Prophet Uzair

Several centuries after the death of Muhammad Ibn Hazm first connected ‘Uzair a son of G-d’ with Ezra the scribe. His proof was a Jewish community in Yemen worshipped Ezra as a son of G-d.

The Yemenite Jewish community that existed at the time of Ezra are still a distinct group today and have preserved many of their teachings and traditions. One such tradition records that when Ezra requested the Yemenite community return to Israel 2,000 years ago, they refused to leave their home. They believed that as a punishment for this Ezra cursed them with poverty. Because of this curse, the Yemenite community banned its members from naming their children Ezra.

We would like to suggest that upon hearing of this community and their ban Ibn Hazm connected it with the rabbinic prohibition of mentioning G-d’s name and mistakenly assumed the ban existed because they revered Ezra as a son of G-d.

There is no Hebrew figure in all of the Jewish scripture named Uzair. Perhaps there once existed a sect like Christianity that worshipped a figure named Uzair, but we have no record of them today. It must also be noted that such teaching rebels against Judaism, which like Islam, prohibits the worship of all but the Creator.

عزير لم يَثبت في الإسلام أنه نبي، وإن كان المشهور أنه منأنبياء بني إسرائيل.^[1] هو (رجل صالح من وجهة نظرالإسلام^[2]) أماته الله مائة عام ثم بعثه، جدد دين التوحيدلبني إسرائيل وعلمهم التوراة بعد أن نسوها.

عزير

معلومات شخصية
مكان الميلاد	بلاد النهرين
مكان الوفاة	القدس
الحياة العملية
المهنة	كهنة هارونيون
تعديل مصدري - تعديل

ضريح العزير في مدينة العمارة جنوب العراق عام 1924

ضريح العزير في عام 1916

ضريح العزير جنوب العراق في مدينة العمارة

نسبهعدل

هو عزير (عزرا) بن شريه بن خلقيه بن عزريه بن شالوم بن صدوق بن أخطب بن امريه بن عزريه بن يوحنان بن عزريه بن اخيمعص بن صدوق بن اخطب بن امريه بن ماريوت بن زرحيه بن عازي بن بقي بن أبيشوع بن فنحاس بن العزار بن نبي الله هارون بن عمران بن قاهات بن لاوي بن يعقوب بنإسحاق بن إبراهيم.

سيرتهعدل

مرت الأيام على بني إسرائيل في فلسطين، وانحرفوا كثير عن منهج الله عز وجل. فبمعرفة الله الغيبية، أراد الله أن يجدد دينهم، بعد أن فقدوا التوراة ونسوا كثيرا من آياتها. مر عزير على هذه القرية - وهي بيت المقدس على المشهور، بعد أن خربها بختنصر وقتل أهلها - وهي خاوية ليس فيها أحد، فوقف متفكرا فيما آل أمرها إليه بعد العمارة العظيمة، وقال: (أنى يحيي هذه الله بعد موتها) وذلك لما رأى من دثورها، وشدة خرابها، وبعدها عن العود إلى ما كانت عليه .^[3]

