The Second Caliph of Islam
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (RA) fell ill and passed away on the 21st of Jamadi-ul-Aakhir 13 A.H.
(22 August 634). Before he left this temporal world, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA)
consulted the senior Sahaba and elected Sayyiduna Umar (RA) as the second
Caliph of the Muslims.
Life before Islam
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) belonged to
"'Adi" family of Quraish tribe. His father’s name was Khattab. In the
8th generation, his lineage joins with the Holy Prophet (SAW). Abu Hafs was his
patronymic name and Title "al-Faruq (One
who distinguishes between Right and Wrong) was given by the
Holy Prophet (SAW). He was born in 583 A.D., about forty years before the great
Hijrah. In his youth he was a famous wrestler and orator, and a spirited
person. He was one among the few people in Mecca who knew reading and writing
before Islam. His main occupation was business.
When the Holy Prophet (SAW) got
revelation and invited people to Islam, Hazrat Umar became the worst enemy of
Islam and the Holy Prophet (SAW). He did not hesitate to harm the Muslims and
Islam at every opportunity. His
acceptance of Islam is also very famous.
Umar's acceptance of Islam
It was the 6th year of Holy Prophet's
mission when Quraish leaders called a meeting and asked a volunteer for the
assassination of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Hazrat Umar offered himself for this job and
everybody in the meeting exclaimed that he was the right person for it. While
he was on his way with a sword in his hand he met Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas who
enquired of him about his destination. Umar told him that he was going to
murder the Holy Prophet (SAW). After some discussion Sa'd said, "You had
better take care of your own family first. Your sister and brother-in-law both
have accepted Islam". Hearing this Umar changed his direction and went
straight to his sister's house. When Hadrat Umar knocked at the door, they were
reciting the verses of Holy Qur'an from Hadrat Khabbab (R.A.). His sister
Fatimah was frightened on hearing Umar’s voice and tried to hide the portion of
the Holy Qur'an she was reciting. When Umar entered the house he enquired about
their Islam and on finding that they had accepted Islam, he first fell upon his
brother-in-law and beat him severely. When his sister intervened he thrashed
her so violently on her face that it bled profusely. On this his sister burst
out: "Do whatever you like, we are determined to die as Muslims".
When Hazrat Umar saw his sister bleeding, he cooled down and felt ashamed. He
loved Fatimah very much but could not tolerate her conversion to Islam.
However, deeply moved, Umar asked her to show the pages on which the Holy
Qur'an was written. But she was, after all, Umar’s sister and told him
straight, "You can not touch it unless you take a bath and make yourself
clean" He washed his body and then read the leaves. That was the beginning
of Surah Ta Ha (Chapter 20 of the Holy Qur'an). When he came to the verse: "Lo!
I even I, am Allah, there is no god save Me. So serve Me and establish prayer
for My remembrance". (20:14) Umar exclaimed, "Surely this is the Word
of Allah. Take me to Muhammad (SAW)".
On hearing this Hadrat Khabbab
(R.A.), who had hidden himself in the house, came out from inside and said,
"0 "Umar! Glad tidings for you. It seems that the prayer of the Holy
Prophet (SAW) which he said last night has been answered in your favour. He had
prayer to Allah: "O Allah, strengthen Islam with either Umar ibn. Khattab
or Umar ibn. Hisham whomsoever Thou pleaseth".
Hazrat Umar (RA) then went to the
Holy Prophet (SAW). On seeing him, the Holy Prophet (SAW) asked him,
"Umar! What brings you here”? He said, "I am here to accept
Islam". Hearing this the Muslims shouted with joy, "Allahu
Akbar"(Allah is the Greatest) and the sound strikes the air of Mecca. As a
matter of fact, Umar’s conversion to Islam was a terrible blow to the morale of
the disbelievers. 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, a great Companion, says, "Umar's
conversion to Islam was a great triumph, his emigration to Medina a tremendous
reinforcement and his accession to Caliphate a great blessing for the
Muslims".
