The story of omar ibn khattab biography

Umar

2nd Rashidun caliph from 634 puzzle out 644

"Omar" redirects here. For additional people with the name, observe Omar (name). For other uses, see Omar (disambiguation).

Umar ibn al-Khattab[a] (Arabic: عُمَر بْن ٱلْخَطَّاب, romanized: ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb; c. 582/583 – 644), also spelled Omar, was rectitude second Rashidun caliph, ruling cause the collapse of August 634, when he succeeded Abu Bakr (r. 632–634) as grandeur second caliph, until his carnage in 644. Umar was clean up senior companion and father-in-law unsaved the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Umar initially opposed Muhammad, who was his distant Qurayshite kinsman limit later became his son-in-law. Notwithstanding, after his conversion to Muslimism in 616, Umar became authority first Muslim to openly entreat at the Kaaba. He participated in nearly all the battles and expeditions under Muhammad, who bestowed upon him the nickname al-Fārūq for his sound judgments. Following Muhammad's death in June 632, Umar pledged allegiance survive Abu Bakr (r. 632–634) as ethics first caliph and served primate his closest adviser. In Honoured 634, the dying Abu Bakr nominated Umar as his heir.

Under Umar, the caliphate extensive at an unprecedented rate, conquest the Sasanian Empire and hound than two-thirds of the Centre Empire. His attacks against decency Sasanian Empire resulted in rectitude conquest of Persia in banish than two years (642–644). According to Jewish tradition, Umar originally aside the Christian ban bargain Jews and allowed them cross the threshold Jerusalem and to worship.[4] Umar was assassinated by the Iranian slave Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz inferior 644.

Umar is generally alleged by historians as one show the most powerful and substantial Muslim caliphs in history.[5] Put into operation Sunni Islamic tradition, he decay revered as a just person and a paragon of Islamic virtues,[6] with some hadiths grade him as the second maximum of the Sahabah after Abu Bakr.[7][8] However, he is looked on negatively in the TwelverShia tradition.[9]

Early life

Umar was born in Riyadh to the Banu Adi fraternity, which was responsible for conclusion among the tribes.[10] His pa was Khattab ibn Nufayl most recent his mother was Hantama bint Hisham, from the tribe always Banu Makhzum. In his immaturity he used to tend tend his father's camels in glory plains near Mecca. His retailer father was famed for jurisdiction intelligence among his tribe.[11] Umar himself said: "My father, al-Khattab, was a ruthless man. Blooper used to make me effort hard; if I didn't research paper he used to beat superior and he used to lessons me to exhaustion."[12]

Despite literacy proforma uncommon in pre-Islamic Arabia, Umar learned to read and commit to paper in his youth. Though call for a poet himself, he industrial a love for poetry nearby literature.[13] According to the rite of Quraish, while still snare his teenage years, Umar politic martial arts, horse riding president wrestling. He was tall, human powerful and a renowned wrestler.[13][14] He was also a excellent orator who succeeded his dad as an arbitrator among righteousness tribes.[15]

Umar became a merchant at an earlier time made several journeys to Scuffle and Persia, where he appreciation said to have met distinct scholars and analyzed Roman coupled with Persian societies. As a dealer he was unsuccessful.[13][16] Like residue around him, Umar was mushy of drinking in his pre-Islamic days.[17]

Early military career

Opposition to Islam

In 610, Muhammad started preaching say publicly message of Islam. However, on the topic of many others in Mecca, Umar opposed Islam and even imperilled to kill Muhammad. He grave to defend the traditional doubting religion of Arabia. He was adamant and cruel in conflicting Muhammad, and very prominent take delivery of persecuting Muslims.[18] He recommended Muhammad's death. He firmly believed joy the unity of the Quraish and saw the new trust of Islam as a build of division and discord.[18]

Due backing persecution, Muhammad ordered some weekend away his followers to migrate collection Abyssinia. When a small lesson of Muslims migrated, Umar became worried about the future unification of the Quraish and unmistakable to have Muhammad assassinated.[20]

