In this article, we present a detailed account of the great personality of Islam whose name alone refreshes faith, about whom the Holy Prophet ﷺ made special supplications, whose acceptance of Islam empowered the Muslims, upon whose tongue and heart Allah Almighty established the truth, and who was included among the Ashara Mubashshara (the ten promised Paradise) and given the glad tidings of Paradise. During his caliphate, great empires like Persia and Rome bowed before Islam.
This great personality is Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه — who, after Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه, is the most excellent person of the Ummah. In this article, a comprehensive account of his biography, virtues, merits, achievements, and practical life will be presented.
Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه — Introduction and Early Life
❀ The Virtue of Umar رضي الله عنه — Testimony of the Companions
Hazrat Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrates:
“We used to prefer some people over others during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. We considered Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه the most excellent… then Umar, then Uthman رضي الله عنهم.”
❀ Date of Birth
He was born thirteen years after the Year of the Elephant. Thus, he was thirteen years younger than the Prophet ﷺ. The evidence for this is the hadith in Sahih Muslim which states:
“The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, and Umar رضي الله عنه — all died at the age of 63 years.”
Since Umar رضي الله عنه lived approximately thirteen years after the death of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, his birth is also established to be about thirteen years after the birth of the Prophet ﷺ.
Noble Lineage
His lineage is as follows:
Umar ibn Khattab ibn Nufayl ibn Abdul Uzza ibn Riyah ibn Abdullah ibn Qurt ibn Ruzah ibn Adi ibn Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy
It is on this Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy that his lineage connects with the noble lineage of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
● Mother’s Name
Hantamah bint Hashim bin Mughira bin Abdullah bin Makhzoom
On her father’s side, she belonged to the Banu Adi tribe, which was a prestigious tribe of Quraysh and was responsible for diplomacy.
On her mother’s side, she belonged to Banu Makhzoom, which was counted among the wealthiest trading tribes of Mecca.
Kunya and Title
❀ Kunya: Abu Hafs
This kunya was given by the Prophet ﷺ himself. At the Battle of Badr, the Prophet ﷺ said:
((یَا أَبَا حَفْص! أَیُضْرَبُ وَجْہُ عَمِّ رَسُولِ اللّٰہِ بِالسَّیْفِ؟))
“O Abu Hafs! Will the sword be raised against the uncle of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?”
This was the first day when the Prophet ﷺ called him “Abu Hafs.”
❀ Title: Al-Farooq
Meaning the one who distinguishes between truth and falsehood.
Although there is disagreement about who first gave this title, it is clear that the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, gave this title because with his acceptance of Islam, Islam gained strength and the distinction between disbelief and faith became clear.
Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, says:
“Since Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, became a Muslim, we have become honorable.”
Title of Amir al-Mu’minin
When Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, assumed the caliphate, he was the first in Islamic history to be given the title Amir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful).
This title was first used by Labid ibn Rabi’ah and Uday ibn Hatim, may Allah be pleased with them.
Acceptance of Islam
Initially, Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was a strong opponent of the Muslims and used to harm the weak Muslims. Hazrat Saeed ibn Zaid, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“Before Islam, Umar had tied me and his sister because of Islam.”
And the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to make a special supplication:
((اللّٰهُمَّ أَعِزَّ الْإِسْلَامَ بِأَحَبِّ هَذَیْنِ إِلَیْکَ…))
“O Allah! Strengthen Islam through whichever of these two You love more — Abu Jahl or Umar.”
And Allah accepted the Prophet’s ﷺ prayer. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, embraced faith at the age of 26.
The famous incident (believing after listening to Surah Ta-Ha at his sister’s house) is not proven with a reliable chain of narration.
The most authentic incident is the one mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari, where you observed the screams of the jinn and the truthfulness of prophethood.
The Virtues and Merits of Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه
The Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah agree that after Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه, the most excellent companion is Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه. It is also narrated from Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه that:
“After the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, the best are Abu Bakr and then Umar.”
➊ The Most Beloved Man to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Hazrat Amr ibn Aas رضي الله عنه asked:
“O Messenger of Allah! Who is the most beloved to you among the people?”
You ﷺ said: “Aisha.”
He asked: “Among the men?”
You ﷺ said: “Abu Bakr.”
He asked: “Then who?”
