
architect and main strategist behind the collapse of rebellion in Arabia. Though at the beginning
due to the apprehensive situation in Arabia Umar was opposing the military operations against
the rebel tribes, it was to enjoy their support in case of any possible foreign invasion by Romans
or Persian, but later he seemed to agree with Abu Bakr's warlike strategies to crush rebellion.
Khalid ibn Walid by late 632 had successfully united Arabia after consecutive victories against
rebels. Later during his own reign, Umar would mostly adopt the policy of avoiding wars and
consolidating his power in the conquered land rather than expanding his empire through
continuous warfare. Prior to Battle of Yamamah, Umar pressured Abu Bakr to call back Khalid,
who had killed Malik ibn Nuwayrah, a rebel chief who was a state criminal. Umar was
reportedly misguided by Malik's brother that Malik was a Muslim and Khalid killed him because
he wanted to marry his wife Layla bint al-Minhal, a renowned beauty in Arabia. While Abu Bakr
refused to accept Umar's opinion and Umar continued insisting for Khalid's disposal even after
Khalid's conquest of Iraq. It was Umar who advised Abu Bakr to compile Quran in the form of a
book, after the death of 300 memorizers of Quran in Battle of Yamamah. Abu Bakr appointed
Umar as his successor prior to his death in 634. He was confirmed in the office thereafter.

Appointment as a Caliph:
Due to his strict and autocratic nature, Umar was not a very popular figure among the notables of
Madinah and members of Majlis Al Shura, accordingly succession of Umar was initially
discouraged by high ranking companions of Abu Bakr. Nevertheless, Abu Bakr decided to make
Umar, his successor. Umar, still was well known for his extraordinary will power, intelligence,
political astuteness, impartiality, justice and care for poor and underprivileged people. Abu Bakr
is reported to have said to the high-ranking advisers:

His (Umar's) strictness was there because of my softness when the weight of Caliphate will be
over his shoulders he will remain no longer strict. If I will be asked by the God to whom I
have appointed my successor, I will tell him that I have appointed the best man among your
men.

Abu Bakr was fully aware of Umar's power and ability to succeed him. Succession of Umar was
thus not as troublesome as any of the others. His was perhaps one of the smoothest transitions to
power from one authority to another in the Muslim lands. Abu Bakr before his death called
Uthman to write his will in which he declared Umar his successor. In his will he instructed Umar

to continue the conquests on Iraq and Syrian fronts. Abu Bakr's decision would prove to be
crucial in the strengthening of the nascent Islamic empire.

Reign as Caliph:
On 22 August Caliph Abu Bakr died. The same day Umar assumed the office of Caliphate. After
the assumption of office as the Caliph, Umar addressed the Muslims in his Inaugural address as:
O ye faithful! Abu Bakr is no more amongst us. He has the satisfaction that he has successfully
piloted the ship of the Muslim state to safety after negotiating the stormy sea. He successfully
waged the apostasy wars, and thanks to him, Islam is now supreme in Arabia. After Abu Bakr,
the mantle of Caliphate has fallen on my shoulders. I swear it before God that I never coveted
this office. I wished that it would have devolved on some other person more worthy than me. But
now that in national interest, the responsibility for leading the Muslims has come to vest in me, I
assure you that I will not run away from my post, and will make an earnest effort to discharge the
onerous duties of the office to the best of my capacity in accordance with the injunctions of
Islam. Allah has examined me from you and you from me, In the performance of my duties, I
will seek guidance from the Holy Book, and will follow the examples set by the Holy Prophet
and Abu Bakr. In this task I seek your assistance. If I follow the right path, follow me. If I deviate
from the right path, correct me so that we are not led astray.

Initial challenges:
Even though almost all of the Muslims had given their pledge of loyalty to Umar, he was rather
more feared than loved. The first challenge for Umar was to win over his subjects and members
of Majlis Al Shura.
Umar was a gifted orator, and he would use his ability to get a soft corner in the hearts of
people. On Friday prayers Umar addressed the people as follow:
Brethren, it has come to my notice that the people are afraid of me..... they say that he (Umar)
has become the Caliph now, God knows how hard he will be. Whoever has said this is not
wrong in his assessment...... know ye brethren that you will feel a change in me. For those
who practice tyranny and deprive others of their rights, I will be harsh and stern, but for those
who follow the law, I will be most soft and tender.
Umar's addresses greatly moved the people. Next time he addressed the people as:
I will be harsh and stern against the aggressor, but I will be a pillar of strength for the weak.
I will not calm down until I will put one cheek of a tyrant on the ground and the other under
my feet, and for the poor and weak, I will put my cheek on the ground.

There could be no better definition of the democracy and justice, than the historic words of
Umar, over which he laid foundation of his rule:
By God, he that is weakest among you shall be in my eye the strongest, until I have vindicated
for him his rights; he that is strongest I will treat as the weakest, until he complies with the
law.
Umar's stress was on the wellbeing of poor and underprivileged people, the people were soundly
moved by Umar's speeches and his popularity grew rapidly and continuously over the period of
his reign. In addition to this Umar, in order to improve his reputation and relation with Banu
Hashim, the tribe of Ali, delivered to him his disputed estates in Khayber. Though he followed
Abu Bakr's decision over the dispute of land of Fidak, continued its status as a state property. In
Ridda wars, thousands of prisoners from rebel and apostate tribes were taken away as slaves
during the expeditions. Umar ordered the general amnesty for the prisoners, and their immediate
emancipation. This made Umar quite a popular among the bedouin tribes. With necessary public
support with him, Umar took a bold decision of retrieving Khalid Ibn Waleed from supreme
command on Roman front.

