Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is the second khalifah of Islam and the greatest person of this ummah after Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). His name was Umar bin Khattaab and his title was Abu Hafs. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave him the title Abu Hafs (which is one of the Arabic names for lion) on account of his bravery (Mirqaat 1/92). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave him this title before the Battle of Badr. (Mustadrak Haakim #4988) He was born thirteen years after the incident of the elephants. His father’s name was Khattaab, and his mother’s name was Hantamah bintu Haashim. (Usdul Ghaabah 3/318-319)
The Title Al-Faarooq
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was also known by the title ‘Al-Faarooq’. The title ‘Al-Faarooq’ means ‘the one who differentiates and distinguishes between haq and baatil’. Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was once asked, “Who gave Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) the title ‘Al-Faarooq’?” She replied, “He was given this title by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” (Ibnu Sa’d 3/205)
On one occasion, there was a dispute between a munaafiq, named Bishr, and a Jew. To resolve the dispute, the Jew suggested, “Let us go to Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and ask him to decide in our case,” but the munaafiq said, “No, let us rather go to Ka’b bin Ashraf, the Jew.” However, the Jew insisted on taking the case to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), due to which the munaafiq finally relented and went with him to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). On hearing the case, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) passed judgment in favor of the Jew. When they left Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the munaafiq said, “I am unhappy with the judgment of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), so let us go to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” The munaafiq suggested going to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) as he thought that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would give preference to him over the Jew.
When they came to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the Jew said, “We already referred the case to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and received judgment from him, but this man is still unhappy.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked, “Is this true?” The munaafiq replied, “Yes.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said to the two men, “Wait here, I am coming now.” Saying that, he entered his house, fetched his sword and then returned to the munaafiq and beheaded him. After beheading the munaafiq, he said, “This is the judgment that I pass against the one who does not accept the decision of Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” In other words, such a person will leave the fold of Islam and will be worthy of the sword.
Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) mentioned that it was on this occasion that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “You are Al-Faarooq.” Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) descended and then confirmed this saying, “Indeed, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is Al-Faarooq, as he has separated between haq and baatil (truth and falsehood).” It was on this occasion that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) received the title Al-Faarooq. (Tafseer Qurtubi 6/436, Fat-hul Baari 5/45)
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Accepting Islam
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted Islam in the 6th year of Islam, and from the men who embraced Islam, he was approximately the fortieth. (Usdul Ghaabah 3/319, 323) Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had made special dua for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to accept Islam saying, “O Allah! Strengthen Islam with the one who is more beloved to you from these two men; Abu Jahal or Umar bin Khattaab.” (Tirmizi #3681)
Prior to accepting Islam, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was among the enemies of the Muslims. One day, the Quraish appointed him to assassinate Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, he set out with his sword in search of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, en-route he learnt that his own sister and brother-in-law had accepted Islam. Enraged at this, he instead went to his sister’s home where he began to beat her and her husband. After some time, when he saw that they were prepared to die on Islam, his anger subsided and his gaze fell on a few pages of the Qur’aan Majeed. He picked up the pages, which contained the opening verses of Surah Taha, and began to read. When he reached the verse, “Lo! Indeed I am Allah. There is none worthy of worship besides Me. So serve me and establish Salaah for My remembrance.” His heart softened towards Islam. He then proceeded to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and accepted Islam. (Usdul Ghaabah 3/322)
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “The Islam of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a great triumph, his hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah a tremendous reinforcement, and his accession to the khilaafah a great blessing for the Muslims.”
Hazrat Umar’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Adherence to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
When Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) became the khalifah, a small amount of wealth was fixed as his daily allowance from the Baytul Maal with the mashwarah (consultation) of the Sahaabah. After some time, some Sahaabah, including Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Zubair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) proposed that the allowance of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) should be increased, as it was barely sufficient for his needs. However, each person felt reluctant to present the suggestion to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
The Sahaabah thus approached Ummul Mu’mineen, Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), the daughter of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and requested her to put forward the suggestion to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) without mentioning their names to him. When Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) mentioned the suggested proposal to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he became upset and asked, “Who are the people who are making this suggestion?” Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) responded, “First let me know your opinion on this matter.”