You ﷺ said: “Umar ibn al-Khattab.”
The symbol of this love is the marriage of the Prophet ﷺ to Hafsa رضي الله عنها, the daughter of Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه, whose detailed incident is mentioned in
.
➋ Glad Tidings of Paradise
Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari رضي الله عنه narrates that when a person sought permission, the Prophet ﷺ said:
((اِفْتَحْ لَہُ وَبَشِّرْہُ بِالْجَنَّۃِ))
“Open the door for him and give him the glad tidings of Paradise.”
That was Abu Bakr.
Then for another person, he said the same, who was Umar رضي الله عنه.
Similarly, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
((هَذَانِ سَیِّدَا كُہُولِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّۃ…))
“These two (Abu Bakr and Umar) are the leaders of all the great people of Paradise except the Prophets and Messengers.”
➌ The Palace of Umar رضي الله عنه in Paradise
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I saw Paradise in a dream. There was a woman performing ablution in a palace. I asked: Whose palace is this?
The angels said: This is the palace of Umar ibn al-Khattab…”
Another narration:
“When I entered Paradise, I saw a palace made of gold… I was told it belongs to Umar.”
➍ Even Satan Feared Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
((مَا لَقِیَکَ الشَّیْطَانُ سَالِکًا فَجًّا إِلَّا سَلَکَ فَجًّا غَیْرَ فَجِّکَ))
“O Umar! Whenever Satan sees you on a path, he takes a different path.”
And on another occasion, he said:
((إِنِّیْ لَأَنْظُرُ إِلٰی شَیَاطِیْنِ الْإِنْسِ وَالْجِنِّ قَدْ فَرُّوا مِنْ عُمَرَ))
“I see that the devils of jinn and mankind flee when they see Umar.”
➎ Umar’s Approvals — The Quran Was Revealed in Support of His Opinions
The Prophet ﷺ said:
((إِنَّ اللّٰہَ جَعَلَ الْحَقَّ عَلٰی لِسَانِ عُمَرَ وَقَلْبِہٖ))
“Allah has made the truth flow from Umar’s tongue and heart.”
Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“I agreed with my Lord on three matters…”
① The proposal to make Maqam Ibrahim a place of prayer, upon which the verse was revealed:
﴿وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ اِبْرٰہِیْمَ مُصَلًّی﴾
“And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
② The command for the wives of the Prophet to observe hijab:
﴿فَسْئَلُوْھُنَّ مِنْ وَّرَاءِ حِجَابٍ﴾
“So ask them from behind a curtain.”
③ Regarding the pure wives, it was said that if you ﷺ wish, better wives will be granted.
In the same context, the verse was revealed:
﴿عَسٰی رَبُّہٗٓ…﴾
“Hope that his Lord (will do so / will have mercy on him).”
❀ The prisoners of Badr were also confirmed according to Umar’s opinion
Details are in
that the initial opinion about taking ransom was that of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, but the revelation confirmed Umar’s opinion.
➏ A Strong Door Against Tribulations
Hazrat Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Umar is like a closed door; when it breaks, the onslaught of tribulations will begin.”
And that door broke with the killing of Umar.
➐ The Prophet ﷺ Confirmed Umar’s Faith
In the famous incident of the speaking wolf, the Prophet ﷺ said:
((فَإِنِّیْ أُؤْمِنُ بِہٖ وَأَبُوْ بَکْرٍ وَعُمَرُ))
“I confirm this (news), and Abu Bakr and Umar also confirm it.”
➑ Glad Tidings of Knowledge
The Prophet ﷺ drank milk in a dream and said:
“I gave the remaining milk to Umar.”
The Companions asked: What is its interpretation?
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Knowledge.”
➒ The Prophet ﷺ’s command: “Follow Abu Bakr and Umar after me”
((فَاقْتَدُوْا بِالَّذَیْنِ مِنْ بَعْدِیْ…))
“After me, follow these two (Abu Bakr and Umar).”
➓ If prophethood had continued, Umar would have been a Prophet
((لَوْ کَانَ بَعْدِیْ نَبِیٌّ لَکَانَ عُمَرُ))
“If there were to be a prophet after me, it would have been Umar.”