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) gets the title of "Al-Faruq"
Conversion of Hadrat Umar (R.A.)
strengthened Islam. Up till now, Muslims had lived in constant fear of
disbelievers, and most of them were hiding their faith. The Muslims were now
able to offer their prayer publicly. When Hadrat Umar (R.A.) became a Muslim he
declared his faith openly before the Quraish Chiefs. Though they stared at him
but could not do any harm to him. Then he requested the Holy Prophet (SAW) to
offer prayer in the Ka'bah. On getting the consent of the Holy Prophet (SAW),
Hadrat Umar led a party of the Muslims to that place. Hadrat Hamzah, who had
accepted Islam a few days before Umar (R.A.) carried another party of the
Muslims to Ka'bah. When all the Muslims gathered in the Ka'bah they offered their
prayer in congregation. The Holy Prophet (SAW) led this first public prayer in
the history of Islam. For this courageous and bold action of Hadrat Umar (R.A)
the Holy Prophet (SAW) gave him the title of "al-Faruq" i.e., the one
who makes a distinction between the "Right" and the "Wrong"
.
Migration to Medina
When the Muslims were ordered to
migrate to Medina, most of them left Mecca quietly and secretly, but Hadrat
Umar (R.A.) declared it openly. He put on his arms and first went to the
Ka'bah. After performing the prayer he announced loudly: "I am migrating
to Medina. If anyone wants to check me, let him come out. I am sure that his
mother would cry for his life". There was no man in Mecca to accept the
challenge of Hadrat Umar (R.A.). Then he migrated to Medina boldly.
Services to Islam before his Caliphate
Hadrat Umar (R.A.) had great love for
Allah and the Holy Prophet (SAW). He participated in almost all the big
battles: Badr, Uhad, Ahzab, Khaibar, Hunain etc. In the expedition to
"Tabuk" he gave half of his wealth in the path of Allah. He was next
to Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) to sacrifice his belongings for the cause of Allah.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) also had a
deep love for him. Once he remarked, "were a prophet to come after me, he
would have been Umar". In another Hadith mentioned in Bukhari, Hadrat Abu
Hurairah (R.A.) narrated that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said, "In Bani
Isra'il (Israelites) there were people who were not prophets but talked to
Allah. Were anyone in my Ummah (people) like those persons, he would be
Umar".
The death of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
was a great shock to him, and he could not believe it until Hadrat Abu Bakr
(R.A.) reminded him of a clear verse of the Holy Qur'an on the subject. He then
went to the Council Hall along with Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) where the people of
Medina had assembled to select the First Caliph. Hadrat Umar (R.A.) was the
first person to pledge loyalty (Bai'at) at the hand of Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.),
and then helped him throughout the duration of his rule.
Hadrat Umar (R.A.) as the Second Caliph of Islam
As described in connection with the
life of Hadrat Abu-Bakr, during his illness he consulted the "Shura"
about the next "Khalifah" and then gave his decision in favour of
Hadrat Umar (R.A.) who took the charge of Caliphate after the death of Hadrat
Abu Bakr (R.A.) on 22nd of Jamadi-uth-Thani 13 A.H. (23rd Aug. 634 A.C.).Umar
(R.A.) followed fully the ways of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and the policy of his
predecessor with his characteristic zeal and vigour. It was his strict
adherence to the "Sunnah" of the Holy Prophet (SAW) which helped him
to subdue the mighty empires of Persia and Byzantine. His caliphate marked the
"Golden Age" of Islam. Sayyiduna
Umar (RA) was a very brave and straight-forward person. He was tough and
uncompromising in Islamic principles. He was a great and talented ruler. During
his Khilaafat, vast areas of the Roman and Persian empires and the whole of
Egypt were brought under Islamic rule. He was also a gifted orator. He was very
concerned for the welfare of the Muslims. He left a honourable legacy for
Muslims after him. The Holy Quran was given to him by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA)
for safe-keeping.
APPOINTS NEW COMMANDER
Sayyiduna
Umar (RA) was a strong authoritarian. He noticed the tremendous popularity of
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (RA). He felt that people will lose trust in
Almighty Allah and put all their trust in Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (RA). He
feared that the people may think too highly of him, thereby possibly increasing
the self-esteem of Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (RA) which would also breed
arrogance, so he removed Sayyiduna Khalid (RA) and appointed Sayyiduna Abu Ubaydah
bin Jarrah (RA) as the Commander in Chief of the Muslim army. Sayyiduna Khalid
bin Walid (RA) happily accepted the orders of Sayyiduna Umar (RA) and then
served as an ordinary soldier. This is an example of the Islamic teachings of
obedience to leadership!
