Second Caliph of Islam Umar ibn al-Khattab
Hazrat Umar(razi allah tala anha) was born in Makkah. He belonged to the Quraish tribe. Hazrat Umar(razi allah tala anha) was an intelligent and learned person. He belonged to a successful merchant family. Hazrat Umar(razi allah tala anha) was an idol worshipper. When the Holy Prophet(sal,lal,la,lho,alai,he,wasalam) started to preach Islam, he became his bitter enemy. One day, in the sixth year of Prophethood, he left his house with the intention of killing the Holy Prophet(sal,lal,la,lho,alai,he,wasalam)“. On the way, someone told him that his own sister and her husband had became Muslims. Enraged, he went to the house of his sister who, at that time, was reciting the Holy Quran.
He attacked his sister and her husband. Later, on his insistence, she recited some verses from Surah Tauba. The words of the Quran moved him so much that tears began to flow from his eyes. He, at once, went to the Prophet(sal,lal,la,lho,alai,he,wasalam) and accepted Islam. After his conversion, he was given the title of Faruq by the Holy Prophet(sal,lal,la,lho,alai,he,wasalam). His conversion was of great help to the small number of Muslims who became bold enough to pray openly in the Ka’abah. Hazrat Umar(razi allah tala anha) migrated to Madinah and took part in the battles of Badr, Uhad, Khandaq and Hunain.
He participated in the Khyber Expedition and the Conquest of Makkah.
He placed half of his wealth at the disposal of the Holy Prophet(sal,lal,la,lho,alai,he,wasalam)” at the time of Tabuk Expedition. Hazrat Abu Bakr(razi allah tala anha), the first Chalifa had named him his successor, so he became the second Chalifa of Islam. As Chalifa Hazrat Umar(razi allah tala anha) ruled the Muslims for over ten years, during which the Muslims defeated the powerful forces of Persia and Rome.
He was an administrator of extraordinary intelligence and a man of iron will. Hazrat Umar(razi allah tala anha) greatly extended and strengthened the rule of Muslims. He was brave, courageous, honest and lived simply. In 23 A.H. while he was leading the morning prayers, a Persian slave attacked him. The wounds proved fatal. In accordance with his wish, he was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet(sal,lal,la,lho,alai,he,wasalam).
