Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Once while Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) was engaged in some important work, a person came to him and complained about some petty grievance. The man requested Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) to address the matter. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) became annoyed and lashed him across his shoulders, saying: “When I avail myself for that purpose, then you do not come to me but when I am busy engaged in other important duties then you come to interrupt me.” The man, feeling ashamed, then walked away. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) later on sent for him. When he came Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) handed over the whip to him and said: “You may now lash me to even the matter.” The man however replied: “I forgive you for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.”
Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) subsequently went home, performed two rakaat salaah in repentance and scolded himself saying: “O Umar! You were low but Allah Ta’ala elevated you. You were wandering astray but Allah Ta’ala guided you. You were base but Allah Ta’ala ennobled you and gave you sovereignty over His people. Now one of them comes and asks you for redress of the wrong done to him, and you beat him? What answer have you to give before Allah?” He kept on chiding himself thus for a very long time. (Fazaail A’maal)