عزير وفق الوجهة الإسلاميةعدل

كان عزير رجلا صالحا حافظا للتوراة، فبينما كان ماشياً علىحماره في حين من الأثناء، مر عزير على قرية خاوية ليس فيها بشر. فوقف متعجبا، وقال: (أَنَّى يُحْيِي هَذِهِ اللَّهُ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا)، فأماته الله مئة عام. قبض الله روحه وهو نائم، ثم بعثه. فاستيقظ عزير من نومه. فأرسل الله له ملكا في صورة بشر: (قَالَ كَمْ لَبِثْتَ). فأجاب عزير: (قَالَ لَبِثْتُ يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ). نمت يوما أو جزءا من اليوم. فرد الملك: (قَالَ بَل لَّبِثْتَ مِئَةَ عَامٍ). ويعقب الملك مشيرا إلى إعجازالله عز وجل (فَانظُرْ إِلَى طَعَامِكَ وَشَرَابِكَ لَمْ يَتَسَنَّهْ وَانظُرْ إِلَى حِمَارِكَ) أمره بأن ينظر لطعامه الذي ظل بجانبه مئة سنة، فرآه سليما كما تركه، لم ينتن ولم يتغير طعمه أو ريحه. ثم أشار له إلى حماره، فرآه قد مات وتحول إلى جلدوعظم. ثم بين له الملك السر في ذلك (وَلِنَجْعَلَكَ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ). ويختتم كلامه بأمر عجيب (وَانظُرْ إِلَى العِظَامِ كَيْفَ نُنشِزُهَا ثُمَّ نَكْسُوهَا لَحْمًا) نظر عزير للحمار فرأىعظامه تتحرك فتتجمع فتتشكل بشكل الحمار، ثم بدأ اللحم يكسوها، ثم الجلد ثم الشعر، فاكتمل الحمار أمام عينيه, (فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ قَالَ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّ اللّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ). ثم خرج إلى القرية، فرآها قد عمرت وامتلأت بالناس. فسألهم: هل تعرفون عزيرا؟ قالوا: نعم نعرفه، وقد مات منذ مئة سنة. فقال لهم: أنا عزير. فأنكروا عليه ذلك. ثم جاءوا بعجوز معمّرة، وسألوها عن أوصافه، فوصفته لهم، فتأكدوا أنه عزير. فأخذ يعلمهم التوراة ويجددها لهم، فبدأ الناس يقبلون عليه وعلى هذا الدين من جديد، وأحبوه حبا شديدا وقدّسوه للإعجاز الذي ظهر فيه، حتى وصل تقديسهم له أن قالوا عنه أنه ابن الله (وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ ابْنُ اللّهِ). وقد ذكر الله قصته هذه في سورة البقرة الآية 259 حيث قال:  أَوْ كَالَّذِي مَرَّ عَلَى قَرْيَةٍ وَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَى عُرُوشِهَا قَالَ أَنَّى يُحْيِي هَذِهِ اللَّهُ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا فَأَمَاتَهُ اللَّهُ مِائَةَ عَامٍ ثُمَّ بَعَثَهُ قَالَ كَمْ لَبِثْتَ قَالَ لَبِثْتُ يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ قَالَ بَلْ لَبِثْتَ مِائَةَ عَامٍ فَانْظُرْ إِلَى طَعَامِكَ وَشَرَابِكَ لَمْ يَتَسَنَّهْ وَانْظُرْ إِلَى حِمَارِكَ وَلِنَجْعَلَكَ آيَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَانْظُرْ إِلَى الْعِظَامِ كَيْفَ نُنْشِزُهَا ثُمَّ نَكْسُوهَا لَحْمًا فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ قَالَ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ  ^[4].

مما هو شائع في الفكر العبراني عن عزير أنه ابن الله، وهذا مخالف لآراء المسلمين. فالأستاذ ديفيد واينز وهو بروفيسور في الدراسات الإسلامية، لا يجد لهذا الإدعاء أي دليل يسنده ^[5]. ويشاركه الرأي الأستاذ جون كالتنر وهو بروفيسور في الشؤون المسيحية والإسلامية، مضيفاً بأنه لا يتوفر دليل على أن يهود المدينة قد حملوا فكرة بنوةعزير^[6].

هناك اعتقاد بأن يهود اليمن هم من نسبوا بنوة العزير لله، ويظهر ذلك في إحدى آراء ابن حزم الأندلسي التي تقول بأن هناك بعض من يهود اليمن يعتقدون أن عزيراً ما هو إلا ابنالله (مع أنه لم يعش في اليمن)^[7]. ومع ذلك، ليس هناك ما يثبت وجود تلك الفئة من اليهود ^[8]. علاوة على ذلك، تبدو نظرية ابن حزم شاذة وتحديداً عند الإطلاع على مادة (اليمن) في الموسوعة اليهودية، فيهود اليمن لا يتسمّون باسمه، ويرجع هذا وفقاً لما ورد في رواياتهم من لعن عزرالهم (أي يهود اليمن) ليصبحوا فقراء لأنهم لم يرحلوا إلىإسرائيل ^[9]. ومما يزيد تلك النظرية شذوذا، ً ما ورد فيكتاب عزرا والمعترف من قبل اليهود من ذِكر اسم والده (سرايا) ^[10]، لذا يرى بعض المستشرقين مثل تشارلز توري أن الهدف هو جعل الإسلام الدين الوحيد ذو الصفةالتوحيدية في حينها ^[11].

