Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and his Family Fulfilling the Needs of the Creation
Fulfilling the needs of the creation is an act of great virtue and reward that draws the special mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. The lives of the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) reflected this quality to the highest degree. They did not merely advocate upholding justice when dealing with the creation – rather they encouraged people to go the extra mile in striving to fulfill the needs of the creation.
On the occasion when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) received nubuwwah (prophethood), he was overcome by concern in regard to whether he would be able to fulfill this great and mammoth task. At that juncture, Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) consoled him in the following words which clearly highlight the manner in which his mubaarak heart was always filled with the eagerness to assist the creation and fulfill their needs, even prior to nubuwwah.
Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) said to him, “You are the one who maintains good ties with your family. You always speak the truth and you carry the burden of those who are in difficulty. You earn and provide for those who do not possess wealth, you extend hospitality to all your guests and you always assist those who are afflicted with natural disasters and calamities.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #4953)
The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) remained in the blessed company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and inculcated the mubaarak qualities of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, they spent their lives fulfilling the commandments of Allah Ta‘ala and seeking opportunities to fulfill the needs of the creation.
It is reported that on one occasion, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was patrolling the outskirts of Madinah Munawwarah to see whether there was any person in difficulty or in need. While patrolling, he spotted a small tent made of hide. As he drew nearer, he heard a woman in pain groaning within the tent and saw a man seated outside.
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) greeted the man and asked him who he was, to which the man replied that he was a bedouin from the countryside who had come to benefit from the generosity of Ameerul Mu’mineen. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter asked him why the woman in the tent was in pain. The bedouin answered that she was crying from the pain of labour and had nobody to assist her.
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately turned and hastened home. On reaching home, he addressed his wife, Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha), saying, “Allah Ta‘ala has presented an opportunity for you to earn great reward.” “What is it?” she enquired. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “There is a woman in labour who has nobody to help and assist her.”
Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha), without any hesitation or reservation, instantly expressed her readiness to seize the opportunity and help the woman in distress saying, “If it is your wish then I will definitely assist.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then instructed her to pack the essentials she would require to deliver the baby. When she had packed what she needed, he asked her to bring him a pot, some fat and some grain.
They then departed for the tent with Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha) walking behind while Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) walked in front carrying the pot. On arriving at the tent, Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha) entered and began tending to the woman. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), in the meantime, asked the bedouin to light him a fire. When the fire was lit, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) placed the pot on it and began to cook the food he had brought.
After some time, a baby boy was born and Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha) called out, “O Ameerul Mu’mineen! Give your companion the glad tidings of a son!” When the bedouin heard her address her husband by the title “Ameerul Mu’mineen”, he realized that it was none other than Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) before him. He was so shaken that he began to move away from Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) out of awe. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), however, assured the man that there was nothing to worry about and told him to stay where he was.
He then carried the pot to the entrance of the tent and instructed Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha) to feed the woman. When she was done, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) again carried the pot and now placed it in front of the man saying, “Eat! You must have had a long night.” He then asked the man to visit him the following day after which he and Hazrat Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha) returned. When the man arrived the next day, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) gave him many gifts and abundant provisions.
(Tabsirah libnil Jowzi 1/427 & Bidaayah wan Nihaayah 7/286)
May Allah Ta‘ala grant us the quality of showing concern for the creation and striving to fulfill their needs, in the manner the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) strove to fulfill the needs of the creation.