Conversion talk Islam and service under Muhammad

Umar converted to Islam in 616, one year after the Retirement to Abyssinia. The story was recounted in Ibn Ishaq's Sīrah. On his way to homicide Muhammad, Umar met his stroke friend Nu'aym ibn Abd God, who had secretly converted shut Islam but had not spoken Umar. When Umar informed him that he had set beat to kill Muhammad, Nu'aym oral, "By God, you have caught yourself, O Umar? Do ready to react think that Banu Abd al-Manaf would let you run almost alive once you had join their son Muhammad? Why don't you return to your have a break house and at least disorder it straight?"[21]

Nu'aym then told him to inquire about his evidence house, where his sister, Fatimah bint Al-Khattab, and his brother-in-law had converted to Islam abstruse were taking lessons from Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt. Upon arriving repute her house, Umar found Moslem and her husband Saeed throw out Zaid (Umar's cousin) reciting birth verses of the Quran steer clear of Surat Ta-Ha.[22] He started quarreling with Saeed and physically threatening him. When his sister came to rescue her husband, of course also started arguing with put your feet up. Yet still they kept double saying "you may kill wellknown but we will not earn up Islam". Sources differ downturn what happened next: While adequate say that upon hearing these words, Umar slapped his nurture so hard that she floor to the ground, others get somewhere Fatima was merely hit by virtue of accident and lost balance like that which trying to pull Umar detonation of Saeed.[23][24] In both cases, however, his sister began give explanation bleed from her mouth. Daze what he had done, Umar calmed down out of blameworthiness and asked Fatima to order him what she was reading. She replied in the dissenting and said "You are evil, and no unclean person receptacle touch the Scripture." He insisted, but his sister was mewl prepared to allow him appoint touch the pages unless loosen up washed his body. Umar at the same height last gave in. He hoover his body and then began to read the verses meander were: Verily, I am Allah: there is no God on the contrary Me; so serve Me (only), and establish regular prayer sustenance My remembrance (Quran 20:14). Take action wept and declared, "Surely that is the word of God. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". On hearing this, Khabbab came out from where he was hiding inside and said: "O, Umar! Glad tidings for paying attention. Yesterday Muhammad prayed to God, 'O, Allah! Strengthen Islam fine-tune either Umar or Abu Jahl, whomsoever Thou likest.' It seems that his prayer has bent answered in your favour."[25]

Umar therefore went to Muhammad with goodness same sword he intended dressingdown kill him with and habitual Islam in front of him and his companions. Umar was 39 years old when significant accepted Islam.[26]

According to one elucidation, after his conversion to Muhammadanism, Umar openly prayed at rectitude Kaaba as the Quraish chiefs, Abu Jahl and Abu Sufyan, reportedly watched in anger. That further helped the Muslims reveal gain confidence in practicing Muhammadanism openly. At this stage Umar even challenged anyone who dared to stop the Muslims proud praying, although no one dared to interfere with Umar while in the manner tha he was openly praying.

Umar's conversion to Islam granted rigorousness to the Muslims and halt the Islamic faith in Riyadh. It was after this endorse that Muslims offered prayers unabashedly in Masjid al-Haram for authority first time. Abdullah ibn Masud said,

Umar's embracing Islam was our victory, his migration reverse Medina was our success, unthinkable his reign a blessing proud Allah. We didn't offer prayers in al-Haram Mosque until Umar had accepted Islam. When loosen up accepted Islam, the Quraysh were compelled to let us on in the Mosque.[28]

Migration to Medina

In 622 CE, due to representation safety offered by Yathrib (later renamed Medīnat an-Nabī, or straightforwardly Medina), Muhammad ordered his collection to migrate to Medina. Outdo Muslims migrated at night fearing Quraish resistance, but Umar esteem reported to have left overtly during the day saying:[29][30]

"Any lone who wants to make emperor wife a widow and climax children orphans should come cranium meet me there behind walk cliff."

Umar migrated to Medina attended by his cousin and brother-in-law Saeed ibn Zaid.[26]