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “If I knew who these people were, I would discipline them! O Hafsah! Tell me – what was the best clothing of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in your house?” Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) answered, “It was a pair of reddish brown clothes, which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) wore on Friday or while receiving an envoy.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then asked, “What was the best food that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) ever partook of at your house?” Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) replied, “The only food that we used to partake of was simple barley bread. One day, I anointed a piece of bread with the sediments from an empty butter tin, and he ate it with relish and offered it to others as well.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) further asked, “What was the best bedding that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) ever used in your house?” Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) answered, “It was a piece of thick cloth. In summer, it was spread into four layers, and in winter, into two. He would spread half the cloth underneath him and cover himself with the other half.”
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said, “O Hafsah! Go and tell those people that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), through his personal example, has set a standard, and it is my duty to follow him. The example of my two companions (viz. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)) and I is like that of three men travelling on the same road. The first man started with certain provisions and reached the goal. The second followed the first and joined him. Now the third is on his way. If he follows their way, he will also join them, otherwise he will never reach them.” Such was the life of the person who was feared by the kings and the monarchs of the world. What a simple life he led! All this was in adherence to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Allah Ta‘ala Has Placed Haq on the Tongue of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
In many Ahaadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had bore testimony to the Imaan of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and his being rightly-guided. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once mentioned, “Among the previous ummats, there would be certain individuals who would receive divine inspiration from Allah Ta‘ala. If there is any such person from my ummah (who has been blessed with this) then certainly it is Umar bin Khattaab.” (Bukhaari #3469)
In another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Indeed Allah Ta‘ala has placed the haq on the tongue and heart of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) then said, “When people faced some condition and there was a difference of opinion, then the Qur’aan was revealed in accordance with the opinion of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” (Tirmizi #3682)
On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made dua for Hazrat Umar saying, “May Allah Ta‘ala have mercy on Hazrat Umar! He speaks the haq, even though it may be bitter. His steadfastness on propagating the haq has left him without any friends.” (Tirmizi #3714)
Loving Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is a Sign of Love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had such great love for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that he mentioned his name among the ten people whom he gave the glad tidings of Jannah in this world. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Zubair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah, Hazrat Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarraah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is among the people of Jannah.” (Tirmizi #3747)
In one Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who harbors enmity for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) has harbored enmity for me, and the one who loves Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) loves me, and indeed Allah Ta’ala expressed happiness with all the Muslims in general on the night of Arafah, and He expressed happiness with Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) specifically.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #14439)
Hazrat Ali’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Love for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Being Pleased with Him as the Khalifah
The Shiah claim that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was displeased with Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had usurped the khilaafah from him. This claim of the Shiah is baseless, as there are abundant proofs found in the books of Hadith that show that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had great love for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The extent of his love can be gauged from the fact that he had married his daughter, Hazrat Umme Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha), to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). (Isaabah 8/465, Radd-ul-Muhtaar 2/198) Furthermore, Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was not pleased with any person becoming the khalifah after Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) besides Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). It is reported in Musannaf Ibnu Abi Shaybah (17/71) that when Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had fallen ill and was nearing his end, he addressed the people from his window saying, “I am about to appoint a khalifah (who will take charge of your affairs after my demise). Will you be pleased with the person whom I appoint as khalifah over you?” The people responded, “We will be pleased with whomsoever you appoint as khalifah over us.” Thereafter, Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) stood up and said, “We will not be pleased with anyone besides Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” Thereafter, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was appointed by Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) as khalifah. This was on account of the fact that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had bore testimony to the high position of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in Deen.