Political and civil administration:

The government of Umar was more or less a unitary government, where the sovereign political
authority was the Caliph. The empire of Umar was divided into provinces and some autonomous
territories like in some regions Azerbaijan and Armenia, that had accepted the suzerainty of the
Caliphate. The provinces were administered by the provincial governors or Wali. The selection of
which was made personally by Umar, who was very fastidious in it. Provinces were further
divided into districts, there were about 100 districts in the empire. Each district or main city was
under the charge of a junior governor or Wali, usually appointed by Umar himself, but
occasionally they were also appointed by the provincial governor. Other officers at the provincial
level were:
1. Katib, the Chief Seceratary.
2. Katib-ud-Diwan, the Military Secretary.
3. Sahib-ul-Kharaj, the Revenue Collector.
4. Sahib-ul-Ahdath, the Police Chief.
5. Sahib-Bait-ul-Mal, the Treasury Officer.
6. Qadi, the Chief judge.
In some districts there were separate military officers, though the Governor (Wali) was in most
cases the Commander-in-chief of the army quartered in the province. Every appointment was
made in writing. At the time of appointment an instrument of instructions was issued with a view
to regulating the conduct of Governors. On assuming office, the Governor was required to
assemble the people in the main mosque, and read the instrument of instructions before them.

Umar's general instructions to his officers were:

"Remember, I have not appointed you as commanders and tyrants over the people. I have sent
you as leaders instead, so that the people may follow your example. Give the Muslims their
rights and do not beat them lest they become abused. Do not praise them unduly, lest they fall
into the error of conceit. Do not keep your doors shut in their faces, lest the more powerful of
them eat up the weaker ones. And do not behave as if you were superior to them, for that is
tyranny over them."
Various other strict codes of conduct were to be obeyed by the governors and state officials. The
principal officers were required to travel to Mecca on the occasion of the Hajj, during which
people were free to present any complaint against them. In order to minimize the chances of
corruption, Umar made it a point to pay high salaries to the staff. Provincial governor received as
much as five to seven thousand dirham annually besides their shares of the spoils of war (if they
were also the commander in chief of the army of their sector). Under Umar the empire was
divided into the following provinces.
1. Arabia was divided into two provinces, Mecca and Medina;
2. Iraq was divided into two provinces, Basra and Kufa;
3. In the upper reaches of the Tigris and the Euphrates, Jazira was a province;
4. Syria was a province;
5. Umar divided Palestine in two provinces Aylya and Ramlah;
6. Egypt was divided into two provinces, Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt;
7. Persia was divided into three provinces, Khorasan; Azarbaijan and Fars.
Umar was first to established a special department for the investigation of complaints against the
officers of the State. This department acted as Administrative courts, where the legal proceedings
were personally led by Umar. The Department was under the charge of Muhammad Ibn
Maslimah, one of Umar's most trusted men. In important cases Muhammad ibn Maslamah was
deputed by Umar to proceed to the spot, investigate the charge and take action. Sometimes an
Inquiry Commission was constituted to investigate the charge. On occasions the officers against
whom complaints were received were summoned to Medina, and charged in Umar's
administrative court. Umar was known for this intelligence service through which he made his
officials accountable This service was also said to have inspired fear in his subjects.
Umar was a pioneer in some affairs:
1. Umar was the first to introduce the public ministry system, where the records of officials
and soldiers were kept. He also kept a record system that had the messages he sent to
Governors and heads of states.
2. He was the first to appoint police forces to keep civil order.
3. He was the first to discipline the people when they became disordered.

Reforms:
Umar is regarded as one of the greatest political geniuses in history. While under his leadership,
the empire was expanding at an unprecedented rate, he also began to build the political structure
that would hold together the vast empire that was being built. He undertook many administrative
reforms and closely oversaw public policy. He established an advanced administration for the
newly conquered lands, including several new ministries and bureaucracies, and ordered a census
of all the Muslim territories. During his rule, the garrison cities (amsar) of Basra and Kufa were
founded or expanded. In 638, he extended and renovated the Masjid Al Haram (Grand Mosque)
in Mecca and the Al Masjid Al Nabwi (Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina. Umar also ordered the
expulsion of the Christians and Jewish communities of Najran and Khaybar allowing them to
reside in Syria or Iraq. He issued orders that these Christians and Jews should be treated well and
allotted them the equivalent land in their new settlements. Umar also forbade non- Muslims to
reside in the Hejaz for longer than three days. He was first to establish army as a state
department. Umar was founder ofFiqh, the Islamic jurisprudence. He is regarded by Sunni
Muslims to be one of the greatest Faqih. Umar as a Jurist started the process of codifying Islamic
Law. In 641, he established Bayt al Mal, a fianancial institutions and started annual allowance for
the Muslims. A year later he also started allowance for the poor, underprivileged and old nonMuslim citizens of the empire. As a leader, 'Umar was known for his simple, austere lifestyle.
Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected by the rulers of the time, he continued to live
much as he had when Muslims were poor and persecuted. In 639, his fourth year as caliph and
the seventeenth year 17 since the Hijra, he decreed that the Islamic Calendar should be counted
from the year of the Hijra of Muhammad from Mecca to Madinah.

Military expansion:
It is widely believed that Umar stressed more on consolidating his power and political influence
in the conquered land, rather than pursuing conquests. Nevertheless under Umar, The Islamic
empire grew at an unprecedented rate. In 638, after the conquest of Syria, Umar dismissed
Khalid, his most successful general due to his ever growing fame and influence. He was quoted
as doing this because he wanted the people to know that victory came from God, not the general.
Later however Umar regretted over his decision. The military conquest were partially terminated
between 638639 during the years of great famine and plague in Arabia and Levant respectively.
During his reign Levant, Egypt, Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, Fezzan, Eastern Anatolia, almost whole
of Sassanid Persian Empire including Bactria, Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Caucasus and
Makran were annexed to Islamic Empire. According to one estimate more than 4050 cities were
captured during these military conquest.Prior to his death in 644, Umar had ceased all military
expeditions apparently to consolidate his rule in Egypt and newly conquered Sassanid Empire
(642644). At his death in November 644, domain of his rule extended from present day Libya in
west to Indus River in east and Oxus River in north.