Bright aspects of the practical life of Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه
Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه was not only a Companion of great rank and virtue but also possessed an exemplary character in practical life. His life is a complete example in every field—practicing religion, obedience to the Messenger ﷺ, jihad, charity, justice, and kindness.
Strength in religion and adherence to the Book of Allah
The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
((أَرْحَمُ أُمَّتِیْ بِأُمَّتِیْ أَبُو بَکْرٍ، وَأَشَدُّہُمْ فِیْ دِیْنِ اللّٰہِ عُمَرُ))
“Among my Ummah, the most merciful to the Ummah is Abu Bakr, and the strongest in the religion of Allah is Umar.”
❀ The shirt in a dream — a symbol of religion
The Prophet ﷺ saw in a dream that people were wearing kurtas of different lengths, while Umar رضي الله عنه‘s kurta was so long that it was dragging on the ground.
He ﷺ said:
“This signifies religion.”
Meaning, in piety, Umar رضي الله عنه was ahead of everyone.
❀ Strict Adherence to the Quran
The statement of Hazrat Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه:
“When a Bedouin spoke harshly, I recited the verse:
﴿خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاہِلِیْنَ﴾
By Allah! Umar immediately stopped. He was firmly established on the Book of Allah.”
Intense Love for the Prophet ﷺ
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said:
“O Messenger of Allah! You are more beloved to me than anything except myself.”
The Prophet ﷺ said:
((لَا… حَتّٰی أَکُوْنَ أَحَبَّ إِلَیْکَ مِنْ نَفْسِکَ))
Finally, Umar رضي الله عنه said: “Now you are more beloved to me than my own self.”
The Prophet ﷺ said:
((الْآنَ یَا عُمَرُ))
“O Umar! Now the matter is complete.”
Complete Obedience to the Messenger ﷺ
❀ The Command Not to Swear Oaths
The Prophet ﷺ said:
((إِنَّ اللّٰہَ یَنْہَاکُمْ أَنْ تَحْلِفُوا بِآبَائِکُمْ))
“Allah has forbidden you from swearing by your fathers.”
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“After that day, I never swore by my father.”
❀ Immediate Action on the Hadith Regarding Plague
When the plague spread in Sham and Hazrat Abdul Rahman bin Awf, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated the hadith:
((إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ بِہٖ… فَلَا تَقْدَمُوا))
“Do not enter a land where there is a plague.”
Umar immediately turned back.
❀ Kissing the Black Stone — Mere Following of the Sunnah
He said:
“If I had not seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ kissing it, I would never have kissed it.”
Spending in the Way of Allah
❀ Striving to Outdo Abu Bakr
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged charity. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, brought half of his wealth.
He was asked: “What did you leave for your family?”
He said: “Just that much.”
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, brought all of his wealth.
He said: “I have left Allah and His Messenger ﷺ for them.”
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“I will never outdo you.”
❀ Land of Khyber — The First Endowment
You received the best land in Khyber. The Prophet ﷺ said:
((إِنْ شِئْتَ حَبَسْتَ أَصْلَہَا وَتَصَدَّقْتَ بِہَا))
“If you wish, stop the principal and give the income as charity.”
You dedicated it as Waqf.
Unparalleled Services in Battles
Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه participated in all major battles:
❀ Badr
❀ Uhud
❀ Khandaq
❀ Hudaybiyyah
❀ Khyber
❀ Conquest of Mecca
❀ Tabuk
etc.
Countless incidents of bravery and steadfastness in every battle are preserved in history.
Asceticism and Contentment
Although the treasures of Caesar and Khosrow were brought to Medina, your life did not change from simplicity.
❀ At the time of death, you said that I have a debt of 86,000 dirhams, which should be paid.
❀ You took from the Bayt al-Mal only as much as a normal Quraysh family needed.
You said:
“My example with Allah’s wealth is like that of a guardian of an orphan; if I am wealthy, I do not take; if I am needy, I take according to what is customary and return when I am able.”
The Caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه — A Great Chapter
The caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه is the golden era of Islamic history. Justice, asceticism, peace, public security, economic prosperity, and unparalleled conquests—your leadership in every field was unique and exemplary. The world still remembers this era as the “Era of Justice of Farooq.”
Appointment of the Caliphate
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه appointed Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه as caliph shortly before his death.
Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates that when Ali and Talha رضي الله عنهما came to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and asked:
“Whom have you appointed as your successor?”