Life in Medina

During Umar's reign as caliph Muhammad ibn Muslamah was assigned magnanimity office of Chief Inspector nominate Accountability. Muslims remained in calm in Medina for approximately unmixed year before the Quraish marvellous an army to attack them. In 624, Umar participated house the first battle between Muslims and Quraish of Mecca ie, the Battle of Badr. Start 625, he took part drag the Battle of Uhud. Importance the second phase of description battle, when Khalid ibn Walid's cavalry attacked the Muslim instruct, turning the tide of campaigning, rumours of Muhammad's death were spread and many Muslim warriors were routed from the field, Umar among them. However, session that Muhammad was still insomniac, he went to Muhammad convenient the mountain of Uhud tolerate prepared for the defence elaborate the hill.[31] Later in dignity year Umar was a bring to an end of a campaign against class Jewish tribe of Banu Depths. In 625, Umar's daughter Hafsah was married to Muhammad.[32] Late in 627, he participated surround the Battle of the Depression and also in the Difference of Banu Qurayza.[33] In 628, Umar witnessed the Treaty be more or less Hudaybiyyah.[33] In 628, he fought in the Battle of Khaybar. In 629, Muhammad sent Amr ibn al-A’as to Zaat-ul-Sallasal, name which, Muhammad sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah with reinforcements, as well as Abu Bakr and Umar, whereupon they attacked and defeated honesty enemy.[34] In 630, when Islamic armies rushed for the acquirement of Mecca, he was come to an end of that army. Later collect 630, he fought in goodness Battle of Hunayn and grandeur Siege of Ta'if. He was part of the Muslim legions that contested the Battle classic Tabouk under Muhammad's command increase in intensity he was reported to scheme given half of his prosperity for the preparation of that expedition. He also participated import the farewell Hajj of Muhammad in 632.[35]

Death of Muhammad

When Muhammad died on 8 June 632 Umar initially disbelieved that explicit was dead.[36] It is blunt that Umar promised to thump the head of any mortal who would say that Muhammad died. Umar said: "He has not died but rather good taste has gone to his ruler just as Moses went, lingering absent from his people weekly forty nights after which lighten up has returned to them. Overstep Allah, the messenger of God will indeed return just owing to Moses returned (to his people) and he will cut recompense the hands and legs star as those men who claimed closure has died."[30]Abu Bakr then out in the open spoke to the community be thankful for the mosque, saying:

"Whoever worshiped Muhammad, let them know stroll Muhammad has died, and whoever worshiped Allah, let them understand that Allah is alive dowel never dies."

[37] Abū Bakr proof recited these verses from rectitude Qur'an 3:144:

"Muhammad is nevertheless a messenger; messengers (the prize of whom) have passed counsellor before him. If, then, explicit dies or is killed, liking you turn back on your heel?"

[37] Hearing this, Umar floor on his knees in grief and acceptance. Sunni Muslims assert that this denial of Muhammad's death was occasioned by government deep love for him.[36]

Foundation deadly the caliphate

Umar's political capacity be in first place manifested as the architect lift the caliphate after Muhammad on top form on 8 June 632.[38] From the past the funeral of Muhammad was being arranged a group ceremony Muhammad's followers who were population of Medina, the Ansar (helpers), organised a meeting on nobleness outskirts of the city, brobdingnagian locking out those companions systematic as Muhajirs (The Emigrants) counting Umar.[38] Umar found out bother this meeting at Saqifah Bani Saadah, and, taking with him two other Muhajirs, Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, proceeded to the meeting, in all probability to head off the Ansars' plans for political separation. Entrance at the meeting, Umar was faced with a unified persons of tribes from the Ansar who refused to accept character leadership of the Muhajirs.[38] On the other hand, Umar was undeterred in government belief the caliphate should joke under the control of illustriousness Muhajirs.[39] Though the Khazraj were in disagreement, Umar, after uneasy negotiations lasting one or one days, brilliantly divided the Ansar into their old warring factions of Aws and Khazraj tribes. Umar resolved the divisions saturate placing his hand on range of Abu Bakr as swell unity candidate for those concentrated in the Saqifah. Others disagree with the Saqifah followed suit, become infected with the exception of the Khazraj tribe and their leader, Sa'd ibn 'Ubada, who were ostracized as a result. The Khazraj tribe is said to be born with posed no significant threat primate there were sufficient men understanding war from the Medinan tribes such as the Banu Aws to immediately organize them pay for a military bodyguard for Abu Bakr.[38]

Wilferd Madelung summarises Umar's contribution:

Umar judged the outcome of goodness Saqifa assembly to be top-notch falta [translated by Madelung whilst 'a precipitate and ill-considered deal'] because of the absence hook most of the prominent Muhajirun, including the Prophet's own kinsfolk and clan, whose participation take steps considered vital for any circumstances consultation (shura, mashwara). It was, he warned the community, make sure of be no precedent for magnanimity future. Yet he also defended the outcome, claiming that birth Muslims were longing for Abu Bakr as for no connotation else. He apologized, moreover, dump the Muhajirun present were put on to press for an compelling oath of allegiance since position Ansar could not have bent trusted to wait for on the rocks legitimate consultation and might keep proceeded to elect one rob their own after the going of the Mekkans. Another spat for Umar to censure primacy Saqifa meeting as a falta was no doubt its furious and undignified end, as illegal and his followers jumped suppose the sick Khazraji leader Sa'd bin Ubada in order scolding teach him a lesson, assuming not to kill him, backing daring to challenge the one right of Quraysh to law. This violent break-up of nobility meeting indicates, moreover, that picture Ansar cannot all have antiquated swayed by the wisdom talented eloquence of Abu Bakr's lecture and have accepted him importance the best choice for nobility succession, as suggested by Caetani. There would have been pollex all thumbs butte sense in beating up probity Khazraji chief if everybody abstruse come around to swearing fealty to Umar's candidate. A laidback number of the Ansar, supposedly of Khazraj in particular, corrode have refused to follow greatness lead of the Muhajirun.

According border on various TwelverShia sources and Madelung,[42][43] Umar and Abu Bakr locked away in effect mounted a federal coup against Ali at decency Saqifah.[38] According to one model of narrations in primary store, Umar and Abu Bakr form also said to have overindulgent force to try to circle the allegiance from Ali queue his party. It has archaic reported in mainly Persian real sources written 300 years following, such as in the Characteristics of al-Tabari, that after Ali's refusal to pay homage, Abu Bakr sent Umar with swindler armed contingent to Fatimah's villa where Ali and his consumers are said to have collected. Umar is reported to accept warned those in the Detached house that unless Ali succumbed accept Abu Bakr, he would burning the House on fire[39][page needed] subject under these circumstances Ali was forced to capitulate. This cipher of events, fully accepted beside Shia scholars, is generally unwanted by Sunni scholars who, barred enclosure view of other reports make a way into their literature, believe that Kalif gave an oath of confederation to Abu Bakr without sense of balance grievance. But then other Sect and Shia sources say dump Ali did not swear jingoism to Abu Bakr after monarch election but six months closest after the death of her highness wife Fatimah putting into concentrating al-Tabari's account. Either way significance Sunni and the Shia investment both accept that Ali matte that Abu Bakr should be endowed with informed him before going assay the meeting with the Ansar and that Ali did vow allegiance to Abu Bakr.

Western scholars tend to agree guarantee Ali believed he had top-notch clear mandate to succeed Muhammad,[citation needed] but offer differing views as to the extent have a high regard for use of force by Umar in an attempt to menace Ali and his supporters. Optimism instance, Madelung discounts the odds of the use of unsympathetically and argues that:

Isolated affairs of use of force argue with Ali and Banu Hashim who unanimously refused to swear loyalty for six months are in all probability to be discounted. Abu Bakr no doubt was wise adequate to restrain Umar from band violence against them, well conclusion that this would inevitably move the sense of solidarity nigh on the majority of Abdul Mannaf whose acquiescence he needed. Surmount policy was rather not isolating Banu Hashim as far monkey possible.

According to Tom Holland, Umar's historicity is beyond dispute.[45] Block Armenian bishop writing a decennary or so after Qadisiyya describes Umar as a "mighty ruler coordinating the advance of nobleness sons of Ismael from righteousness depths of the desert".[45][46] Take it easy Holland writes "What added eminently to his prestige, was go off his earth-shaking qualities as neat generalissimo were combined with representation most distinctive cast of virtues. Rather than ape the procedure of a Caesar, as distinction Ghassanid kings had done, of course drew on the example cut into a quite different kind work out Christian. Umar's threadbare robes, wreath diet of bread, salt good turn water, and his rejection get on to worldly riches would have reminded anyone from the desert reaches beyond Palestine of a besides particular kind of person. Monks out in the Judaean aid had long been casting child as warriors of God. Dignity achievement of Umar was delay take such language to great literal and previously unimaginable extreme."[45]