The Knowledge of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Testimony of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had great confidence in Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and bore testimony to his great understanding in Deen, as well as his ability to lead the ummah. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “If you appoint Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) as the Khalifah, you will find him trustworthy, disinclined to the dunya and desirous of the Hereafter, and if you appoint Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) as the khalifah, you will find him strong, capable and trustworthy. He does not fear the criticism of any person in upholding the haq for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #8909) Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “I had seen a dream wherein I was presented with a utensil of milk. I drank from it and gave the remainder to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) asked, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), what is the interpretation for this dream?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “(Milk refers to) knowledge.” (Bukhaari #82)
The Humility of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Despite Allah blessing Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to be among the ten people that were promsed Jannah in this world, and being the second khalifah of Islam, he was extremely humble and greatly feared accountability before Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Qiyaamah. It is reported that on one occasion, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) entered a certain orchard while accompanied by Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). While in the orchard, he separated from Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and went to another section of the orchard. He was unaware that Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) could overhear him, from where he was, and he began to address himself and remind himself of accountability in the Hereafter. He said, “Umar bin Khattaab! People refer to you by the title, Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! If you regard this to be excellent, then remember that by Allah, O the son of Khattaab, you will have to certainly fear Allah Ta’ala in this world, or else He will most definitely punish you!” (Muwatta Imaam Maalik #3638)
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Praising Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) always acknowledged the position of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and did not regard himself to be equal to Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). On one occasion, a group of people praised Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saying, “By Allah! We never saw a man who dispenses justice, speaks the truth and is more severe upon the hypocrites than you, O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! After Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), you are the greatest person (of this ummah)!” Hearing this, Hazrat Auf bin Maalik (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) objected, “You have not spoken the truth! By Allah, I have seen another man who is actually the greatest person after Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!” When the people asked Hazrat Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who this person was, he replied, “Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).”
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said, “By Allah! Hazrat Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) has spoken the truth and you have lied! Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was more fragrant than musk while I was still astray and more misguided than my family’s camel (i.e. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned this referring to the period before he had accepted Islam, and at that time, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) already possessed Imaan and had excelled in Deen).” (Manaaqib Umar bin Khattaab libnil Jowzi pg. 141)
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Honouring the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat
Hazrat Aslam (rahimahullah), the slave of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), reports that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had nine special platters reserved for sending gifts to the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat (respected wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and mothers of the ummah). Hazrat Aslam (rahimahullah) mentioned that whenever any delicacy, fruit or meat would come to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), then he would make nine shares, place them on the nine platters and respectfully send them to the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat. He would send the first eight platters to the other Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat and would send the last platter to his beloved daughter, Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). At times, if there was a slight shortage in any platter, he would send this platter to his beloved daughter, Hazrat Hafsah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), and ensure that the other wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) received the full platters. In this way, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) honoured the wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and gave preference to them over his family. (Muwatta Imaam Muhammed pg. 405)
Hazrat Umar’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Precaution in Public Wealth
The precaution which Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) exercised when dealing with public wealth was indeed proverbial. On one occasion, some musk and ambergris (a type of perfume) arrived from Bahrain. As it was public wealth, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “By Allah! I wish to find a person who is proficient at weighing items so that she can weigh these perfumes for me, enabling me to distribute them equally between the Muslims.” Hearing this, his respected wife, Hazrat Aatikah bint Zaid (radhiyallahu ‘anha), offered to fulfil this service saying, “I am proficient at weighing. Bring it and I will weigh it for you.” However, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) declined her offer. She then asked him the reason for his declining, to which he replied, “I fear that while weighing it, you might take the perfume that remains on your fingers and apply it on yourself.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter mentioned, “I fear that if you have to rub your fingers on your body after weighing the perfume, you will receive more perfume than the rest of the Muslims (and this is not permissible).” (Az Zuhd lil Imaam Ahmed #623)
Likewise, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was once suffering from a certain illness for which honey was prescribed as a treatment and medication. However, the honey which he required was in the Baytul Maal (public treasury). Hence, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) ascended the mimbar and sought permission from the people to use the honey saying, “If you permit me to take some of the honey, I will do so. Otherwise, it is haraam upon myself.” Upon his request, the people permitted him to take the honey. (Ibnu Sa’d 3/276)
Hazrat Umar in his Final Moments
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would make the following dua during his life, “O Allah! Bless me with martyrdom in Your path, and make my demise be in the city of Your Rasul.” (Bukhaari #1890) Allah Ta’ala accepted this dua of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Hence, one morning, while leading the congregation in the Fajr Salaah, he was attacked and fatally stabbed.