فيما نجد أن موقف بعض مفسري القرآن الكريم يسير بشكل شبه مقارب للآراء السابقة. فالقرطبي على سبيل المثال علّق على هذه المسألة بقوله : (هذا لفظ خرج على العموم ومعناه الخصوص، لأنه ليس كل اليهود قالوا ذلك، وهذا مثل قوله تعالى :  آلَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُواْ لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَاناً وَقَالُواْ حَسْبُنَا اللّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ  ^[12] سورة آل عمران, الآية 173. وقيل: إن من كان يقولها كانوا في زمان وقد انقضوا، وهذا متوجه للذم إليهم لأن بعضهم قد قاله، وعاضد هذا القول النقاش، فقال : (لم يبق يهودي يقولها بل قد انقرضوا) ^[13]. ومن الأقوال المعاصرة، نستشهد مما ذكر في كتاب تفسير الوسيط في تفسير القرآن الكريم لمحمد سيد طنطاوي، فيقول : (وقد ذكر المفسرون هنا أقوالاً متعددة في الأسباب التي حملت اليهود على أن يقولوا " عزير ابن الله " وأغلب هذه الأقوال لا يؤيدها عقل أو نقل، ولذا فقد ضربنا عنها صفحا). متابعاً (وقد نسب - سبحانه - القول إلى جميع اليهود مع أن القائل بعضهم، لأن الذين لم يقولوا ذلك لم ينكروا على غيرهم قولهم، فكانوا مشاركين لهم في الإِثم والضلال، وفيما يترتب على ذلك من عقاب).^[14].

القبر والضريحعدل

• في مدينة العيزرية شرق القدس المحتلة هناك قبر يعتقد أنه للعزير عليه السلام، وملاصق له مسجد "العزير" ، وبجانبه أيضاً كنيسة الروم الارثودوكس اليونانية .
• يوجد ضريح النبي عزير في محافظة العمارة جنوبالعراق.

Foolish charges and Hazrat Umar RA

Indeed it is historically proved that Hazrat Fatimah RA died with her natural death, six months later of the Prophet PBUH.

After the Farewell Pilgrimage,حجة الوداع Prophet PBUH summoned Fatimah RA and informed her that he would die soon, and also told her that she would be the next of his household to die.

Anyone who claims that Hazrat Umar had killed her that is a mischief-maker, real enemy of the companions of the Prophet, descendant and follower of Abdullah Bin Saba.

Some virtues of Hazrat Umra ( R) according to the Hadith:

1. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) reports the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, as saying:

اللهم أعز الإسلام بأبى جهل بن هشام أو بعمر. قال فأصبح فغدا عمر على رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- فأسلم

"O Allah, strengthen Islam with Abu Jahl bin Hisham or Umar bin Khattab." In the morning Umar went to the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, and embraced Islam.

[Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3683]

2. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates when Sayyiduna Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu accepted Islam, Jibraeel Alaihis Salam descent and said:

يا محمد لقد استبشر أهل السماء بإسلام عمر

"O Muhammad – may Allah send greetings and salutations on him – indeed, the residents of the heavens are rejoicing in Umar`s embracing Islam."[Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 103]

3. It is related that Sayyiduna 'Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said,

ما زلنا أعزة منذ أسلم عمر

"We have become mighty since 'Umar became Muslim."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3481]

4. Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, said:

لو كان بعدى نبى لكان عمر بن الخطاب

If there were to be a prophet after me, indeed he would be Umar, son of Khattab.

[Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3686]

5. It is related that Sayyiduna Jabir ibn 'Abdullah said that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

رأيتنى دخلت الجنة ، فإذا أنا بالرميصاء امرأة أبى طلحة وسمعت خشفة ، فقلت من هذا فقال هvirtues. ورأيت قصرا بفنائه جارية ، فقلت لمن هذا فقال لعمر. فأردت أن أدخله فأنظر إليه ، فذكرت غيرتك ». فقال عمر بأمى وأبى يا رسول الله أعليك أغار طرفاه

"I dreamt that I entered the Garden and there was ar-Rumaysa', the wife of Abu Talha. I heard a faint sound and said, 'Who is this?' He said, 'This is Bilal.' I saw a palace with a girl in its courtyard and said, 'Who does this belong to?' They said, ''Umar.' I wanted to enter it and look at it but then I remembered your jealousy.' 'Umar said, 'By my mother and father, Messenger of Allah, would I be jealous on account of you?'" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3476]

6. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates that one day the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, went out and entered the mosque with Abu Bakr and Umar, one on his right hand and the other on his left, holding their hands. Then he said:

هكذا نبعث يوم القيامة

"We will be raised thus on the Day of Resurrection."

[Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3669]

7. Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates:

قال عمر لأبى بكر يا خير الناس بعد رسول الله. فقال أبو بكر أما إنك إن قلت ذاك فلقد سمعت رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- يقول ما طلعت الشمس على رجل خير من عمر

Umar said to Abu Bakr, "O best of men after Allah`s Messenger, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him!" Abu Bakr replied, "Seeing that you have that, (I would also tell you that) I heard Allah`s Messenger, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, say, "The sun has not risen on a better man than Umar."

[Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3684]

8. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates that Allah`s Messenger, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, said,

إن الله جعل الحق على لسان عمر وقلبه

"Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar`s tongue and heart." [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2682]

9. It is related from Sayyiduna Abu Hamzah that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

بينا أنا نائم شربت - يعنى اللبن - حتى أنظر إلى الرى يجرى فى ظفرى أو فى أظفارى ، ثم ناولت عمر. فقالوا فما أولته قال العلم

"While I was asleep, I dreamt that I drank (milk) until I could feel moisture coming out of my nails and then I gave it to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab." They asked, "How do you interpret it, Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "It means knowledge."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3478]

10. It is related that Sayyiduna 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar said that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

أريت فى المنام أنى أنزع بدلو بكرة على قليب ، فجاء أبو بكر فنزع ذنوبا أو ذنوبين نزعا ضعيفا ، والله يغفر له ، ثم جاء عمر بن الخطاب فاستحالت غربا ، فلم أر عبقريا يفرى فريه حتى روى الناس وضربوا بعطن

"I dreamt that I was at good drawing water with a young camel's bucket, Abu Bakr came and drew one or two buckets, but there was some weakness in his drawing. May Allah forgive him. Then 'Umar ibn al-Khattab came and it turned into a large bucket in his hand. I have not seen a leader among the people work so well as he did until the people watered their camels."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3479]

11. It is related that Sayyiduna Sa'id ibn Abi Waqqas said,

استأذن عمر بن الخطاب على رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - ، وعنده نسوة من قريش يكلمنه ويستكثرنه ، عالية أصواتهن على صوته فلما استأذن عمر بن الخطاب قمن فبادرن الحجاب فأذن له رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - فدخل عمر ورسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - يضحك ، فقال عمر أضحك الله سنك يا رسول الله . فقال النبى - صلى الله عليه وسلم - « عجبت من هؤلاء اللاتى كن عندى فلما سمعن صوتك ابتدرن الحجاب ». فقال عمر فأنت أحق أن يهبن يا رسول الله. ثم قال عمر يا عدوات أنفسهن ، أتهبننى ولا تهبن رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - فقلن نعم ، أنت أفظ وأغلظ من رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - . فقال رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - إيها يا ابن الخطاب والذى نفسى بيده ما لقيك الشيطان سالكا فجا قط إلا سلك فجا غير فجك

"'Umar asked the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, for permission to enter while there were some women of Quraysh with him who speaking to him and asking him for more, raising their voices above his voice. When 'Umar ibn al-Khattab asked for permission to enter, they rushed to screen themselves. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gave him permission and 'Umar entered while the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was laughing. 'Umar said, 'May Allah make you laugh, Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'I am amazed at those women who were with me. When they heard your voice, they rushed to screen themselves.' 'Umar said, 'But you, Messenger of Allah, are more entitled to be feared.' Then he said, 'O enemies of your selves! Do you fear me and not fear the Messenger of Allah?' They said, 'Yes, you are harsher and more severe than the Messenger of Allah.' The Messenger of Allah said, 'O Ibn al-Khattab! By the One in whose hand my soul is, whenever Shaytan finds you taking a path, he only takes a path other than your path.'"