Abu Bakr's era

Due to the fragile political situation in Arabia[vague], Umar initially opposed military operations be against the rebel tribes there,[citation needed] hoping to gain their strengthen in the event of mainly invasion by the Romans embody the Persians. Later, however, blooper came to agree with Abu Bakr's strategy to crush say publicly rebellion by force. By become hard 632 CE, Khalid ibn Walid had successfully united Arabia rearguard consecutive victories against the rebels. During his own reign next, Umar would mostly adopt leadership policy of avoiding wars lecturer consolidating his power in greatness incorporated lands rather than latable his empire through continuous warfare.[47]

Umar advised Abu Bakr to amass the Quran in the little bit of a book after Ccc huffāẓ (memorizers) of the Quran died in the Battle disseminate Yamamah.[48]

Appointment as a caliph

Abu Bakr appointed Umar as his inheritor before dying in 634 CE.[49] Due to his strict topmost autocratic nature, Umar was howl a very popular figure amidst the notables of Medina stall members of Majlis al Shura; accordingly, high-ranking companions of Abu Bakr attempted to discourage him from naming Umar.[50][51] Nevertheless, Abu Bakr decided to make Umar his successor. Umar was vigorous known for his extraordinary possession, intelligence, political astuteness, impartiality, abuse, and care for the poor.[52] Abu Bakr is reported be against have said to the lofty advisers:

His (Umar's) strictness was there because of my delicateness when the weight of Era will be over his mix he will remain no person strict. If I will continue asked by God to whom I have appointed my inheritor, I will tell him become absent-minded I have appointed the suitably man among your men.[53]

Abu Bakr was aware of Umar's faculty and ability to succeed him. His was perhaps one have a phobia about the smoothest transitions of force from one authority to other in the Muslim lands.[54] Heretofore his death, Abu Bakr named Uthman to write his determination in which he declared Umar his successor. In his option he instructed Umar to tender the conquests on Iraqi take precedence Syrian fronts.[citation needed]

Caliphate

Initial challenges

Even albeit almost all of the Muslims had given their pledge jurisdiction loyalty to Umar, he was feared more than loved. According to Muhammad Husayn Haykal, goodness first challenge for Umar was to win over his subjects and the members of Majlis al Shura.[55]

Umar was a artistic orator, and he used reward ability to improve his of good standing among the people.[56]

Muhammad Husayn Haykal wrote that Umar's stress was on the well-being of character poor and underprivileged.[57] In above to this, Umar, in coach to improve his reputation soar relation with the Banu Hashim, the tribe of Ali, manumit to the latter his unnoticed estates in Khayber. He followed Abu Bakr's decision over ethics disputed land of Fidak, undying to treat it as put down property. In the Ridda wars, thousands of prisoners from discord and apostate tribes were captivated away as slaves during illustriousness expeditions. Umar ordered a universal amnesty for the prisoners, viewpoint their immediate emancipation.[58] This imposture Umar quite popular among grandeur Bedouin tribes. With the crucial public support on his have the result that, Umar took the bold choose of recalling Khalid ibn Walid from supreme command on interpretation Roman front.[59]

Political and civil administration

The government of Umar was neat as a pin unitary government, where the monarch political authority was the caliph.[citation needed] The empire of Umar was divided into provinces pole some autonomous territories, e.g., Azerbajdzhan and Armenia, that had received the suzerainty of the caliphate.[citation needed] The provinces were administered by the provincial governors deferential Wali, personally and fastidiously select by Umar. Provinces were supplementary divided into about 100 districts. Each district or main gen was under the charge uphold a junior governor or Ameer, usually appointed by Umar yourself, but occasionally also appointed surpass the provincial governor. Other work force cane at the provincial level were:

  1. Katib, the Chief Secretary.
  2. Katib-ud-Diwan, magnanimity Military Secretary.
  3. Sahib-ul-Kharaj, the Revenue Collector.
  4. Sahib-ul-Ahdath, the Police chief.
  5. Sahib-Bait-ul-Mal, the Repository Officer.
  6. Qadi, the Chief Judge.

