Q.Write an account of the administration of the caliphate under ‘Umar.
Under the administration of the Caliphate under 'Umar, the political administration was
structured around a decentralized system. Provinces were governed by appointed
officials called governors, who were chosen based on their piety, knowledge, and
administrative abilities rather than hereditary lineage. Criteria for their appointment
included integrity, knowledge of Islamic law, leadership skills, and loyalty to the Caliph.
Governors and officers had specific rights and duties. They were responsible for
ensuring justice, collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and overseeing public
welfare. They were also accountable for the well-being of the people under their
jurisdiction and were required to report regularly to the Caliph. Complaint departments
were established to address grievances from citizens, ensuring accountability and
transparency in governance. Someone asked Umar the criteria for selecting a governor,
he replied “I want a man who, when he is among men, should look like a chief although
he is not a chief; he should look as if he one of them”
Judicial administration was based on Islamic law (Sharia), with judges appointed to
resolve disputes and uphold justice. The police department was responsible for
maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of citizens, and apprehending criminals.
Jails were established to detain lawbreakers, with a focus on rehabilitation and
reintegration into society. Umar took particular pains to provide effective and speedy
justice to the people. He set up an effective system of judicial administration. Qazis
were appointed at all administrative levels for the purpose. Umar was the first ruler in
history to separate the judiciary from the executive. The Qazis were chosen for their
integrity and knowledge of Islamic law. Wealthy men and people of high social status
were appointed as Razis with high salaries so that they might not have the temptation to
take bribes, or be influenced by anyone's social position. The Qazis were not allowed to
engage in trade. Judges were appointed in sufficient numbers.
Education was highly valued, with efforts made to promote literacy and Islamic
knowledge. He also developed the education system very well. He always appointed
those persons as officers who were scholars themselves. Therefore, all the governors
and officers were also responsible to give knowledge of the Qur'an and Sunnah to the
people. He declared the Arabic language and literature as compulsory subjects. He
made arrangements for the education of children and adults in the Masajid. He was the
first person who fixed salaries for the teachers, Qarees, Imams and scholars.
The revenue department was responsible for collecting taxes, including the Zakat
(obligatory charity) and Jizya (poll tax), to fund public services and infrastructure. The
public treasury managed state finances, ensuring funds were allocated efficiently and
transparently. Coins were minted to facilitate trade and commerce, bearing the
inscription of Islamic beliefs and values. Before Umar's caliphate, the conquered areas
were given to the commander as a reward. But Umar declared the conquered areas as
official property. Therefore, for the first time, the area of Iraq was measured and the
rates of taxes and revenues were applied in terms of different productive areas. For the
development of cultivation, he founded a new law that if a person irrigated an infertile
land, that land would be his property. In this way, many barren lands were made
cultivable
The army played a crucial role in protecting the Caliphate and expanding its territory. It
was well-organized and disciplined, with soldiers receiving regular training and support.
Military campaigns were conducted to defend against external threats and spread
Islam, with a focus on justice and mercy towards conquered peoples.
In conclusion, Umar's caliphate represents a significant era in Islamic history
characterized by effective governance, expansion of the Islamic empire, and social
reforms. Umar's leadership was marked by justice, accountability, setting a precedent
for future leaders. Despite challenges, his caliphate laid the foundation for the growth
and stability of the Islamic world, leaving a lasting legacy of administrative excellence
and adherence to Islamic principles.
