In the Name of Allāh.
I came across the story of a man filled with much soul. Behold! The inhabitants of the heavens rejoiced upon his acceptance of Islām. He embraced Islām in the sixth year of the Prophethood, at the age of twenty-seven.
He is known as the Fārūq (Criterion) of this Ummah because Allāh instilled truthfulness within his heart and on his tongue. Abū Dharr reported that he heard the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) say: “Allāh, the Exalted, has placed truth on Umar’s tongue and he speaks it.” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2962] Additionally, ‘Uqbah Ibn ‘Āmir narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) stated: “If there was to have a Prophet after me, it would have been ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khaṭṭāb.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhī 3686]
What a remarkable figure of courage he was! He was the first individual to openly declare his acceptance of Islām. Reports indicate that prayers were not performed publicly until he had embraced Islām. Indeed, no one dared confront Abū Jahl and the other prominent enemies of Islām while he stood with the Prophet (ﷺ). It is noteworthy that he had been a fierce adversary of Islām, even attempting to kill the Prophet (ﷺ) initially. However, he ultimately accepted Islām due to the Du’ā’ (supplication) of the Prophet (ﷺ). Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said: “O Allāh! Honor Islām through the dearest of these two men to You: Through Abū Jahl or through ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khaṭṭāb.” He remarked: “And the dearest of them to Him was ‘Umar.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhī 3681]
He was the man who caused Shayṭān to tremble. A figure of immense strength, fearlessness, and influence, his acceptance of Islām resulted in empowerment and triumph. His migration to Madīnah led to success, and his leadership as the Leader of the Believers yielded blessings. He overcame the shackles of his misguided past to reach extraordinary heights, exemplifying righteousness and wisdom.
Scholars have stated that when ‘Umar embraced Islām, the religion gained strength. He migrated openly and took part in all significant battles including Badr and Uhud. He was the first Khalīfah to be referred to as Amīrul Mu’minīn. Moreover, he was the first to document Muslim history and to compile the Qur’ān into a single volume. His numerous victories for Islām were complemented by the institution of taxes and the establishment of cities. He monitored the judges, maintained official records, and notably performed Ḥajj alongside the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) during his final pilgrimage.
Truly, whom Allāh guides, no one can misguide. O Muslims! This is but a brief insight into the profile of our leader, ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khaṭṭāb Ibn Nufayl Ibn ‘Abdul-Uzzah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), a heroic figure of faith whose life exemplified courage, devotion, and piety. His journey from fiery denial to triumphant acceptance has resonated throughout history, leaving an enduring legacy within the Ummah.
‘Umar is indeed one of the ‘Asharah al-Mubashsharūn (the ten companions given the glad tidings of Paradise in a Ḥadīth), positioned next to Abū Bakr in terms of virtues. He is also the father of our mother, Ḥafṣah (one of the wives of the Prophet [ﷺ]).
I beseech Allāh to bestow His Mercy and Grace upon ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khaṭṭāb, for he was a valiant warrior of Islām and a beacon of faith for all those who choose to follow his example. Aameen.
Picture Credit: Wikipedia
