One of the leading enemies of the Prophet ﷺ and of Islam
Accepting Islam
When the Quraysh decided that killing the Prophet was the way to bring peace to Makkah, he accepted Islam while on his way to carry this out – in year 6 of prophethood
Caliphate
22 Jumada al-Akhirah, 13 AH
Length of rule
About ten and a half years
Death
26 Dhul-Hijjah, 23 AH – after being badly wounded in an attack by Abu Lu'lu'ah, a Persian Magian (Zoroastrian)
2. His personal qualities
(1) Courage and bravery
His acceptance of Islam gave the Muslims new life and energy; it was a great blow to the Qurayshi disbelievers.
Right after accepting Islam he knocked on the door of every Qurayshi leader to tell them he had become a Muslim.
He announced it at the Ka'bah too, and made it possible for the Muslims to pray there openly.
The idolaters were furious but, before his bravery and courage, did not dare to do anything.
(2) Wide knowledge and wisdom
On many occasions revelation came confirming his advice.
(3) Foresight
In the time of Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) he advised that the Quran be compiled into a book and preserved.
3. His appointment as caliph
Before his own death, Abu Bakr (RA) wished to appoint 'Umar (RA) as caliph.
He called many important Companions individually and in groups and consulted them.
All of them expressed complete satisfaction.
Abu Bakr (RA) declared 'Umar (RA) the next caliph, and the people accepted him unanimously.
He took up the caliphate on 22 Jumada al-Akhirah, 13 AH.
4. His services and contributions
Expanding the caliphate
To free people oppressed by the Roman and Persian superpowers and give them a prosperous life, he continued the expansion that Abu Bakr (RA) had begun.
He appointed excellent administrators as governors.
He used various methods to learn of people's grievances and settled them immediately.
Because of his honest and strict administration, the Islamic state became prosperous and strong, and people of neighbouring lands too were keen to live under it.
New arrangements (as the Islamic state grew many times larger)
Rules and limits for the caliph's rights, duties and relations with the people.
Rules and regulations for appointing governors, and defining their powers.
Making the judiciary independent.
Appointing officials to collect state taxes.
Creating regional units to make administration easier, and appointing officials (table below).
Establishing the Bayt al-Mal (state treasury), with sources of income: zakat, jizyah, ghanimah, kharaj, and the property of those who died without heirs.
An organised army.
A distinct coinage minted for the first time in Islamic history.
Building cities, health services and irrigation.
Introducing the Hijri calendar.
Officials of the regional units
Arabic title
Responsibility
Wali (الوالي)
Governor
Katib (الكاتب)
Chief secretary
Katib ad-diwan (كاتب الديوان)
Military secretary
Sahib al-kharaj (صاحب الخراج)
Official for collecting revenue (land tax)
Sahib al-ahdath (صاحب الأحداث)
Police officer
Sahib bayt al-mal (صاحب بيت المال)
Officer in charge of the treasury
Qadi (القاضي)
Chief judge
Sources of income of the Bayt al-Mal
Term
Meaning
Zakat
The obligatory charity of Muslims
Jizyah (الجزية)
The protection tax of non-Muslim citizens
Ghanimah (الغنيمة)
Spoils of war
Kharaj (الخراج)
Land tax
Heirless property
Property left by those who had no heirs
By providing many systems and services, 'Umar (RA) carried out a government that is a model for the whole of mankind.
5. Key Arabic terms
Arabic
Meaning
العدي
'Adi – the clan of 'Umar (RA)
أبو لؤلؤة
Abu Lu'lu'ah – the Persian Magian who attacked 'Umar (RA)
بيت المال
Bayt al-Mal – the state treasury
Quick revision
"The truth on 'Umar's tongue and in his heart" (Hakim).
Born in the 580s CE, 'Adi clan; a wrestler; accepted Islam in year 6 of prophethood.
Courage: knocked on the doors of the Qurayshi leaders; open prayer at the Ka'bah.
Knowledge: revelation confirmed his advice; foresight: advice to compile the Quran.
Appointed by Abu Bakr (RA) after consultation; 22 Jumada al-Akhirah, 13 AH.
Reforms: independent judiciary, Bayt al-Mal, army, first coinage, Hijri calendar, building cities.
Officials: wali, katib, katib ad-diwan, sahib al-kharaj, sahib al-ahdath, sahib bayt al-mal, qadi.
About 10½ years; 26 Dhul-Hijjah, 23 AH – Abu Lu'lu'ah.