Concern for Salaah – On the morning that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was stabbed, Hazrat Miswar bin Makhramah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to see him. On entering, he found Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) covered with a sheet and unconscious. Hazrat Miswar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked those present, “How is he?” They replied, “He is unconscious as you can see.” As there was not a lot of time remaining for the fajr salaah, Hazrat Miswar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) advised them, “Wake him up by calling him for salaah, as there is nothing that you can awaken him for that is more urgent and important to him than salaah.” They thus called out, “Salaah, O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen!” As soon as they did this, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) awoke and exclaimed, “Yes! By Allah! There is no share in Islam for the one who neglects salaah!” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter performed his salaah while blood flowed from his wound. (Majma‘uz Zawaaid #1659)
Enjoining Good at the Last Moment – During this period, a youngster visited Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and said, “O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! Rejoice over glad tidings from Allah Ta’ala! You are the Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), you accepted Islam in the very early stages, you were thereafter appointed as the khalifah and exercised justice, and you will shortly pass away a martyr!” When he heard this, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remarked, “I wish that all these aspects (that you have mentioned, and all my good deeds) assist me to just break even (i.e. I would be happy if all my good deeds are merely sufficient to counter-balance my evil sins), so that there is nothing against me, (even if there are) and no deeds in my favour.” When this youngster turned to leave, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) noticed his lower garment (below his ankles) touching the ground. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately ordered for him to be brought back, after which he told him, “O nephew! Raise your lower garment, for it is cleaner for your clothing and a means of adopting fear of Allah Ta’ala” (Bukhaari #3700)
Concern for the Ummah – When Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was stabbed, he began to express concern and worry for the ummah. Seeing the grief of Hazrat Umar, Hazrat ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) comforted him saying, “O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen! There is no need for you to grieve. You remained in the company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and you fulfilled the rights of the companionship. Then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) departed from this temporary abode in the condition that he was pleased with you. You then remained in the company of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and you honoured this relationship. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter left the world while he was happy with you. You then remained among the Muslims (as Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen) and you fulfilled the rights of the ummah. If you pass away and separate from them, then certainly you will be parting from them in the condition that they all are pleased with you.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “As for what you mentioned regarding the companionship of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his being pleased with me, then this is (not my own achievement, but is) a great bounty and favour from the side of Allah Ta’ala which He has bestowed upon me. With regards to the companionship of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and his being pleased with me, then this is also a bounty from the side of Allah Ta’ala which he bestowed upon me. As for this worry and grief that you find me in, this is on account of the concern for yourself and the rest of the Muslim ummah. I take a qasm upon Allah Ta’ala, if only I had gold equivalent to the size of the world in my possession, I would use it to ransom myself from the punishment of Allah Ta’ala before I stand before Him.” Despite Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) being given the glad tidings of Jannah in this world by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), this was the extent of his fear at the time of death.
Desire to be Buried with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – During the final moments after Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was fatally stabbed, he sent his son Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) to the home of Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) instructed him saying, “Say to her that Umar conveys salaam. Do not say that Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen conveys salaam, as today I am no longer Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen (as I am about to pass away). Tell her that Umar bin Khattaab requests permission to be buried alongside his companions, (Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)).”
Following the instruction of his father, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) proceeded to the home of Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) where he found her sitting and weeping (over the loss that the ummah would suffer through the demise of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)). He conveyed the salaam of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to her and then said, “Umar requests permission to be buried with his companions.” Hearing the request, Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) mentioned, “I was hoping to be buried there myself (beside Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), her father). However, I will today give preference to Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) over myself.”
When Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) returned, and mentioned that Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) had granted permission for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to be buried alongside Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then further instructed his son, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) saying, “After I pass away, carry my body for the burial. Then ask Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) again by saying, ‘‘Umar requests permission to be buried with his companions.” If she again grants permission, then bury me there. If not, then bury me in the cemetery of the Muslims.” (Bukhaari #3700)
Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Wishing to Meet Allah Ta’ala with the Deeds of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) mentions: I was present on the occasion when the body of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was placed on the bier after his martyrdom. People began to throng around his body. While waiting for his body to be raised and taken for burial, they were reciting durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and making dua for Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Suddenly, I found a person behind me holding onto my shoulder. When I turned to see who it was, I saw that it was none other than Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). While looking at the body of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he said, “O Umar! May Allah Ta’ala shower His special mercy on you!” He then said, “At this time, there is no person whose actions are more beloved to me, and which I wish to meet Allah Ta’ala with, more than your actions! I take an oath by Allah! I have conviction that Allah Ta’ala will join you with your two companions, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). You were always with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) throughout your life. Hence, I would often hear Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, ‘I went to a certain place with Abu Bakr and Umar. I entered a certain place with Abu Bakr and Umar. I left a certain place with Abu Bakr and Umar.’” (Bukhaari #3685