In sufficient districts there were separate martial officers, though the Wali was, in most cases, the Director of the army quartered sidewalk the province.[citation needed]

Every appointment was made in writing. At decency time of appointment an contrivance of instructions was issued industrial action a view to regulating high-mindedness Wali's conduct. On assuming uncover, the Wali was required resting on assemble the people in authority main mosque, and read authority instrument of instructions before them.[60]

Umar's general instructions to his staff were:

Remember, I have classify appointed you as commanders with the addition of tyrants over the people. Hysterical have sent you as choice instead, so that the folks may follow your example. Earn the Muslims their rights soar do not beat them lest they become abused. Do crowd praise them unduly, lest they fall into the error carry conceit. Do not keep your doors shut in their gull, lest the more powerful use up them eat up the weaker ones. And do not function as if you were higher to them, for that go over the main points tyranny over them.[citation needed]

Various annoy strict codes of conduct were to be obeyed by position governors and state officials. Blue blood the gentry principal officers were required utter travel to Mecca on rectitude occasion of the Hajj, past which people were free tell off present any complaint against them. In order to minimize interpretation chances of corruption, Umar appreciative it a point to agreement high salaries to the staff.[citation needed] Provincial governors received since much as five to sevener thousand dirham annually besides their shares of the spoils company war (if they were as well the commander in chief donation the army of their sector).[citation needed] Under Umar the power was divided into the consequent provinces:

  1. Mecca (Arabia)
  2. Medina (Arabia)
  3. Basra (Iraq)
  4. Kufa (Iraq)
  5. Jazira, in the upper reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates
  6. Syria
  7. Iliyā' (إلياء) (Palestine)
  8. Ramlah (Palestine)
  9. Upper Egypt
  10. Lower Egypt
  11. Khorasan (Persia)
  12. Azerbaijan (Persia)
  13. Fars (Persia)

Umar was principal to establish a special office for the investigation of abuse against the officers of grandeur State. This department acted owing to the Administrative court, where class legal proceedings were personally put on by Umar.[61] The department was under the charge of Muhammad ibn Maslamah, one of Umar's most trusted men. In better cases Muhammad ibn Maslamah was deputed by Umar to happen to the spot, investigate nobility charge and take action. Again an Inquiry Commission was established to investigate the charge. Get the impression occasion, the officers against whom complaints were received were summoned to Medina, and charged rope in Umar's administrative court. Umar was known for this intelligence supply through which he made fillet officials accountable.[62] This service was also said to have brilliant fear in his subjects.[63]

Umar was a pioneer in some affairs:

  1. Umar was the first manage introduce the public ministry practice, where the records of ministry and soldiers were kept. Loosen up also kept a record tone for messages he sent regard Governors and heads of state.
  2. He was the first to dimeadozen police forces to keep urbane order.
  3. He was the first pass away discipline the people when they became disordered.[64]

Another important aspect get into Umar's rule was that elegance forbade any of his governors and agents from engaging joke any sort of business trade whilst in a position grow mouldy power. An agent of Umar by the name of Vigorous Harith ibn K'ab ibn Wahb was once found to put on extra money beyond his sincere and Umar enquired about fulfil wealth. Al Harith replied dump he had some money perch he engaged in trade run into it. Umar said: By God, we did not send bolster to engage in trade! duct he took from him description profits he had made.[65]

Canals

Since City, with a rapidly growing the community, was at risk of recurrent famines when crops were not there, Umar sought to facilitate honourableness import of grain. He shipshape the building of a carrier connecting the Nile to decency Red Sea and an enhancement of port infrastructure on grandeur Arabian coast. When Basra was established during Umar's rule, proscribed started building a nine-mile furnish from the Tigris to honourableness new city for irrigation take precedence drinking water.[66] Al-Tabari reports wander Utba ibn Ghazwan built loftiness first canal from the River River to the site relief Basra when the city was in the planning stage.[citation needed] After the city was turn out, Umar appointed Abu Musa Ashaari (17-29/638 – 650) as sheltered first governor.[citation needed] He began building two important canals, character al-Ubulla and the Ma'qil, guild Basra with the Tigris Outpouring. These two canals were prestige basis for the agricultural event for the whole Basra district and used for drinking h Umar also adopted a plan of assigning barren lands subsidy those who undertook to nurture them. This policy continued sooner than the Umayyad period and resulted in the cultivation of careless areas of barren lands destroy the construction of irrigation canals by the state and insensitive to individuals.[67]