The great famine:

In the year 638 Arabia fell into severe drought followed by a famine. Bedouin people began to
die because of hunger and epidemic disease. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over
Arabia gathered at Madinah where food was rationed. Soon the reserves of food at Madinah
began to decline, and Umar wrote to the provincial governors of Syria, Palestine and Iraq for aid.
A state of emergency was declared in Madinah and Arabia. The timely aid of Umar's governors
saved the lives of thousands of people throughout Arabia. The first governor to respond was Abu
Ubaidah Ibn al Jarrah, the governor of Syria and supreme commander of Rashidun Army. He
sent a historic letter to Umar saying
I am sending you the Caravans whose one end will be here at Syria and the other will be at
Madinah.
Later, Abu Ubaidah paid a personal visit to Madinah and acted as an officer of Disaster
Management Cell, which was headed personally by Umar. Once an adequate supply of rations
reached Madinah, Umar dispatched his men to the routes of Iraq, Palestine and Syria to take the
supply caravans to the desert settlements deeper into Arabia, which in turn saved millions from
starvation. For internally displaced people, Umar hosted a dinner every night at Madinah, which
according to one estimate had attendance of more than hundred thousand people. By early 639
conditions begun to improve. Arabia received precipitation and as soon as the famine ended,
Umar personally supervised the rehabilitation of the displaced people. They were given adequate
amounts of rations and were exempted from payment of zakat for that year and the next year.

The great plague:

While famine was ending in Arabia, many districts in Syria and Palestine were devastated by
plague. While Umar was on his way to visit Syria, at Elat, he was received by Abu Ubaidah Ibn
al Jarrah, governor of Syria, who informed him about plague and its intensity and he was suggest
to go back to Madinah. Umar tried to persuade Abu Ubaidah to come with him to Madinah but
he denied to leave his troops in that critical situation. Abu Ubaidah died in 639 due to plague,
which also cost the life of 25,000 Muslims in Syria. After the plague had weakened in late 639
Umar visited Syria for political and administrative re-organization, as most of the veteran
commanders and governors had died of plague.

Taraweeh:
Taraweeh, the night prayers during Ramadan, were institutionalized during Umar's reign as
Caliph. Once when visiting the mosque, he saw different groups of people performing prayers,
and suggested to them to join together in performing the prayers. A majority of Sunni Muslims
have followed the same practice since then. The Shia do not give credence to the
institutionalization of this prayer during Umar's caliphate.
Marriage to Ali bin Abu Talib's daughter Umm Kulthum
It is accepted by Sunni sources that Umar bin Khattab married Ali bin Abu Talib's daughter Umm
Kulthum. In Sunni sources it is mentioned that Umar asked for her hand because of a hadith he
heard from Muhammad, "Every lineage and means will be severed on the Day of Judgment
except my lineage and my means." Umar wanted to be closer to Muhammad, therefore he
requested for Ali's daughter, which Ali accepted.
But this fact is rejected by all Shia'a scholars.

Assassination:
In 644, at zenith of his power, Umar was assassinated. His assassination was carried out by
Persians, in response to the Muslim conquest of Persia.The assassination was planned several
months earlier. In October 644 Umar went for Hajj in Mecca, the assassins started the hoopla of
Umar's possible death that year, and the massive crowd of the congregation was used by the
conspirators as a veil to hide themselves. It is related that when Umar stood at Mount Arafat he
heard a voice saying:
"O Caliph, never again will you stand on the Mount of Arafat".
A companion of Umar, Jabir bin Mutaam is reported to have said:
We saw a man standing at the top of the hill and crying 'Verily that is the last Hajj of Umar.
He will never come here again.
During one of rituals of Hajj, the Ramy Al Jamarat (stoning of the Devil), some one threw a stone
on Umar that wounded his head, a voice was heard that Umar will not attend the Hajj ever again.
Amongst the conspirators was:
1. Hormuzan, the alleged mastermind of the plot. He was Persian Commander in Chief
and was captured and brought to Umar at Madinah where to save his life he
apparently converted to Islam.
2. One of Umar's advisors, Ka'ab Al Ahbar, a former Jewish Rabbi, who had converted
to Islam.
3. Jafinah, the Christian Arab from Iraq, who was also a foster brother of Saad Bin Abi
Waqas, former governors of Busra.
4. Piruzan, popularly known as Abu Lulu, he was slave of Mughira Ibn Shu'ba the then
governor of Busra.
It was Abu Lulu who was assigned the mission of assassinating Umar. According to the plan,
before the Fajar prayers (the morning prayers before the dawn) Abu Lulu would enter Al Masjid
al Nabwi, the main mosque of Madinah where Umar led the prayers and would attack Umar
during the prayers, and then flee or mix with the congregation at mosque. There were Persian
children slaves in Madina. Seeing them, Firoz is quoted saying:
You have been enslaved at such a tender age. This Umar sees eaten my heart. I will take his
heart out".
Abu Lulu brought a conjectural complaint to Umar about the high tax charged from him by his
master Mughirah. Umar wrote to Mughirah and inquired about the tax; Mughirah's reply was
satisfactory, but Umar held that the tax charged from Abu Lulu was reasonable, owning the to his
daily income. Umar then is reported to have asked Abu Lulu:
I heard that you make windmills; make one for me as well. In a sullen mood, Firoz said, "
Verily I will make such a mill for you, that whole world would remember it ".

