Its hard to describe what it is about him that I love. But probably if I was forced to give a reason I would say I love his passion. Everything Umar (AS) did, he did with passion. When he first heard about Islam and the Prophet (SAW) preaching, he hated Islam with a passion, and when he became Muslim he did so in a passionate way, he then dedicated his life to Islam with passion. Whatever he did, he dedicated himself to it wholeheartedly, never looking back - his surrender to Allah and Islam was so immense (if thats the right word, I cant think of another more suitable), so sudden, so incredibly important to the future of the world.
He is famous in Islamic history as being Al-Faaruuq - the one who distinguished between right or wrong.
His acceptance of Islam is notable, and as I child I loved the melodrama of the story ofUmar; marching to fight and kill the Prophet of Islam for dishonouring his forefathers religion. On his way, finding out his sister and brother-in-law had become Muslims aswell. His shock and anger was terrible. Yet upon hearing from the Quran he calmed and was deeply moved by the rhyme
and rhythm of it and immediatly his heart was affected and he decided to accept Islam. His passion really comes through in this story - he is a man who sees the truth, and once he sees it, he will not deny it.He was a strong and tough person, whose entry into Islam gave confidence and credence to the Muslims. He was also a powerful man, and his saying the Shahadah was a turning point in our Muslim history, subhanallah.
His acceptance of Islam was after the Prophet (pbuh)'s dua:"O Allah! Strengthen Islam with `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab."
Umar was described as fair skinned with some reddishness, tall with a strong build, fast-paced a skilled fighter and horseman. It is said that when he sat on his horse, his feet touched the ground!
Umar has the gift of true inspiration and was second only to Abu Bakr in closeness to the Prophet (SAW) , who said:
"Allah has engraved truth on the tongue of `Umar and his heart" and "If there were a Prophet after me verily it would be `Umar."
He had the unique distinction of having his views confirmed by revelations in the Holy Quran. The Prophet (SAW) also said of him, "In truth, the devil certainly parts ways with Umar."As it was reported that when Umar came, Shaytaan departed!!! How amazing and truly inspirational is that???
I cannot describe how this khalifah inspires me, wallahi, every single time I read about him, tears come to my eyes - he is one of those inspiring people who just make me want to be better. He makes me realise I can be better!
`Abd Allah Ibn `Isa Ibn Abi Layla related: "There were two dark lines in `Umar’s face marked by tears." Al-Hasan al-Basri and Hisham ibn al-Hasan narrated that `Umar sometimes lost consciousness after reciting a verse from the Qur’an, whereupon he would be taken ill and visited for days. Among `Umar’s sayings is:
"Take account of yourselves before your are brought to account."
Umar (AS) was murdered by a slave and stabbed 6 times during Fajr prayer, apparently in the back (coward!) - he was about 66 years old.
As `Umar’s head lay in Ibn `Umar’s lap after being stabbed he said to him: "Lay my cheek on the ground." Then he said: "Woe to me, my mother’s woe to me if my Lord does not grant me mercy!" The next morning Al-Miswar woke him for the dawn prayer. `Umar said: "Yes, and there is no part in Islam for whoever leaves prayer." He prayed bleeding from his wounds.
Subhanallah.
Now for Umar's advice to the Muslims:
1. Do not be misled by someone's reputation
2. Do not judge a person only by his performance of Salah and Sawm rather look into his truthfulnss and wisdom
3. One who keeps his secrets controls his affairs
4. Fear the person whom you hate
5. Prudent is he who can assess his actions
6. Do not defer your work for tomorrow
7. He who has no idea of evil can easily fall into its trap
8. Judge a mans intelligence by the questions he asks
9. Less concern for material well-being enables one to lead a free life
10. It is easier not to indulge in sins than to repent
11. Contentment and gratitude are two great virtues; you should not care which one you are gaining
12. Be grateful to him who points out your defects.
These pieces of advice are so full of wisdom - I shall do my best to implement them, as well as the lessons I learn every time I read the story of Umar.
We need more Abu Bakrs and Umars in the ummah, especially now - when the situation of the Muslims is so very dire. Men who understood not just the rules, laws and dictates of Islam but the spirit behind them, the truth that runs through them.
It is so true the words and predictions of Umar - it is easier to not sin than to repent... for how will we ever know till its too late whether our repentence has been accepted? And repentence is hard work, you have to dedicate time and emotion to it, make sure you're sincere, that your heart truly is dedicated to your repentence....
I notice that Umar's advice is to do with what you cant see about a person, more to do with the truths that lie within, in ones heart. We have to look inward to discover the real us, the real Islam.
Umar worked hard to be a good Muslim - it cannot have been easy. He was a man who was powerful and rich before becoming Muslim, no doubt not used to sacrifice and denying himself pleasure. Yet he managed it for the sake of Islam - if he can do it, why cant I, we??
Subhanallah - even Shaytaan knew better than to get in Umar's way!!! What other human can see truth so clearly, see justice so brightly and spot lies and deciet so easily so that Shaytaan himself gives up before he even begins?!?!?!
I just cannot get over how amazing Umar is. I always have admired and loved him, and I figure I always will. :-)
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