Hazrat Umar Farooq
❖ He was one of the early converts to Islam.
❖ He was the Prophet’s advisor.
❖ Hazrat Umar was so brave that he made an open announcement
of his faith before the non-believers of Makkah.
❖ He stood by the side of the Holy Prophet in every dificult
situation.
❖ He spent half of his property in the name of Allah on the Tabuk
Expedition.
❖ On many occasions Almighty Allah revealed the verses of the
Holy Quran in favour of Umar's opinion. Such as about captives
of battle of Badr, Hijab, etc. in favour of Hazrat
Hazrat Umar was born in the 13th year of elephant 583 A.D. He
belonged to the Banu Adi tribe, which was the sub tribe of Quraish. He was
the son of Khattab who was an educated and a well-to-do merchan. Hazrat
Umar’s surname was Abu Hafs. Hazrat Umar was learned, educated and
studious, intelligent, fair , simple and a successful merchant. He was strong
powerful and was fond of archery, horse-riding ang wrestling. Hazrat Umar
was a notable person in Makkah because of his wealth and personality.He
also won a name in physical contests, wrestling as well as in oratory at the
famous fair of Ukaz. He was among the few Makkans who could read and
write. He learnt the entire Holy Quran by heart.
He remained a bitter enemy of Islam and the Holy Prophet before his
conversion. The Holy Prophet had entreated to God for the conversion of
either Umar bin Khattab or Amr bin Hisham (Abu Jahl) which was soon
granted. Umar, one day, decided to kill (God-forbid) the Holy Prophet and
with that intention moved to his house with a sword. On his way Nuaim bin
Abdullah told him about the conversion of Umar's own sister Fatima and
her husband Sar'd bin Zayd. Umar went to Fatima's home and started
beating her husband, but Fatima remained steadfast. After a while, when he
had cooled down, Umar asked her about the verses of the Quran that she
was reciting. He was impressed and was moved by the verses, and decided
to embrace Islam. He approached the Holy Prophet at the house of alArqam where Hamza was also present and there Umar entered the fold of
Islam. Hazrat Umar embraced Islam in the 6th year of Prophethood. Umar
took the bold step of entering the Ka'bah with a small band of Muslims.The
Holy Prophet was so pleased on this that He gave Umar the title of Farooq;
‘one who distinguishes right from wrong’.
Being a powerful and influential man he strengthened Islam. His
acceptance was a source of protection for the poor and weak Makkans.
Hazrat Umar was one of the most devoted followers and of immense
value to Islam. He participated in the battle of Badr, Uhud, Trench and
Hunain, in the Treaty of Hudaibiya, the Khayber Expedition and Conquest
of Makkah (all battles along with the Holy Prophet). He placed half of his
wealth at the disposal of the Holy Prophet, for the cause of Islam in Tabuk
Expedition.
Hazrat Umar suggested the wordings of the Azan for prayer and
introduced the Islamic Calendar. He was among the Scribes of the Divine
Revelation.
The Holy Prophet said:
‘ The sun has not risen over a man better than Umar’
He further said
‘Follow the two after me out of my companions Abu Bakr and
Umar’.
Together they are known as the 'Shaykain' which means the two great
elders of the Ummah .His caliphate is the golden period of Islamic history.
Never before and never since then (yet) has the world seen such a rule of
prosperity, justice and security. He was the greatest conqueror in the
history of mankind and his lifestyle was perhaps the simplest.
Abu Lulu stabbed him with a poisoned dagger. He is buried alongside
the Holy Prophet and Abu Bakr.