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3480]

12. It is related that Sayyiduna Ibn 'Abbas said,

وضع عمر على سريره ، فتكنفه الناس يدعون ويصلون قبل أن يرفع ، وأنا فيهم ، فلم يرعنى إلا رجل آخذ منكبى ، فإذا على فترحم على عمر ، وقال ما خلفت أحدا أحب إلى أن ألقى الله بمثل عمله منك ، وايم الله ، إن كنت لأظن أن يجعلك الله مع صاحبيك ، وحسبت أنى كنت كثيرا أسمع النبى - صلى الله عليه وسلم - يقول ذهبت أنا وأبو بكر وعمر ، ودخلت أنا وأبو بكر وعمر ، وخرجت أنا وأبو بكر وعمر

"'Umar ibn al-Khattab who had been placed on his bed, and the people gathered around him to make supplication and pray before he was removed. I was among them. I was startled when a man took hold of my shoulders, and it was 'Ali ibn Abi Talib. He asked for mercy for 'Umar and said, 'You have not left behind anyone I would prefer to encounter with the like of your actions. By Allah, I used to think that Allah would put you with your two companions. I reckoned this as I often heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "I and Abu Bakr and 'Umar went..." and "I and Abu Bakr and 'Umar entered..." and "I and Abu Bakr and 'Umar left."'"

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3482]

13. It is added that Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra said that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

لقد كان فيمن كان قبلكم من بنى إسرائيل رجال يكلمون من غير أن يكونوا أنبياء ، فإن يكن من أمتى منهم أحد فعمر

"Among the tribe of Israel before you were men who were spoken to without being prophets. If there are any of them among my community, then it is 'Umar."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3486]

14. It is related that Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say,

بينا أنا نائم رأيت الناس عرضوا على وعليهم قمص ، فمنها ما يبلغ الثدى ، ومنها ما يبلغ دون ذلك ، وعرض على عمر وعليه قميص اجتر. قالوا فما أولته يا رسول الله قال الدين

'While I was asleep, I dreamed I saw some people who were shown to me and who were wearing shirts some of which reached to their breasts and some of which were shorter than that. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab was shown to be wearing a shirt that was trailing on the ground.' They asked, 'How do you interpret that, Messenger of Allah?' He answered, 'The Religion.'"

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3488]

15. The son of Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Imam Muhammad bin Hanafiyya Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu narrates:

قلت لأبى أى الناس خير بعد رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - قال أبو بكر. قلت ثم من قال ثم عمر

'I asked my father who was the best of people after the Holy Prophet and he answered "Abu Bakr". I asked him who is the best of people after Abu Bakr and he replied, "Umar"'

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3468]

16. Hadrat Abdullah bin Salma Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reports from Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu,

خیر الناس بعد رسول الله صلی الله تعالی علیه وسلم ابوبكر وخیر الناس بعد ابوبكر عمر

'After the Noble Messenger, the best of people is Abu Bakr, then the best of people is Umar' [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 111]

17. Narrated by Sayyiduna Hudhaifa Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, He said: Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said,

اقتدوا باللذين من بعدي أبي بكر و عمر

“Follow after me from my companions Abu-Bakr and 'Umar.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3742]

18. Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said:

لو وضع علم عمر في كفة ميزان و وضع علم الناس في كفة لرجح علم عمر

"If the knowledge of 'Umar was put on one side of a scale, and the knowledge of the people on the other side of the scale, 'Umar's knowledge would weigh more."[Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahîhayn‎, Vol. 3, Page 92, Hadith 4497]

19. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal records a hadith narrated upon the authority of Sayyiduna Qabisah ibn Jaabir who said:

ما رأيت رجلا أعلم بالله ولا أقرأ لكتاب الله ولا أفقه في دين الله من عمر

I haven't seen anyone more knowledgeable about the book of Allah and His religion, nor anyone more upholding of the limits imposed by Allah, nor anyone more feared and respected in the breasts of men than 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab. [Fadail al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, Page 330, Hadith 472]

20. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah ennoble his face) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أبوبكر وعمر سيدا كهول أهل الجنة من الأولين والآخرين، ما خلا النبيين والمرسلين

“Abu Bakr and `Umar are the leaders of the mature inhabitants of Paradise, of the first and the last with the exception of the Prophets and the Messengers.” [Jami' al-Ahadith, Hadith 233]

21. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أبو بكر وعمر من هذا الدين كمنزلة السمع والبصر من الرأس

“Abu Bakr and Umar are to the religion like the station of the hearing and the sight to the head.” [Al-Khattib in Tarikh, Vol. 8, Page 459 from Jabir]

22. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أبو بكر وعمر مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى

“Abu Bakr and Umar are to me in the station of Haroon from Musa.” [Al-Khattib in Tarikh, Vol. 5, Page 194]

23. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

عمر مني وأنا من عمر، والحق بعدي مع عمر حيث كان

“I am from Umar and Umar is from me. The truth, after me, is with Umar wherever he is.” [Al-Tabrani in Awsat, Vol. 3, Page 104, Hadith 2629]

24. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) struck the chest of Umar with his hand when he became Muslim and said,

اللهم أخرج ما في صدر عمر من غل وداء، وأبدله إيمانا - ثلاثا

“O Allah take out from the heart of Umar rancour and disease in exchange for faith.” (Three times)

[Jami' al-Ahadith, Hadith 4812]

25. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أتاني جبريل عليه السلام فقال: أقرىء عمر السلام وقل له: إن رضاه حكم، وإن غضبه عزّ

“Jibril, upon him peace, came to me and said, Convey greeting to Umar and say to him his satisfaction is wisdom and his anger might.” [Al-Tabrani in Kabir, Vol. 10, Page 207, Hadith 12302]

26. A freed bondswoman of Sayyidah Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

إن الشيطان لم يلق عمر منذ أسلم إلا خر لوجهه

“Satan has not to meet Umar since he became Muslim except murmur in his face.” [Al-Tabarani in Al-Kabir, Vol. 18, Page 42, Hadith 20230]

27. Sayyiduna Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) saw Umar and said,

لا تصيبنكم فتنة ما دام هذا فيكم

“You shall not be afflicted with tribulation as long as he is amongst you.”[Al-Tabarani in Awsat, Vol. 4, Page 478, Hadith 2019]

28. Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al-Khudari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

من أبغض عمر فقد أبغضني، ومن أحب عمر فقد أحبني

“Whoever hates Umar hates me. Whoever loves Umar loves me.” [Al-Tabarani in Awsat, Vol. 14, Page 493, Hadith 6915]

29. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said,

إن كان إسلام عمر لفتحاً وهجرته لنصراً، وإمارته رحمة، والله ما استطعنا أن نصلي عند البيت الكعبة ظاهرين

“If the Islam of Umar was an opening his migration was a victory and his leadership mercy. I swear by Allah that we were unable to pray at the Ka’aba publically until Umar became Muslim.”

[Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahîhayn‎, Vol. 3, Page 90 Hadith 4487]

30. Sayyiduna Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

يا عمار أتاني جبريل آنفاً فقلت: يا جبريل حدثني بفضائل عمر بن الخطاب في السماء فقال: يا محمد لو حدثتك بفضائل عمر منذ ما لبث نوح في قومه ألف سنة إلا خمسين عاما ما نفدت فضائل عمر

“O Ammar, Jibril came to me and I asked, “O Jibril narrate to me the virtues of Umar ibn Al-Khattab in the heavens.” He said, “O Muhammad if I was to narrate the virtues of Umar from the time that Nuh remained with his people, nine hundred and fifty years, I would not exhaust the virtues of Umar.” [Abu Y’alla in Musnad, Vol. 4, Page 173, Hadith 1568]

And Allah is the giver of success; Allah is sufficient for us and a blessed protector. All praise belongs to Allah, the first, the last, the internal, the external and may Allah bless his Messenger, his prophet, our master Muhammad, his family, his companions, his group and his party; O Allah please accept. All praise belongs to Allah master of the universe.

Some achievements of Hazrat Umar (R):

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is a pioneering figure in the Islamic world. He was a leader, a statesman, a pious and God-conscious Muslim who showed respect for all individuals including non-Muslims and he ordered the Muslims to treat non-Muslims with respect. He showed us how to apply for the Quranic injunction "there is no compulsion in religion."

Under the leadership of Umar ibn Al-Khattab Islam spread widely not by the sword but by virtue of its beauty, simplicity, transparency, openness and the leadership provided by him. Another reason for the rapid growth of the Muslim community was the conversion of some high-placed religious personalities from among the Jewish and the Christian communities. These religious personalities saw Islam as a continuation and affirmation of the Abrahamic faith. Redken, the Bishop of Damascus, accepted Islam after the Islamic armies entered the city under Khalid bin Walid. The followers of Ardkun became attracted towards the new faith and became Muslim. The chief administrator of the city of Shata in Egypt, famous for its textiles manufacturing, left his town with two thousand men and went to the city of Damietta where the Muslim army was camped and embraced Islam with his followers.