On 3 November 644, Abu Lulu attacked Umar while he was leading the morning prayers,
stabbing him six times in the belly and last on the navel, that proved fatal. Umar was left
profusely bleeding while Abu Lulu tried to flee, but people from all sides rushed to capture him;
in his efforts to escape he is reported to have wounded twelve other people, six or nine of whom
later died. At last he was captured but committed suicide using the same dagger. Umar died of
the wounds three days later on Sunday, 7 November 644 (26th Dh al-Hijja 23 ) . Umar is
reported to have left the following testament:

Be kind and generous to the Muhajireen and the Ansaar. Those out of them who are good, be
good to them; those who are bad overlook their lapses. Be good to the people of the conquered
lands. They are the outer line of our defense; they are the target of the anger and distress of
our enemies. They contribute to our revenues. They should be taxed only on their surplus
wealth. Be gracious to the Bedouis as they are the backbone of the Arab nation. I instruct you
to be good to the Dhimmis for they are your responsibility. Do not tax them beyond their
capacity. Ensure that they pay the Jizya without undue inconvenience. Fear God, and in all
that you do keep His pleasure in view. In the matter of people fear God, and in the matter of
Allah do not be afraid of the people. With regard to the people, I enjoin upon you to
administer justice with an even hand. See that all the legitimate requirements of the people are
met. Be concerned for their welfare. Ensure the safety of their person and property. See that
the frontiers of our domains are not violated. Take strong steps to guard the frontiers. In the
matter of administration do not prefer the rich to the poor. Be hard against those who violate
the law. Show them no mercy. Do not rest content until you have brought the miscreants to
book. Treat all the people as equal. Be a pillar of strength for those who are weak and
oppressed. Those who are strong but do wrong, make them pay for their wrong-doings. In the
distribution of booty and other matters be above nepotism. Let no consideration of
relationship or selfish interest weigh with you. The Satan is at large; it may tempt you. Rise
above all temptations and perform your duties in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.
Get guidance from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Freely consult the wise men around you.
Apply your own mind in difficult cases, and seek light from God. Be simple in your living and
your habits. Let there be no show or ostentation about you. Lead life as a model Muslim. As
you are the leader of the Muslims, justify your leadership by being the best among them all.
May God bless you.

As per Umar's will, he was buried next to Al Masjid Al Nabwi alongside Muhammad and Caliph
Abu Bakr by the permission of Aisha.

Aftermaths:
On his death bed Umar vacillated to appoint his successor, however it has been reported that he
said that if Abu Ubaidah Ibn al Jarrah, Khalid Bin Waleed , the freed Persian slave, were alive he
would have appointed one of them his successor. Umar finally appointed a committee of six
persons comprising,
1. Abdur Rehman Ibn Auf
2. Saad Bin Abi Waqas
3. Talha Ibn Ubaidullah
4. Uthman Ibn e Affan
5. Ali Ibn e Abi Talib
6. Zubair Ibn Al Awwam
Their task was to choose a caliph from amongst them. Umar appointed a band of fifty armed
soldiers to protect the house where the meeting was proceeding. Until the appointment of the
next caliph Umar appointed a notable Sahabi, Sohaib e Roomi(Suhayb the Roman) as a caretaker
Caliph. While the historic meeting for selection of caliph was preceding, Abdulrehman Ibn e
Abubakar and Abdur Rehman Ibn Auf revealed that they saw the dagger used by Abu Lulu, the
assassin of Umar. A night before Umar's assassination, reported Abdur Rahman bin Awf, he saw
Hormuzan, Jafina and Abu Lulu, while they were suspiciously discussing some thing, bewildered
by his presence, the dagger fell, it was the same two sided dagger used in the assissination.
Abudulrehman ibn Abu Bakr, son of late caliph Abu Bakr also confirmed that few days before
Umar's assassination, he once saw this dagger with Hurmazan. After the mystery of assassination
got uncovered by the two of the most notable governmental figures, it seemed clear that the
assassination was planned by the Persians residing in Medina. Infuriated by this, Umar's younger
son Ubaidullah Ibn Umar sought to kill all the Persians in Madinah. He killed Hormuzan,
Jafinah, and daughter of Umar's assassin Abu Lulu, who is believed to have been a Muslim.
Ubaidullah was intercepted by the people of Madinah withholding him from the massacre. Amr
Ibn Al-Aas is said to have intercepted him and convinced him to hand over his sword. The
murder of Jafinah enraged Saad Bin Abi Waqas, his foster brother, and he assaulted Ubaidullah
ibn Umar and again the companions intervened. When Umar was informed about the incident, he
ordered that Ubaidullah should be imprisoned and the next Caliph should decide his fate. Umar
died on 7 November 644; on 11 November Uthman succeded him as the Caliph. After prolonged
negotiations, the tribunal decided to give blood money to the victims and released Umar's son
Ubaidullah on the ground that after the tragic incident of Umar's assassination people will be
further infuriated by the execution of his son the very next day.

Legacy:
Umar is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic history. He was in a true sense
the architect of the Islamic Empire. As a leader, 'Umar was known for his simple, austere
lifestyle. Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected by the rulers of the time, he continued
to live much as he had when Muslims were poor and persecuted.