DEFEAT OF THE PERSIANS
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (RA) had left Sayyiduna Muthanna (RA) in command of the Muslim forces on the Iraqi front when he rushed to Yarmuk. Sayyiduna Muthanna (RA) was finding it difficult to counter the enemy and went personally to Madinatul Munawwarah to ask Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) for re-enforcements. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) had by that time passed away. Sayyiduna Muthanna (RA) absence from the Iraqi front made things worse there. The Iranians regrouped under the command of Rustam and recaptured the lands taken by the Muslims. Rustam sent 2 columns of his army, one to Hirah and the other to Kaskar. Sayyiduna Umar (RA) sent Sayyiduna Abu Ubaydah (RA), as Commander, to deal with the situation. Both the Persian columns were defeated. Rustam sent an even larger army and defeated the Muslims. Sayyiduna Umar (RA) raised another army and defeated the Persians. But the Persian court sent yet another larger army, and forced Sayyiduna Muthanna (RA) to withdraw. The report of the new situation was sent to Sayyiduna Umar (RA) and reinforcements under the command of Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqqas (radi Allahu anhu) were sent. The Persian and Muslim army met at Qadisiyyah. After a long battle on several fronts, the outnumbered Muslim army defeated the 120, 000 Persian soldiers and recaptured Hirah and their areas in the year 14 A.H. (636 C.E).
DEFEAT OF THE ROMANS
Muslims laid siege to Damascus during Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) rule as Caliph. It continued, after he passed away, and lasted 70 days during the rule of Sayyiduna Umar (RA). After the long siege, Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (RA) took the Romans by surprise and entered the city. The Governor surrendered and a peace treaty was signed.
CONQUEST OF JERUSALEM
Meanwhile, Sayyiduna Amr ibn Aas (RA) was laying siege to Jerusalem. Sayyiduna Khalid, Sayyiduna Abu Ubaydah and other Sahaba (RA) also joined him. The Christians had little hope and decided to give in. They also suggested that the keys of Jerusalem be given to Sayyiduna Umar (RA) himself personally. Sayyiduna Umar (RA) went to Jerusalem. An agreement was signed that guaranteed the safety of the city and the safety of the Christians.
The Severe Food shortage & Plague
In the year 17-18 A.H., Hijaz
(Northern Arabia) and Syria were faced by a severe famine and drought. Hadrat
Umar (R.A.) took steps to get food supplies from Egypt, part of which had been
conquered by Hazrat 'Amr bin al-'Aas (R.A.). He sent three big ships of grains
to Medina which were unloaded in the presence of Hadrat Umar (R.A.). He himself
distributed the grains among the needy. Hadrat Umar (R.A.) did not take any
delicacy during the famine period. When he was requested to take care of his health
he said, "If I don't taste suffering, how can I know the sufferings of
others?"
When the famine became intolerable he
prayed to Allah in a big gathering of Muslims. It has been narrated that the
prayers had not even finished when rains started to pour down.
About the same time plague spread in
most parts of Iraq, Syria and Egypt and it caused great havoc not only to
civilians but also to the Muslim armies. After the plague Hadrat Umar went to
Syria to inspect the losses caused by the plague. Three important figures Abu 'Ubaydah,
Mu'adh bin Jabal and Yazid bin Abu Sufyan (R.A.) had passed away. He appointed
Mu'awiyah bin Abi Sufyan as the Governor of Damascus in place of his brother
Yazid bin Abi Sufyan.
Martyrdom of Hadrat Umar (R.A.)
The glorious rule of Hadrat Umar
(R.A.) came to an end with his death on Wednesday the 27th of Dhil Hijjah, the
year 23 A.H. (643 A.C.) when he was 61 years old. There was a Persian slave of
Hadrat Mughirah bin Shu'bah, named Abu Lu' Lu' Firoze. One day he complained about
the burden of his master had imposed upon him. The complaint was not genuine;
hence Hadrat Umar (R.A.) ignored it. Next day, early in the morning when Hadrat
Umar (R.A.) went to Masjid to perform Fajr prayer, the slave who was hiding in
a corner, attacked him with a dagger and stabbed him six times. People
overpowered the assassin but he killed himself with the same dagger. The
injuries were so serious that the Caliph died the next morning.