He replied: “Umar.”
They said: “He is harsh-tempered! What will he say to his Lord?”
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said:
“Are you trying to frighten me with Allah? I will say that I have appointed the best person among them as caliph.”
The entire Ummah agreed on your caliphate, and you began to be called “Amir al-Mu’minin.”
Welfare of the Subjects
❀ Care of Widows and Orphans
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said:
((لَئِنْ سَلَّمَنِی اللّٰہُ… لَأَدَعَنَّ أَرَامِلَ الْعِرَاقِ لَا یَحْتَجْنَ إِلٰی رَجُلٍ بَعْدِی))
“If Allah grants me respite, I will leave the widows of Iraq in such a state that after me they will not be dependent on anyone.”
❀ A Poor Woman’s Plea
A woman said: “My children do not even have anything to cook and eat.”
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, immediately went home, packed two sacks full of grain, handed over the supplies and the she-camel to her, and said:
“Take it, and before it finishes, Allah will grant you more.”
❀ Care for Animals
Hazrat Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Umar used to say:
“If even a kid goat dies on the banks of the Euphrates, I fear that Allah may hold Umar accountable for it.”
Soft-hearted and Compassionate Ruler
A man said: “I have never kissed my children.”
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, immediately said:
“Then you will not have mercy on people either; I cannot appoint you to any position.”
Similarly, he used to say in his sermons:
“I do not send my officers to strip your skins or seize your wealth, but to teach you the religion. If anyone commits oppression, inform me immediately.”
Provision of Education and Training
On one occasion, two men were speaking loudly in the Prophet’s Mosque. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, threw a pebble at them to call their attention and asked where they were from.
They said, “From Taif.”
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“If you were from Medina, I would have punished you. This is the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ; do not raise your voices here.”
Great Conquests — The Decline of Rome and Persia
In just nine years of a brief caliphate, you accomplished feats that history remains amazed at to this day.
Conquests of Syria
❀ 13 AH — Battle of Fahl
The Muslims achieved a great victory.
❀ 14 AH — Conquest of Damascus
❀ Conquest of the entire regions of Syria
After the dismissal of Khalid ibn al-Walid, may Allah be pleased with him, Abu Ubaidah, may Allah be pleased with him, was appointed commander.
❀ Northern Syria (Suriya)
❀ Southern Syria (Jordan)
All were incorporated into the Islamic state.
❀ 15 AH — Conquest of Jerusalem
The people of Jerusalem set the condition that “If the Caliph himself comes, then we will hand over the city.”
Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came, made peace, guaranteed the protection of places of worship, and had the “Musalla Umar” built in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
✦ Conquests of Egypt and Libya
Hazrat Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him), with the permission of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
✔ Arish
✔ Ain Shams
✔ Fustat
✔ Sa’id
and then conquered Alexandria.
In 21 AH, the whole of Egypt became part of the Islamic empire.
In 22 AH, Tripoli (Libya) was also conquered.
Conquests of Persia
❀ 13 AH — Battle of Jazira (Initial Trial)
Muslims faced a temporary defeat.
❀ 13 AH — Battle of Buwaib
Muslims achieved a great victory.
❀ 14 AH — Decisive Battle of Qadisiyyah
Under the leadership of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him), the backbone of the Persian empire was broken.
❀ 16 AH — Conquest of Madain
The palaces and treasures of Khosrow came into the hands of the Muslims as foretold by the Prophet ﷺ.
❀ Jalula, Tikrit, Mosul
All these areas came under Muslim control.
❀ 21 AH — Nahavand (The Victory of Victories)
As a result of this great war, the entire Iran came under the dominion of Islam.
Muslims reached Central Asia, Sindh, the Indian Ocean, and Armenia.
Nine Years of Conquests — A Miracle of History
The world is still amazed that in such a short period, the Muslims:
❀ The Roman Empire
❀ The Persian Empire
❀ Egypt and Libya
— defeated all of these and became the strongest power in the world.
All this was the result of the wisdom, justice, administrative capability, and piety of Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.
The Last Days of Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him
Despite bearing the entire burden of the caliphate, Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, always cared for his subjects and feared accountability before Allah. Until the last moments of his life, he kept reviewing every decision he made.