Political legacy:
Umar is considered as a political genius, as an architect of Islamic Empire he is regarded as 52nd
most influential figure in history. Umar remained politically stagnant during Prophet
Mohammad's era, however after his death, it was Umar's brilliance that Abu Bakr was elected
Caliph, despite of massive initial confrontations at Saqifah. Umar successfully broke the alliance
of the tribes of Madinah who claim Caliphate to be their right, paving the way for the succession
of Abu Bakr. during Abu Bakr's era, he actively participated as his secretory and main adviser.
After succeeding Abu Bakr as caliph, Umar win over the hearts of Baudouin tribes by
emancipating all their prisoners and slaves taken during Ridda Wars, his excellent oratory skills
helped him to heightened his popularity graph, mostly among the poor and underprivileged
people. He proved himself as an excellent manager during the year of the great Famine when his
dynamic abilities saved millions from starvation. He is best known to built up an efficient
administrative structure of the empire, that held together his vast realm. He organized an
effective network of intelligence, partly a reason for his strong grip on his bureaucracy. His
judicial reforms were fairly modern and advance in nature when compared to contemporary
systems of his era. He opposed the construction of present day Suez Canal, as it posed threat to
the security of Madinah. Twelve hundred years later Great Britain opposed the construction of
the canal for the same reason as it then posed threat to its colonies in Indian Subcontinent. One
of the reason of the compactness of his political rule in the conquered lands is reputed to his
policy of tolerance to their religious believes and imposition of far lower taxes on them as
compared to Sassanid Persian Empire and Byzanthine Empire. Their local administration was
kept un-touched and several of the former Byzantine and Persian official were retained on their
services under Umar's governors.
Umar was very painstaking in every matter. His meticulous was evident from his appointment of
governors and judges that never let him lose his grip on the government. He never appointed
governors for more than two years, for they might get influence in their county. He dismissed his
most successful general Khalid Ibn e Waleed, due to his immense popularity and growing
influence that he saw menace to his authority. Rather than tenacious conquest he stressed more
on consolidating his rule in the conquered land, a fact that saved Byzantine Wars from complete
disappearance. Umar is reported to have wished an official tour across his domain to personally
examine the condition of his subjects. In 641, before the conquest of Persian empire, Umar is
reported to have said:

If I would live few more years, I wish to visit Syria next year, then next Iraq and then the next
year Egypt to personally check the conditions of the subjects and inquire whether my mandate
is followed or not.
It should be noted that at the time, Umar made this statement, Persia was not yet conquered
(conquest of Persia begun in 642). He would walk the streets of Medina with a whip in his hand,
and it is said that Umar's whip was feared more than the sword of another man. He is famous for
covert night tour of the city to know the secret life of his domain, the tradition that later be
followed by some of the Abbasids Caliphs and even Mughal rulers of Indian subcontinent.

Social justice and accountability

Saeed M Mohtsham cites from Caliph Umar's rule in his research paper Vision and Visionary
Leadership An Islamic Perspective:
"He used to monitor very closely the public policy and had kept the needs of the public central to
his leadership approach. As second caliph of Islam, he refused to chop off the hands of the
thieves because he felt he had fallen short of his responsibility to provide meaningful
employment to all his subjects. As a ruler of a vast kingdom, His vision was to ensure that every
one in his kingdom should sleep on a full stomach.
If a dog dies hungry on the banks of the River Euphrates, Umar will be responsible for
dereliction of duty(Umar)
He also knew that just having a vision is not enough unless it is supported by effective strategies.
He didnt only have a vision; he truly transformed his vision into actions. For example, to ensure
that nobody sleeps hungry in his empire, he used to walk through the streets almost every night
to see if there is any one needy or ill."

Military legacy:
It has been reported that Umar was a champion wrestler of his time, and though not distinguished
as a swordsman, he would later attain prominence as a master strategist. Along with Khalid, he is
said to be one of the key figures in the collapse of the Arabian rebellion, the greatest triumph of
Abu Bakr. One of his greatest strategic marvels was his brilliant fission of Persio-Roman alliance
in 636, when Emperor Heraclius and Emperor Yazdegerd III allied against their common enemy
Umar. He was lucky in that the Persian Emperor Yazdegerd III couldn't synchronize with
Heraclius as planned. Umar fully availed the opportunity and successfully tackled the minefield
by straining the Byzantines to jump in the battle. This was contrary to the orders of Empreror
Heraclius, who presumably wanted a coordinated attack along with the Persians. Umar did this
by sending reinforcements to the Roman front with instructions that they should appear in the

form of small bands, one after the other, giving the impression of a continuous stream of
reinforcements that finally lured the Byzantines to an untimely battle. On the other hand
Yazdegerd III of Persia was engaged in negotiations that further gave Umar time to transfer his
troops from Syria to Iraq. These troops proved decisive in the Battle of Qadisiyyah. Both the
battles thus fought proved decisive and are noted as two of the most decisive battles in history.

His strategic dimensions were the prime reason of Muslim victory at 2nd Battle of Emesa in 638.
Where the pro-Byzantine Christian Arabs of Jazira, aided by Byzantine Emperor, making an
unexpected flanking movement and laid siege to Emesa (Homs). Umar's brilliance was behind
this Muslim victory and was achieved without firing a single shot.

Umar's orders to invade the very homeland of the Christian Arab forces besieging Emesa, the
Jazirah. A three prong attack against Jazirah was launched from Iraq. To further pressurize the
Christian Arab armies, Umar instructed Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, commander of Muslim forces in
Iraq, to sent reinforcement to Emesa, Umar himself led a reinforcement from Madinah and
marched towards Emesa. Under this unprecedented press-gang, Christian Arabs retreated from
Emesa before Muslims reinforcement could reach their. This incursion from Byzantines however
resulted in Muslim annex Mesopotamia and parts of Byzantine Armenia.

Nonetheless the greatest triumph of Umar remained Conquest of Persian empire. After years of
non-offensive policy according to which Umar wished the Zagros Mountains to be the frontiers
between Muslims and Persians, after Battle of Nahavand Umar launched a whole scale invasion
of Sassanid Persian Empire. The invasion was a series of well coordinated multi-prong attacks
that was based on the principle of isolating and then destroying the target. Umar launched the
invasion by attacking the very heart of Persia aiming to isolate Azerbaijan and eastern Persia. It
was immediately followed by simultaneous attacks on Azerbaijan and Fars. In the final secession
Sistan and Kirman and captured thus isolating the stronghold of Persian, the Khurasan. The final
expedition was launched against Khurasan where after Battle of Oxus river Persian empire
ceased to exist, and emperor Yazdegerd III fled to Central Asia. He founded the city of Cairo,
conquered 36,000 cities or castles, and built 1400 mosques.