During the time of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the non-Muslims enjoyed the freedom of religion. They were free to perform their religious rites, ring bells to start their religious ceremonies, take out the Cross in procession and hold religious fairs. Even treaties were signed during the time of Umar ibn Al-Khattab with non-Muslims that guaranteed freedom of religion. The writ of Hudhaifa bin al-Yaman to people of the region of Mahdinar says, "They shall not be required to change their religion, nor shall any interference be made in their religious practices."

Umar ibn Al-Khattab followed the principle of equality very strictly and would not tolerate any kind of distinction. Once, Umar ibn Al-Khattab had a difference of opinion with Ubayy bin Ka'b. The matter was referred and brought in the court of Qazi Zaid bin Thabit. When Umar ibn Al-Khattab arrived at the court the Qazi, Zaid bin Thabit, vacated his seat out of respect for the Khalifah. Umar ibn Al-Khattab, after observing the situation, said that this was the first injustice Zaid has done to the suit. Then he sat down next to Ubayy, his opponent.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab always favoured individual freedom and self-respect. By word of mouth and through his writings he made it very clear that every human being was born free and no one should have to abase himself in front of others. Once, the son of Amr bin As abused and beat up a Copt Christian; on hearing this Umar ibn Al-Khattab had a son of Amr punished publicly by the hand of the victim Copt Christian. Then Umar ibn Al-Khattab addressed both father and son and said, "Since when have you turned men into slaves, whereas they are born free of their mothers?"

The people of many cultures who accepted Islam faced new challenges. More complex questions regarding the Islamic way of life cropped up at the same time. Many of the questions could not be answered because clear rulings of the Holy Prophet or the Holy Qur'an were not available. The Qadis and Muftis appointed in towns and cities were Companions of the Prophet, yet they referred complicated questions to the Khalifah. The famous Sahabis who referred the question to Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is Abdullah bin Ma'sud, Ammar bin Yasar, Abu Musa Ash'ari, Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah, Mughira bin Shuba and others. Umar ibn Al-Khattab gave his judgment after discussing these questions in the assembly of the companions. The discussions were conducted with the greatest freedom and acumen. Shah Wali-Ullah writes in Hujjatullah al-Baliga, "It was Umar's practice to consult the companions and hold discussions with them until the veils were lifted and conviction was attained. For this reason, Umar's dicta were accepted throughout the East and the West."

It is said that his writings, his letters and official instructions were as powerful as his speeches. In a letter to Abu Musa Ash'ari, he wrote, "People generally hate their ruler, and I seek the protection of Allah if my people should entertain similar feelings about me. Avoid vain suspicions and keep away from malice, and don does not encourage people of cherish vain hopes, and be careful of Allah's property and guard yourself against evil men. If you find any people who are vindictively inclined towards the Muslim state, it is the devilish inclination and must be put down by the sword, until they bow to Allah's decision and turn to better ways"

In another letter to Abu Musa Ash'ari he said, "The thing that strengthens one in the execution of work and that one should not procrastinate; for if you do so, your affairs will heap up and overwhelm you and you will not then be able to decide what to do and what not to do, and you will fail in your work."

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab appointed Amr bin Al-As as the Governor of Egypt. Amr bin Al-As delayed remitting the revenue to the treasury. Umar ibn Al-Khattab wrote to him and reminded about the delay. Amr bin Al-As procrastinated. Umar ibn Al-Khattab sent him a strong letter, he wrote, "I understand that the thing that has kept you from replying is the fact that your subordinates are not good. They have made you a shield, and it is a disease for which I possess an effective remedy. I am surprised that I have written to you often and at length, but you neglected to send the revenue and have avoided giving straight answers. So Abu, Abdullah, don't worry. Due shall be taken from you and you shall pay them, for as the river yields pearls, so will you have to render the dues."

Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to end his speeches with the following statement: "O God, let me not fall into any error, nor let me be called to account on unawares, nor let me fall into neglect."

Umar ibn Al-Khattab's actions speak louder about his character, his integrity and his love for the people in the Muslim state. He made rounds at night to gauge and evaluate the condition of the people. His achievements are a reflection of his life.