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The Golden Times
If any era has to be called Golden Times of human history, it has to be 634 to 644 which was the reign of the second caliph of Rasulallah(PBUH) Syedna Umar Farooq(R.A).
Islam was like a plant which was planted by Muhammad(PBUH) and by the time of Umar Farooq (RA) it had grown into a complete tree which was giving its fruits and flowers now. The justice, freedom, equality, harmony and simplicity of this golden era is matchless throughout the history.
What Prophet Muhammad said about him?
There are many hadith that mention the qood qualities and special position of Umar bin Khattab.
Abu Saeed al Khudri reported that Muhammad said: "Every prophet has two wazeer (ministers) from the dwellers of the heaven (angels) and two wazeer from the inhabitants of the earth. So, my wazeer from the dwellers of heaven are Jibrael and Mikael and my wazeer from the earthlings are Abu Bakr and Umar." from Jami Tirmidhi
Ibn Umar said that one day, Muhammad came out and entered the masjid, Abu Bakr and Umar with him, to his right and left. Muhammad had held their hands and he said, "The three of us will be raised on the Day of Resurrection in this way." from Jami Tirmidhi
Abu Saeed al Khudri reported that he heard Prophet Muhammad say, "While I was asleep, I dreamt that people are brought to me, all of them wearing shirts. Some of the shirts reached only up to the chest and some a little below the chest. Umar ibn al-Khattab was also brought to me. His shirt was so long that it trailed on the ground and he dragged it along as he walked." Some of the sahaba asked him its interpretation and he said, "Religion." from Sahih Bukhari and Muslim
Abu Hurairah reported that Muhammad said, "Among the earlier ummah there have been muhaddath (who are blessed by Allah with inspiration). So if there is one in my ummah (who is blessed) then he is Umar." from Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Abu Zarr reported that he heard Muhammad say, "Allah has placed Truth on Umar's tongue and he speaks only the truth." From Abu Dawood
Ibn Umar reported that Umar said, "My thinking abided with my Lord on three matters (on which His Command was about to be revealed): the station of Ibrahim, the hijab, and the captives of the battle of Badr." From Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Last Testament of Umar (RA)
On 3 November 644, Umar(R.A) was attacked, while leading the morning prayers by Firouz, a persian slave who then committed suicide from his own dagger. Umar died of the wounds three days later on Sunday, 7 November 644. Umar(R.A) is reported to have left the following testament:
Be kind and generous to the Muhajirun and the Ansar. Those out of them who are good, be good to them; those who are bad overlook their lapses. Be good to the people of the conquered lands. They are the outer line of our defense; they are the target of the anger and distress of our enemies. They contribute to our revenues. They should be taxed only on their surplus wealth. Be gracious to the Bedouins as they are the backbone of the Arab nation. I instruct you to be good to the Dhimmis for they are your responsibility. Do not tax them beyond their capacity. Ensure that they pay the Jizya without undue inconvenience. Fear God, and in all that you do keep His pleasure in view. In the matter of people fear God, and in the matter of Allah do not be afraid of the people. With regard to the people, I enjoin upon you to administer justice with an even hand. See that all the legitimate requirements of the people are met. Be concerned for their welfare. Ensure the safety of their person and property. See that the frontiers of our domains are not violated. Take strong steps to guard the frontiers. In the matter of administration do not prefer the rich to the poor. Be hard against those who violate the law. Show them no mercy. Do not rest content until you have brought the miscreants to book. Treat all the people as equal. Be a pillar of strength for those who are weak and oppressed. Those who are strong but do wrong, make them pay for their wrong-doings. In the distribution of booty and other matters be above nepotism. Let no consideration of relationship or selfish interest weigh with you. The Satan is at large; it may tempt you. Rise above all temptations and perform your duties in accordance with the injunctions of Islam. Get guidance from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Freely consult the wise men around you. Apply your own mind in difficult cases, and seek light from God. Be simple in your living and your habits. Let there be no show or ostentation about you. Lead life as a model Muslim. As you are the leader of the Muslims, justify your leadership by being the best among them all. May God bless you.
What non muslims think about him?
In his book Mahomet and His Successors, Washington Irving estimates the achievements of Umar (R.A) in the following terms:
The whole history of Omar shows him to have been a man of great powers of mind, inflexible integrity, and rigid justice. He was, more than any one else, the founder of the Islam empire; confirming and carrying out the inspirations of the prophet; aiding Abu Beker with his counsels during his brief caliphate; and establishing wise regulations for the strict administration of the law throughout the rapidly-extending bounds of the Moslem conquests. The rigid hand which he kept upon his most popular generals in the midst of their armies, and in the most distant scenes of their triumphs, gave signal evidence of his extraordinary capacity to rule. In the simplicity of his habits, and his contempt for all pomp and luxury, he emulated the example of the prophet and Abu Beker. He endeavored incessantly to impress the merit and policy of the same in his letters to his generals. 'Beware,' he would say, 'of Persian luxury, both in food and raiment. Keep to the simple habits of your country, and Allah will continue you victorious; depart from them, and he will reverse your fortunes.' It was his strong conviction of the truth of this policy which made him so severe in punishing all ostentatious style and luxurious indulgence in his officers. Some of his ordinances do credit to his heart as well as his head. He forbade that any female captive who had borne a child should be sold as a slave. In his weekly distributions of the surplus money of his treasury he proportioned them to the wants, not the merits of the applicants. 'God,' said he, 'has bestowed the good things of this world to relieve our necessities, not to reward our virtues: those will be rewarded in another world.'
In 1937 Congress formed government in India. Gandhi, advising ministers of newly formed government to lead a simple life , said:
" I cannot give you examples of Ramchander or Krishen because those were not historical personalities. I have to refer you to the lives of Abubaker and Omer who lead the simplest life though they were ruling the great empires of those days"
(Ref: Harijen - 27-07-1937)Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, e-tabligue
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