He used to say:
“Alas! If only my mother had not given birth to me, if only I were a forgotten thing!”
These words reflect his intense fear of Allah, humility, and deep sense of responsibility.
➊ Identification of the Killer and Background of the Attack
At the end of 23 AH, a non-Arab slave named Abu Lulu Feroz—who was a mawla of Mughirah bin Shu’bah, may Allah be pleased with him—spoke harshly to Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, over some matter.
Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said to him:
“Your wages are appropriate, and I do not wrong you.”
The slave became upset by this and, influenced by satanic whispers, prepared a double-edged dagger.
➋ The Attack and the Fajr Prayer Incident
According to the narrations in
and
:
One day during the Fajr prayer, Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said ’’استووا‘‘ and straightened the rows. As soon as the prayer began, Abu Lulu stepped forward and struck him six times consecutively.
Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, fell down. In his wounded state, he appointed Hazrat Abdul Rahman bin Awf, may Allah be pleased with him, to lead, and the congregation completed the prayer.
The attacker, while trying to escape, injured other worshippers as well. When he was surrounded, he committed suicide.
➌ Hazrat Umar’s wish: “To be buried beside the Messenger of Allah ﷺ”
Despite being severely wounded, you first worried about prayer. When you regained consciousness, you said:
“Has the prayer been performed?”
It was replied: “Yes.”
He said:
“One who abandons prayer has no share in Islam.”
Then he performed ablution and prayed despite the bleeding.
After that, he expressed his greatest wish:
“Go to my daughter Aisha and ask if I can be buried with my two companions (the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr).”
Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها said:
“I had reserved this place for myself, but today I prefer Umar over myself.”
➍ The Death of Umar رضي الله عنه
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه passed away three days after being wounded—26th Dhu al-Hijjah 23 AH—drinking the cup of martyrdom. At the time of his death, Umar was 63 years old, just as the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه also passed away at the age of 63.
➎ Burial
He was given the ritual bath, shrouded, and the funeral prayer was led by Sayyiduna Suhaib رضي الله عنه.
Then he was buried in the blessed chamber in Madinah Munawwarah, beside the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.
This honor was not granted to anyone else in the entire Ummah.
➏ Statement of Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه about Umar رضي الله عنه
After the death of Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه said:
“O Umar! May Allah have mercy on you. By Allah!
Your name remained connected with the truth,
Your judgment was based on justice,
Your thinking was filled with wisdom,
And you were a strong support for the religion…
By Allah! I think that Allah will keep you with His two companions.”
On one occasion he said:
“Abu Bakr and Umar in this Ummah are like Musa and Harun among Bani Israel.”
➐ The Consensus Acknowledgment of the Ummah on Virtue
The Imams of Islam are unanimous that:
◈ The most excellent after Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him
◈ The most just ruler
◈ The wisest Imam
◈ The most powerful and dignified leader
— Is our master Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him.
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“People have remained in need of Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, in religion.”
➑ Means of Protection from Tribulations
Hazrat Hudhaifa, may Allah be pleased with him, said that as long as Umar was alive, the door of tribulations was closed.
When he was martyred, that door broke open, and the era of tribulations began for the Ummah.
➒ Martyrdom — The Pinnacle of Virtue
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
((مَنْ سَأَلَ اللّٰہَ الشَّہَادَۃَ… بَلَّغَہُ اللّٰہُ مَنَازِلَ الشُّہَدَاءِ))
“Whoever sincerely asks for martyrdom, Allah will raise him to the ranks of the martyrs.”
Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, used to pray for martyrdom:
“O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in Your cause, and in the city of Your Prophet ﷺ.”
Allah Almighty accepted both of these prayers.
➓ Always Alive in the Hearts of the Ummah
The personality of Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, is not limited to just being a Caliph, rather:
✔ Justice
✔ Piety
✔ Wisdom
✔ Bravery
✔ Courage
✔ Politics
✔ Administrative insight
— In every field, his role has become the standard by which all rulers in history are judged.
Conclusion
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه is the exemplary leader whose character guides every Muslim, every preacher, every scholar, and every ruler.
His biography teaches us that:
◈ Fear of Allah is the foundation of governance
◈ A state cannot survive without justice
◈ Strength comes from following the religion
◈ The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is the path to success
May Allah grant us the ability to follow in his footsteps. Ameen.