Religious legacy:
Sunni views:
Sunnis Muslims view him as the Second Rashidun and know him as Farooq the great. Sunni
remember Umar as a Strong Muslim of a sound and just disposition in matters of the religion of
Allah, a man they title Farooq, meaning "leader, jurist and statesman", and the second of the
rightly-guided Caliphs. He patched his clothes with skin, took buckets on his two shoulders,
always riding his donkey without the saddle, rarely laughing and never joking with anyone. On
his ring is written the words "Enough is Death as a reminder to you O' 'Umar". He did not seek
advancement for his own family, but rather sought to advance the interests of the Muslim
community, the ummah. The general Sunni sentiment for Umar is summarized by one of
Muhammad's companions, Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud:
Umar's submission to Islam was a conquest, his migration was a victory, his Imamate (period of
rule) was a blessing, I have seen when we were unable to pray at the Kaabah until Umar
submitted, when he submitted to Islam, he fought them (the pagans) until they left us alone and
we prayed.
Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud,

Shia views:
Umar is viewed very negatively in Twelver Shi'a literature and is often regarded as a traitor to
Muhammad, a usurper of Ali's rights, and, by some, a murderer. Some Twelver Shi'a writers have
accused him of killing Muhammad's daughter Fatimah. According to the majority of Twelver
scholars, Fatimah, wife of Ali, was physically abused by him. These sources report that the event
caused her to miscarry her child and eventually led to her death soon after. (see Umar at
Fatimah's house). However, some Twelver scholars reject these accounts of physical abuse as a
"myth". Other Shia sects, like the Zaidiyyah, following Zaid ibn Ali, accept Umar and Abu Bakr
as legitimate caliphs, despite their beliefs that they are inferior to Ali.

Western views:
The whole history of Omar shows him to have been a man of great powers of mind, inflexible
integrity, and rigid justice. He was, more than any one else, the founder of the Islam empire;
confirming and carrying out the inspirations of the prophet; aiding Abu Beker with his counsels
during his brief caliphate; and establishing wise regulations for the strict administration of the
law throughout the rapidly-extending bounds of the Moslem conquests. The rigid hand which he
kept upon his most popular generals in the midst of their armies, and in the most distant scenes

of their triumphs, gave signal evidence of his extraordinary capacity to rule. In the simplicity of
his habits, and his contempt for all pomp and luxury, he emulated the example of the prophet and
Abu Beker. He endeavored incessantly to impress the merit and policy of the same in his letters
to his generals. 'Beware,' he would say, 'of Persian luxury, both in food and raiment. Keep to the
simple habits of your country, and Allah will continue you victorious; depart from them, and he
will reverse your fortunes.' It was his strong conviction of the truth of this policy which made
him so severe in punishing all ostentatious style and luxurious indulgence in his officers. Some
of his ordinances do credit to his heart as well as his head. He forbade that any female captive
who had borne a child should be sold as a slave. In his weekly distributions of the surplus money
of his treasury he proportioned them to the wants, not the merits of the applicants. 'God,' said he,
'has bestowed the good things of this world to relieve our necessities, not to reward our virtues:
those will be rewarded in another world.

Departments:

Bayt ul Maal
Military Department
Tax Deptartments
Education Department
Police Deparmtment
Financial Department

The Bait-ul Maal (Public Treasury) and

Revenue Administration:
A Public Treasury (Bait-ul-Maal) was for the first time established by the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam) in the form of a common fund for the benefit of the general public.
During the time of Hadrat Abu Bakr (Raziallah Anho), a house was purchased for the purpose
but there were no savings beside one Dirham when he passed away. During the caliphate of
Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) the Bait-ul Mal was immensely enlarged.
He reorganised the entire system on a very sound and just basis. The officer in charge of the
Public Treasury (Bait-ul Mal) was known as "Sahib-i-Bait-ul-Ma1". There were Treasury officers
in each province. Guards were also appointed for the Bait-ul Mal. In Medina there was the
central Treasury and regular accounts were kept.
Following were the main sources of revenue:

(i) Jizya (Indemnity or Defense Tax)

(ii) Zakat (Poor Tax)
(iii) Khiraj (Land Tax)
(iv) 'Ushr (Special land Tax)
(v) Booty (Income from the conquered places)
(vi) Tax on non-Muslim merchants or traders (because they did pay Zakat).
The tax on non-Muslim traders was introduced by Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) for the first
time. The reason was obvious they did not pay Zakat while Muslim merchants had to pay Zakat.
Ushr, the special land tax equal to one tenth of the produce was taken from large holdings.
The Zakat fund was kept in special account books and was spent in accordance with the Islamic
laws as given in the Holy Qur'an. From the rest of the fund, expenditure on general