Before his death the Muslims asked
him about his successor, he appointed a panel of six persons, Hadrat 'Uthma ,
Zubair, Talha, Sa'd bin Waqqas and 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf (R.A.) to select a
"Khalifah" from amongst them within three days after him.
He requested Hadrat Aisha (R.A.) for permission for his
burial by the side of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Though she had reserved that
place for herself but on Umar's request she gave it to him where he was buried. He ruled the Islamic State for 10 years, 6
months and 4 days.
REFORMS
In
a short span of 10 years, Sayyiduna Umar (RA) had made outstanding achievements
and reforms in Islam. Some of these reforms were:-
1.
He established the "Baitul Maal" (People's treasury for the state and
public).
2.
Judicial courts of Justice were set in the country. Judges and Magistrates
handled all cases.
3.
Establishment of an army headquarters for the defense of the country.
4.
Construction of roads and canals.
5.
Schools were established. Salaries for Imams, Mu'azzins and Ustaads were organized.
6.
Masjids were improved and built in Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul
Munawwarah. This included facilities for the Haajis.
7.
Police Stations and prisons were built.
8.
Establishment of the first Islamic Lunar calendar beginning from the Hijrah.
9.
Proper weights and measures introduced.
10.
Population census established.
11.
Built orphanages and welfare homes.
12.
Established proper punishment system and banned slavery.
Golden Age of Islam
The period of Hadrat Umar's caliphate
indisputably is the "Golden Age" of Islam in every respect. He was a
man of extraordinary genius who not only moulded the destiny of the nation but
made history of his own. He followed the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (SAW) to
the fullest extent. It was Umar under whose rule Islam became a world power and
the mighty empires of Persia and Byzantine (Eastern Roman) crumbled before the
arm 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 and the nations entered the fold of Islam. He was not only a conqueror
but also an exemplary administrator who originated an efficient system of
administration, and thus he was the real founder of political system of Islam
(to be discussed in brief in the next chapter). He enforced Divine Law
(Shari'ah) 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 cantonments 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 in an Islamic State; in brief he was the founder of a great
Islamic State. We would discuss his achievements more elaborately in the next
section.
Character
He (RA) was a very pious Muslim. His
success lay in two things -fear of Allah and his love for the Holy Prophet (SAW).
He never used even oil from the Bait-ul-Mal (Public Treasury) to burn a lamp at
night for his personal needs. Whenever he finished the official work he put off
the lamp. He used to patrol in the city at night to find out the needs and
requirements, and conditions of the people. He did not hesitate to take his
wife to work as a midwife for a poor woman. The salary he got from the
Bait-ul-Mal was so low that it was hardly enough for him and his family's
needs. When some of the eminent Muslims requested him to increase the amount
he, said, "The Holy Prophet (SAW) has left a standard by his personal
example. I must follow him".
Hadrat Umar (RA) was the most just
ruler in the Islamic History. All the citizens, including the Caliph himself,
were equal before law. Once he appeared before a court at Medina to clarify his
position against a complaint. The Qadi (Judge) wanted to stand in his honour,
but he did not allow him to do so, so that there would be no distinction
between him and an ordinary person before Law. He was really the founder of
modern democratic system.
In terse, He (RA) was the best
example of an ideal character, and was the greatest "Khalifah" of
Islam after Abu Bakr (R.A.). He selflessly devoted his whole energy for the
cause of Islam. Muslims will always be indebted to him for his great
achievements. As a matter of fact a separate book is required to describe his
character and his services to Islam.
Hadrat Umar (R.A.) as a great scholar
Before the advent of Islam there was
no tradition in Arabia of reading or writing. There were only seventeen people
among Quraish who could read or write at the time when the Holy Prophet (SAW)
started to receive Divine revelations. Hadrat Umar was one of those seventeen
persons. His writing and lectures are still found in some old books. The first
address he gave as a Caliph is as under "O Allah, I am strict, make me
soft. I am weak give me power. The Arabs are like refractory camels, I will
endeavour to bring them to the straight path"
He was also interested in poetry and
sometimes he composed verses. Hazrat Umar (R.A.) was one of the most fluent
Quraish. Arabic knowing persons can appreciate the fluency of his writings and
addresses. Many of his sayings became aphorisms of literature.