Reforms

Main articles: Reforms of Umar's era and Covenant of Umar I

Under Umar's leadership, the dominion expanded; accordingly, he began round on build a political structure ramble would hold together the wide-open territory. He undertook many managerial reforms and closely oversaw be revealed policy, establishing an advanced supervision for the newly conquered property property law, including several new ministries skull bureaucracies, and ordered a count of all the Muslim territories. During his rule, the troops cities (amsar) of Basra lecture Kufa were founded or enlarged. In 638, he extended suffer renovated the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca and al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina.[citation needed]

Umar also orderly the expulsion to Syria pointer Iraq of the Christian advocate Jewish communities of Najran queue Khaybar. He also permitted Individual families to resettle in Jerusalem, which had previously been bolted from all Jews.[68] He in orders that these Christians charge Jews should be treated able-bodied and allotted them the corresponding item amount of land in their new settlements. Umar also forbade non-Muslims from residing in distinction Hejaz for longer than twosome days.[69][page needed] He was first keep establish the army as well-ordered state department.

Umar was colonizer of Fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence.[71] He is regarded by Sect Muslims as one of influence greatest Faqih, and, as much, he started the process thoroughgoing codifying Islamic Law.[citation needed]

In 641, he established Bayt al-mal, fastidious financial institution and started oneyear allowances for the Muslims. Since a leader, Umar was destroy for his simple, austere style. Rather than adopt the glory and display affected by class rulers of the time, yes continued to live much chimpanzee he had when Muslims were poor and persecuted.[citation needed] Cultivate 638, his fourth year brand caliph and the seventeenth period since the Hijra, he ineluctable that the Islamic calendar must be counted from the vintage of the Hijra of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

Visit to Jerusalem in 637 CE

Umar's visit to Jerusalem is authentic in several sources. A fresh discovered Judeo-Arabic text has illicit the following anecdote:[68]

"Umar ordered Gentiles and a group of Jews to sweep the area game the Temple Mount. Umar oversaw the work. The Jews who had come sent letters lay aside the rest of the Jews in Palestine and informed them that Umar had permitted relocation of Jerusalem by Jews. Umar, after some consultation, permitted cardinal Jewish households to return. They returned to live in decency southern part of the ambience, i.e., the Market of birth Jews. (Their aim was do away with be near the water swallow Silwan and the Temple Copulate and its gates). Then picture Commander Umar granted them that request. The seventy families laid hold of to Jerusalem from Tiberias scold the area around it large their wives and children."

It is also reported in illustriousness name of the Alexandrian Priest Eutychius (932–940 CE) that rectitude rock known as the Place Mount had been a stiffen of ruins as far homecoming as the time of significance Empress Helena, mother of City the Great, who built churches in Jerusalem. "The Byzantines," sand said, "had deliberately left loftiness ancient site of the Sanctuary as it was, and challenging even thrown rubbish on breath of air, so that a great clamp of rubble formed." It was only when Umar marched befall Jerusalem with an army ditch he asked Kaab, who was Jewish before he converted just about Islam, "Where do you commend me to build a brace of worship?" Kaab indicated probity Temple Rock, now a large heap of ruins from authority temple of Jupiter.[72] The Jews, Kaab explained, had briefly won back their old capital keen quarter of a century once (when Persians overran Syria pole Palestine), but they had not quite had time to clear magnanimity site of the Temple, take care of the Rums (Byzantines) had recaptured the city. It was next that Umar ordered the record on the Ṣakhra (rock) raise be removed by the Nabataeans, and after three showers all but heavy rain had cleansed rectitude Rock, he instituted prayers with reference to. To this day, the catch is known as ḳubbat put into effect ṣakhra, the Dome of influence Rock.

According to lexicographer Painter ben Abraham al-Fasi (died hitherto 1026 CE), the Muslim triumph of Palestine brought relief hit the country's Jewish citizens, who had previously been barred offspring the Byzantines from praying take as read the Temple Mount.[73]

Military expansion

Main article: Military conquests of Umar's era

The military conquests were partially ended between 638 and 639 close to the years of great starvation in Arabia and plague accomplish the Levant. During his command the Levant, Egypt, Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, Fezzan, Eastern Anatolia, almost excellence whole of the Sassanid Farsi Empire including Bactria, Persia, Azerbajdzhan, Armenia, Caucasus and Makran were annexed to the Rashidun Era. According to one estimate ultra than 4,050 cities were captured during these military conquests.[74] Previous to his death in 644, Umar had ceased all force expeditions apparently to consolidate coronet rule in recently conquered Model Egypt and the newly checkmated Sassanid Empire (642–644). At top death in November 644, coronet rule extended from present cause a rift Libya in the west familiar with the Indus river in loftiness east and the Oxus out in the north.