administration and warfare was met. The surplus was distributed among Muslims which was
determined by three main principles - the relationship and the closeness with the Holy Prophet;
priority of conversion to Islam and sacrifices for its cause; and military service to Islam. For
example, the "Badriyin" (the participants of Badr battle) received 5000 Dirhams each, those who
participated in the battle of Uhud or participated in the "Treaty of Hudaibiya" received 4000
each. The Muslims who accepted Islam before the conquest of Makkah but after the "Treaty of
Hudaibiya" received 3000 each. Those who fought in Syria or lraq received 2000 each and those
who took part in the battles after this received 1000 each. An ordinary soldier who fought during
the time of Hadrat 'U mar (Raziallah Anho) received 500 to 600 dirhams. The stipend was given
to every Muslim whether male or female, young or old. Even new-born babies also received
stipends. Sir William Muir in his book "Caliphate" comments on it
"A people dividing amongst them the whole revenues, spoil and conquests of the state, on the
basis of an equal brotherhood is a spectacle probably without parallel in the world."
Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) was very cautious in spending the Public Fund. There are a
number of instances which could be presented here
Once his daughter, Umm-ul Mu'minin Lady Hafsa (the chaste widow of the Holy Prophet Sal
Allaho Alehe Wassallam) came to him and demanded some share in the booty, that came from a
battlefield, saying: "Give me some because your relatives have certain rights over you". He
replied, "Of course my relatives have certain rights in my personal property but not in the
property of Muslims".
Once Hadrat Umar fell sick and the physician advised him to take honey. There was plenty of
honey in the Bait-uI Mal. He went to the Prophet's Masjid and called general "Shura'. When
people assembled he said, "I need some honey, I would be thankful if you allow me to take
some honey from the Bait-ul-Mal."
Once he saw a fat camel being sold in the market. He enquired about it and found out that the
camel belonged to a man who allowed it to graze in the public pasture. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah
Anho) told the man, "You are entitled to get as much as the camel would have fetched before
it grazed in the official pasture. The balance must go to the Bait-ul-Mal."
He took personal care of the Baitul-Mal properties. Once a camel belonging to the Bait ul-Mal
ran away. He himself went in search of it. In the meantime a chief of a clan came to meet him.
Hadrat Umar said to him, "Please help me in my work. I am searching a camel of the Bait-ulMal."
Such examples are unparalleled in the history of whole civilisation and they show extreme
vigilance by Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) of Public Funds.

Jizya (Indemnity or Defence Tax):

Some western writers have objected to realisation of Indemnity Tax (Jizya) from the nonMuslims of the state. But this tax was taken for their safety against any invasion from outside.
There are instances that when Muslims left a conquered place due to some reasons, they returned
the Jizya taken from non-Muslims of that place. In many agreements signed by Muslims during
the wars, it was clarified that Jizya would be paid to the State by the non-Muslims for their
protection and in case the State (i.e., Muslim Govt.) took any help from them for their protection
they would not have to pay the Jizya. Following agreement was signed with the inhabitants of
Jarjan
"It is our responsibility to protect you and your property against any invasion and you would pay
annual tax (Jizya) in lieu thereof. If we seek your help for protecting you, we would not charge
any tax (Jizya)."
In the agreement signed at Adharbijan, the tax was as under
...... "Jizya would not be taken from those who serve in the army, for the year of services."

Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) had issued orders to various commanders during the battles with
Persians
"Do not charge any Jizya from those who have helped the Muslim cavalry (i.e., army)."
Hadrat Abu 'Ubaidah (Raziallah Anho), the commander at the Syrian front returned all the
Indemnity tax, he had received, when he left the conquered places for the time being to return to
safer borders in order to prepare against the Romans at Yarmuk.
Moreover utmost care was exercised in levying the Jizya. The poor and orphans were never
charged. There was no Indemnity tax on old persons who could not work. In the agreement
which was signed at Hirah this very well be seen.
"If any old man is unable to earn, or if a rich man becomes poor, or if a person meets an accident,
then no Jizya would be charged from him. Muslims are responsible to take care of such persons
and to pay them for their needs from the Bait-ul-Mal."
Once Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) saw an old non-Muslim begging. He asked him the reason
for begging. The old man said that he had to pay Jizya (Indemnity). Hadrat Umar immediately
brought him home and gave some money to him. Then he ordered the officers not to charge Jizya
from such persons. He was so solicitous about non-Muslims that he left a will: Take care of the
"Dhimmis" i.e., the non-Muslim. Do not break any agreement signed with them. Do not take that
work from them which they can not do. Fight for their protection (if some body attacks them)."
This is an exemplary treatment, a nation could give to conquered people.

Miscellaneous Sources:
Apart from the six major sources of revenue narrated above, the following miscellaneous
revenues also contributed towards the public treasury of the early Islamic State:1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Hadrat Umar introduced import duties which were charged on the articles of trade and
merchandise imported into Islamic State. Abu Musa Ashari, the Governor of Iraq apprised
the caliph about the fact that the Roman and Persian Governments of the neighbouring
countries were levying import tax on the Muslim traders who visited their countries to sell
their articles of trade. So the Islamic State also levied a tax of 10% on the goods brought
into Muslim territories by Harbi traders as a reciprocal measure. Later on, the tax was also
extended to the Zimmi and Muslim traders at the rate of 5% and 2.5% respectively. These
import duties on mercantile goods are called ushur by the Muslim jurists. In the modern
world these taxes are called import duties or custom duties or tolls.
Income from public domain or the lands owned by Bait-ul-Mal is another source of
revenue in an Islamic State.
Income from Waqf properties (Properties or lands donated by generous persons to the
Islamic State for charitable cause) is yet another source of substantial revenue Other minor
sources include the following:Income from lease or license to exploit or use certain things belonging to Islamic State.
The proceeds from things found on the highways when there is no claimant of such things.
Property found in the hands of thieves and high-way robbers when there is no owner to
claim it.
Estates of persons leaving no heir and no will.
Property of apostates confiscated by the State.
Property of Zimmi-rebels guilty of treason.
Income from forests, etc, etc.

Al-Fai:
Fai means to return, to revert, to come back. When the Muslims conquered enemy countries
by armed force they gave name of Fai to perpetuated incomes obtained once and returned again
each year. The term Fai is applied in the Quran and the Sunnah exclusively to war gains
whether consisting of lands or tribute or indemnitieswhich are obtained from an enemy who
has laid down arms before actual fighting has taken place.
After the death of the Prophet, when Iraq, Iran and Egypt were conquered by Muslim armies,
there was a controversy among the Muslims concerning the lands of these countries.
Companions of the Prophet at the request of caliph Hadrat Umar held meetings to discuss and
deliberate upon the issue. Imam Abu Yusuf in his book Kitab-ul-Kharaj gives a lengthy and
interesting account of these debates. Abdul Rahman, Zubair and Bilal backed by the army
generals were of the view that the conquered lands sould be divided among the soldiers just like
other categories of booty from which one-fifth is taken out for the Muslim community and fourfifth is distributed among the participating soldiers. On the other hand Hadrat Umar backed by

