Sahaba Stories - Companions Of The Prophet | Umar Ibn Al Khattab (RA) | Quran Stories in English

Umar Ibn-Al-Khattab(Radhiallahu anhu) was one of the most powerful and influential Muslim caliphs. He belonged to Banu Adiyi family tribe of Quraish in Makkah. He was the second Caliph after Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu anhu) and senior companion of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). If you look back in the history of Islam and the people who played a great role in spreading Islam the one prominent name comes in your mind will be of Umar(Radhiallahu anhu ). Here we are going to describe the biography of Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) in this video. There are a lot of things which can describe him and we can learn about his early life, bravery, acceptance of Islam, caliphate period and much more. Umar Ibn-Al-Khattab(Radhiallahu anhu) was born in 583 A.C in Banu Adiyi family a tribe of Quraish in Makkah. He was not Muslim in the beginning and by occupation, he was a businessman. Before accepting Islam; Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) was one of the most extreme enemies of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) was one of the educated people in Quraish family in that period of time when only a few people could read & write. He also got familiar with the art and science of genetics, and was well versed with the history of the Arabia. He was very brave; Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) was a well-known famous wrestler, debater, and a spirited person in his youth time. He was also famous for his flawless horse-riding skills. He was an intelligent person and a renowned public speaker and a successful ambassador of Quraish. Although Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) had flawless intellectual and physical talents, unfortunately, he had not accepted the messages of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He was one of the fanatic enemies of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He opposed Islam and threatened to kill the Prophet often. One day he decided to kill the Holy Prophet. When he was on his way to execute his plan, he came to know about his sister and brother in law embracing Islam. He went to his sister's house where she and his brother in law were being taught Quran by Khabab(Radhiallahu anhu). He inquired about their acceptance of Islam and started fighting with them. He slapped his sister in a way that she started bleeding. When He saw His sister bleeding, he calmed down out of the guilt. He then asked his sister to show the pages of Quran. He recited the Quran after taking bath; it was the beginning of Surah Ta Ha. After reading for sometime, he came to the verse: “Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.” He was greatly moved by the Holy verses and approved them as the words of Allah. Umar then went to Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). On seeing him, Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked him, “Umar! What brings you here”? He said, “I am here to accept Islam “. And that’s how he accepted Islam. In the early days Muslims were not able to offer Salah publicly due to fear of chiefs of Quraish. But when Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) accepted Islam, believers came out openly as they knew no one had dare to face Umar (Radhiallahu anhu). He was the one who first suggested the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) that they should perform Salah in the Holy Kaaba, where the Messenger of Allah for the first time led the Muslim prayer. Due to such fearless proposals by Umar, he was given the title of Al-Farooq by the Prophet, which means “the one who distinguishes between the right and the wrong”. One of the famous statements of Umar was that he used to immediately get angry with people who would step out of line, and would ask the Prophet for permission to “deal with it”. But the prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would say “Relax, relax Oh ibn Khattab, I have not been sent to be harsh. I have been sent as a mercy to mankind.” Time passed and one day the Prophet passed away. When Umar heard this news, he was very angry and said “Whoever says Muhammed has passed away, I will execute him” Abu Bakar Siddiq(Radhiallhu anhu ) got up and explained the truth and it was only then that He calm down. There was a dispute among the Muslims regarding as to who would become their leader. Who would take the responsibility after the death of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). It was then that Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) addressed Muslims about the great character of Abu Bakar(Radhiallahu anhu). He explained to the people about his closeness to the Prophet and suggested to make him the first caliph of Islam. People listened to His words, and appointed Abu Bakr as the first Caliph of Islam. But things didn’t go well, and Abu Bakar soon passed away. After the death of Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu anhu) Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) took the responsibility and became the second Caliph. He followed the footsteps of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) to the full extent. It was Umar, under whose rule Islam became an international power. The mighty empires of Persia and Byzantine collapsed before the army of Islam. Within ten years of his glorious rule, the whole of the Persian Empire, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and a part of Turkey came under the banner of Islam. He was not only a great commander, but also an excellent administrator. He designed an efficient system of administration, hence he is considered as the founder of a political system in Islam. He imposed Divine Law as the code of a newly formed International Islamic State; He safeguarded the internal safety by introducing the police force: He gave stipends to the poor. He constructed headquarters and forts for the safety of Islamic armies. He founded new cities for the growth of Islamic culture and civilization. He improved agriculture and economics of the Islamic State. He founded the educational system within the Islamic State as well. In short, Umar(Radhiallahu anhu) is the role model for every Muslim. He was an embodiment of justice, principles,piety, humility, and character. He performed all his roles whether personal or professional with intensity and not a single example can be put forward which shows that he performed his role less than perfect.