He was a great Jurist and Theologian
of Islam. Because of the fear of making any mistake he did not quote many
Ahadith (Sayings of the Holy Prophet) even though he was fully conversant with
them. He never allowed a person (companion) to quote any Hadith which was not
well known without producing any at testator in support of it. If somebody
quoted a Hadith before him which he had never heard, he at once asked him to
bring a witness failing which he would be punished. He was expert in deriving
laws from the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith. A full volume could be complied out
of the verdicts and judgements given by Hadrat Umar (R.A.). As a matter of fact
he opened a new door of Ijtihad' "(Disciplined judgement of a Jurist) in
the history of Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, and settled a number of
disputable cases during his caliphate.
Preaching of Islam
As the viceroy of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
to spread and preach Islam, the aim of various battles and wars was to clear
the way for the Muslims for preaching Islam. Whenever any army had to attack a
place it had to call the inhabitants of the place to Islam. Hadrat Umar (RA)
was very strict in this respect and he had given standing orders to the
commanders not to start war unless they had first invited the people to Islam.
If they accepted it, there was no question of war and if they did not, then the
war was fought only with those who were not giving a free hand to Muslims to
preach the Right Path. No Person was ever forced to forsake his own faith and
accept Islam.
The method adopted to preach Islam
was demonstration by actual practice. For this purpose he ordered Muslims to
establish their own quarters and present the practical shape of Islam before
the population. Seeing the truthful way, the inhabitants of the place were
attracted towards Islam. No soldier was allowed to take any property or
anything by force from the conquered people.
Because of fair treatment by the
Muslims sometimes the whole army of the enemy accepted Islam. After the battle
of Qadisiya a battalion of four thousand Persians accepted it. After the
victory of Jalula, the chiefs of the place entered the folds of Islam along
with the inhabitants. A commander of the army of Yadzgird, named Siyah accepted
Islam with his battalion during a battle in Persia. All the inhabitants of the
town of Bulhat in Egypt accepted Islam at one time without the use of any force
only by seeing the piety of Muslims. A rich merchant and the chief of a place
in Egypt, named Shata, accepted Islam with all the inhabitants of the place
only after hearing about the character and piety of Muslims at the time when
Muslims had not even reached that place. These are orally a few examples to
show that Islam spread because of the character of Muslims at that time.
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) was very strict in
ensuring that no Muslims forced any non-Muslim to accept Islam. Through his
advice, letters and addresses he made it clear to all the Muslims that they had
to adhere to the ways of the Holy Prophet (SAW) which was the only method to
preach Islam.
Pioneer of the Islamic democracy
Hadrat Umar (R.A.) was the pioneer of
modern civilization to form a state based upon the Islamic democratic system,
the system which was incorporated in the West as late as 19th and 20th
centuries. He was the greatest democratic administrator whose example is
unparalleled not only in the history of Islam but also in the history of modern
civilization. A vast part of the Middle East, Persian Empire and Byzantium, was
conquered during the ten years of his "Khilafat" which he
consolidated into a state governed by Islam i.e. laws. He remained a model for
all great Muslim rulers during the whole Islamic history. During the thirty
years that the Republic lasted, the policy derived its character chiefly from
Umar both during his life-time and after his death.
The constitution of Islamic caliphate
during the time of Hadrat Umar (R.A.) was based entirely on the Islamic
democratic system. All matters were decided after consultation with the
"Shura"(The Council of Advisors) the details of which would be given
in the following pages. He remarked, "It is essential for a
"Khalifah" to consult his "Shura". Once he said, "I
do not desire that you may follow anything that arises from my caprice".
Hadrat Umar had clearly stated on various occasions that he should be obeyed as
long as he was obeying Allah and the Holy Prophet (SAW).
Muslims and non-Muslims were treated
alike. Although the Arab peninsula was declared to be purely an Islamic State,
his attitude towards the non-Muslims was very tolerant. He allowed the Jews and
the Christians, living in the Peninsula, to stay there if they so wished and
nobody would interfere in their religious affairs. To those who desired to
migrate he ensured safe journey up to the borders. Hadrat Umar (R.A.) also gave
compensation for their properties and other facilities.
Break down of Islamic Shura
It is stated earlier that all matters
were decided after consultations with the "Shura", the Advisory
Council during his time. There were three main types of "Shura".
i.