Ali-b-Abi Talib and Muadh-b-Jabal was of the opinion that these lands should be retained in state
control and should not be distributed among the soldiers. The reasons why Hadrat Umar wanted
to retain lands in state control were that he wanted a regular source for the government for war
expenses, for the pay of soldiers and other state officials and also for the purchase of arms.
Moreover, he wanted to retain the land in the state control as Fai belonging for all time to the
whole Muslim Ummah for the benefit of all future generations. At last Hadrat Umar succeeded in
persuading the members of Shura with his convincing arguments to agree to his point of view.
Thus, it was decided that the conquered lands of these countries would be considered Fai
property and would be kept under state control for the benefit of all Muslim Ummah including
future generations. Income from these lands would be considered Fai revenue and would be
utilized for common benefits and for state expenses in the light of the Quran and the Sunnah.

Al- Kharaj:
Kharaj means revenue, tax, rent, rate, lease, produce, income, wages, etc. received from land
which the Muslim jurists call Kharaj land. According to Imam Abu Obaid, Kharaj is rent or
produce received from land. It is, in fact, an agricultural tax received from non-Muslim owners
of the lands.
Soon after taking over the conquered lands in the State control, Hadrat Umar set to re-organise
the system of revenue. Survey of these lands was carried out and Kharaj was imposed according
to the rates fixed per unit of land on different categories of crops. The system was set up so
efficiently that the revenue from Kharaj rose before the death of Hadrat Umar to an impressive
level of 12.80 crore Dirham in Iraq, in Egypt it rose to 1.20 crore Dinar and in Syria it amounted
to 1.40 crore Dinar.
Some of the rules and by-laws of Kharaj are briefly stated as under:1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Kharaj has been historically charged on either of the two basis i.e. on fixed rate or on
proportional basis. Hence the jurists have classified Kharaj into two types; fixed Kharaj
levied at a fixed amount per unit of area; proportional Kharaj which is charged in the form
of a definite portion of the produce, for example, one-half or one-third etc. During the
times of Hadrat Umar fixed Kharaj was charged while in the Abbaside period proportional
Kharaj was levied.
Kharaj is charged on the Kharaj land. Whether the owner is minor or adult, free or slave,
Muslim or Zimmi, does not make any difference.
The land once declared as Kharaj land continues to remain as such even if the owner
becomes Muslim or he sells the land to a Muslim.
In case of destruction of the entire crop by some natural calamity, no Kharaj is charged if
the land is being subjected to proportional Kharaj.
No Ushr can be levied on land which is Kharaj land.
No Kharaj is payable on the habitations or houses of the land-owners.
In case of payment of Kharaj every facility is given to the tax-payer and very lenient
treatment is accorded. Hadrat Ali issued special instructions to the Kharaj collectors not to

attach household effects, clothes, cattle and implements of the farmer in the recovery of
Kharaj.

Personal care of the Public and stipends to

disabled persons and the poor:
Hadrat Umar used to take personal care of the public. A number of instances could be cited in
this connection. I would quote only a few
Once a caravan came to Medina and alighted outside the city. He himself guarded the caravan
during the night and saw to their needs. He was going round one night when he saw a woman
with some children just on the outskirts of the city. The children were crying due to hunger. He
himself brought some flour and butter etc., from the Bait-ul-Mal and personally prepared meals
for the children. His slave, Aslam offered his services but he said, "You can not help Umar on the
Day of Judgement. He is himself responsible for it." Once he saw a bedouin staying outside the
city and his wife was in the throes of child birth. He immediately called his wife who worked as
a midwife.
Every day after the congregational Salats he used to sit in the Masjid in order to listen to the
complaints of the people. Any person having any need reported to Umar (Raziallah Anho) and he
helped him. Besides the allowances described above he also gave stipends to the poor and
disabled persons regardless of their faith and creed. To find out the needs of the people he used to
go out during night time.

Construction of Masjids and establishment of

Schools:
He founded a number of schools. Masjids were used for giving religious instructions. A number
of Masjids were built by Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho). He asked the governors of various
provinces, specially of Syria to build at least one Masjid in each city or town. In Kufa a separate
Masjid was built for every clan. According to some historians he built four thousand Masjids.
The Haram (Masjid-ul-Haram) in Makkah was too small for the increasing Muslim population.
He extended it and built a wall around it in order to separate it from the township. He covered the
Ka'bah with very costly Egyptian cloth instead of ordinary cloth.

The Masjid of the Holy Prophet was also extended. He bought all the houses and properties
surrounding the Masjid besides the houses of the chaste widows of the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam), and extended the Masjid. A big platform was constructed in the
yard of the Masjid to impart Islamic knowledge.

Umar's (R.A) Period was the GOLDEN AGE of

ISLAMIC History:
Thus we see that Hadrat Umars period was the Golden Age of the Islamic history when Islam
was practised in its true form. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) Initiated 41 good practices during
his period, which were based upon the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam). These are known as "Awliat-i-Umar (the Initiations Of Umar). The
details can be seen in the books of Islamic History like Tabari, Ibn-i-Athir, and Tarikh-i-Khulafa
etc. Most of these initiations have been mentioned in the preceding pages in brief. Actually
Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) was the founder of ISLAMIC DEMOCRACY based upon the
Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam). The words of
the Holy Prophet are very true
"IF THERE WERE TO BE A PROPHET AFTER ME HE WOULD HAVE BEEN UMAR
IBN AL-KHATTAB." (Tirmidhi)
AND
"AMONG THE NATIONS BEFORE YOUR TIME THERE HAVE BEEN INSPIRED
PEOPLE (WHO WERE NOT PROPHETS), AND IF THERE IS ONE AMONG MY
PEOPLE HE IS UMAR". (Bukhari and Muslim)

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