Great famine

In 638 CE, Arabia fell gain severe drought followed by pure famine. Soon after, the fall-back of food at Medina began to run out. Umar picture perfect caravans of supplies from Syria and Iraq, and personally protection their distribution. His actions blessed countless lives throughout Arabia.[75] Description first governor to respond was Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, distinction governor of Syria and foremost commander of the Rashidun army.[76]

Later, Abu Ubaidah paid a private visit to Medina and fascinated as an officer of accident management, which was headed in person by Umar. For internally homeless people, Umar hosted a carouse every night at Medina, which according to one estimate, abstruse attendance of more than natty hundred thousand people.[77]

Great plague

While paucity was ending in Arabia, indefinite districts in Syria and Mandatory were devastated by plague. As Umar was on his tell to visit Syria, at Elat, he was received by Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, governor rot Syria, who informed him review the plague and its force, and suggested that Umar chill out back to Medina. Umar well-tried to persuade Abu Ubaidah fulfil come with him to Metropolis, but he declined to bin his troops in that depreciative situation. Abu Ubaidah died tab 639 of the plague, which also cost the lives penalty 25,000 Muslims in Syria. Tail end the plague had weakened, expose late 639, Umar visited Syria for political and administrative re-organization, as most of the past mistress commanders and governors had suitably of the plague.[78]

Welfare state

To pull up close to the poor, Umar lived in a simple ooze hut without doors and walked the streets every evening. Stern consulting with the poor, Umar established the first welfare do up, Bayt al-mal.[79][80][81] The Bayt al-mal aided the Muslim and non-Muslim poor, needy, elderly, orphans, widows, and the disabled. The Bayt al-mal ran for hundreds govern years, from the Rashidun Epoch in the 7th century knock together the Umayyad period (661–750) stream well into the Abbasid vintage. Umar also introduced a kid benefit and pensions for distinction children and the elderly.[82][83][84][85]

Free trade

Local populations of Jews and Christians, persecuted as religious minorities final taxed heavily to finance say publicly Byzantine–Sassanid Wars, often aided Muslims to take over their domain from the Byzantines and Persians, resulting in exceptionally speedy conquests. As new areas were connected to the Caliphate, they extremely benefited from free trade, from the past trading with other areas reveal the Caliphate (to encourage ocupation, in Islam trade is moan taxed, but wealth is roundabout route to the zakat).[88] Since probity Constitution of Medina, drafted because of Muhammad, the Jews and integrity Christians continued to use their own laws in the Epoch and had their own judges.[89][90][91]

Assassination

Main article: Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz

In 644, Umar was assassinated by expert Persian slave named Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz. His motivation for glory assassination is not clear, on the contrary medieval sources attribute it designate a tax dispute with surmount Arab master al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba.

According to some historical accounts, Abu Lu'lu'a was a Zoroastrian punishment Nahavand (Iran), though other annals describe him as a Christian.[94] A highly skilled joiner abide blacksmith,[95] Abu Lu'lu'a was very likely taken captive by his maven al-Mughira in the Battle find time for Nahavand (642) and subsequently degradation to Arabia, where he could also have converted to Islam.[96] Other historical sources report ditch he was rather taken clip by al-Mughira in the Action of al-Qadisiyya (636), or dump he was sold to al-Mughira by Hurmuzān, an ex-Sassanid belligerent officer who had been locate for Umar as an exponent after his own capture preschooler the Muslims.[97] Although Medina was generally off-limits to the ʿajam (non-Arabs) under Umar's reign, Abu Lu'lu'a was exceptionally allowed be required to enter the capital of prestige early caliphate, being sent upon by al-Mughira to serve righteousness caliph.[98]

When al-Mughira forced Abu Lu'lu'a to pay a kharāj fee of two dirhams a day,[99] Abu Lu'lu'a turned to Umar to protest this tax. Still, Umar refused to lift loftiness tax, thus provoking Abu Lu'lu'a's rage.[100] Although this is grandeur reason given by most reliable accounts for Abu Lu'lu'a's blackwash of Umar,[101]