Higher Advisory Council: The first
"Shura" consisted of very prominent and popular Companions like:
Hadrat Uthman, Ali, 'Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Mu'adh bin Jabal, Ubayy bin Ka'b,
Zaid bin Thabit, Talha and Zubair (R.A.). They were permanent members of the
"Shura". All the important matters were decided in consultation with
these persons. This "Shura" could be named as the Higher Advisory
Council.
ii.
General Advisory Council: The second "Shura" was the General Advisory
Council which consisted of many companions from amongst the Ansar and Muhajirin
(R.A.). The Companions who participated in the battle of Badr were given
priority in this "Shura". All matters of general interest were
discussed with this "Shura". In this "Shura" were also
included the chiefs of various clans and tribes.
iii.
The third type of
"Shura" ranked in between the Higher and the General Advisory
Councils. It consisted of some selected Companions among the Muhajirin and
Ansar. Matters of special interest were put before the "Shura"
Whenever a "Shura" was
called every one of its members was fully allowed to give his opinion without
any fear or hesitation. On various occasions Hadrat Umar (RA) said, "I am
but an ordinary person like you. I can only request you to co-operate in the
work with which I have been entrusted by you".
The working of the General "Shura"
Since the Special "Shura"
comprised only few members there was no special way to call it. The way to call
the General Council of Advisors was that a man used to call the following words
loudly: "As-Salatu Jami'ah," in the Prophet's Mosque from at high
place. Hearing this call the people would know that a meeting of the
"Shura" has been called and assembled in the mosque. Hadrat Umar (RA)
first of all offered two raka'at Nafl (optional) prayers and then put the
matter before the "Shura" Every person was allowed to give his
opinion. Decisions were usually taken on the basis of unanimity or sometimes by
majority. But the Khalifah was not bound to accept the decision of majority. In
the interest of Islam and Muslims he could use power of veto if he considered
it proper.
The Caliph had himself introduced
this principle, novel in those days, through his addresses. A part of one of
his addresses is quoted as under "0
people! I am but a trustee of your property and wealth, like a person who is
trustee of the property and wealth of an orphan child. Had I been rich I would
not have taken any allowance for my services. In case I needed I would have
accepted only to the extent of the need. Friends! you have certain rights over
me and you are fully allowed to claim your rights anytime. One of such rights
is: Don't allow me to misappropriate the Indemnity Tax and the Booty. You have
the right to check that the poor, the needy and disabled person amongst you
should get allowances for their livelihood. You have the right to make sure
that the borders of the State are safe and that you are not in danger."
Introduction of Hijrah Calendar
For the first time in the history of
Islam, Islamic calendar was introduced in the present form by Hadrat Umar
(R.A.). The date of start of this calendar was fixed as the date of the
"Hijrah" (Migration) of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Thus the calendar is
also known as the Hijrah Calendar.
Matrimonial
Life
Wives and Children
Hadrat Umar (R.A.), married the
following women during his lifetime
1. Zainab (R.A.), she accepted Islam
but died in Mecca. She was sister of 'Uthman bin Maz'un. 'Abdullah
Abdur Rahman (Ist) and lady Hafsah (wife of the Holy Prophet) were the children
she bore to Hadrat Umar (RA).
2. Malkiah bint Jarwal, she did not
accept Islam and was divorced in 6 A.H. according to Islamic law. She gave birth
to'Ubaidullah.
3. Quraibah bint Abi Ummiyah, she
also did not accept Islam and was divorced in 6 A.H.
The above three marriages had taken
place before Hazrat Umar (R.A.) accepted Islam. After accepting Islam he
contracted marriages with the following
4. Ummi Hakim bint-ul-Harith, she
gave birth to a girl named Fatimah.
5. Jamilah bint Asim, she gave birth
to a son who was named Asim. Though she was a Muslim she was di-vorced because
of some other reason.
6. Umm Kulthum bint Hadrat 'Ali
(R.A.), she was married in the year 17 A.H. She gave birth to Ruqayyah and
Zaid.
7. 'Atikah (R.A.)
Children
1. Umm-ul-Mu'minin Hadrat Hafsah
(R.A.) the chaste wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW) .
2. Ruqayyah, she was the youngest
daughter of Hadrat Umar (RA).
3. 'Abdullah........son
4. 'Ubaidullah...........son
5. 'Asim...........son
6. Abu Shahmah.......son
7. 'Abd-ur-Rahman.......son
8. Zaid........son
