Hazrat Omar, also known as Umar ibn al-Khattab, was the second Caliph of the
Rashidun Caliphate, succeeding Abu Bakr. He is one of the most significant figures
in Islamic history due to his contributions to the expansion and consolidation of
the Islamic state and his implementation of administrative and social reforms.
### Early Life
- **Birth**: Umar was born in Mecca around 584 CE into the Banu Adi clan of the
Quraysh tribe.
- **Conversion to Islam**: Initially a strong opponent of Islam, Umar converted in
616 CE after a profound personal experience, becoming one of Muhammad's closest
companions.
### Caliphate (634-644 CE)
- **Ascension**: Umar became the second Caliph after the death of Abu Bakr in 634
CE.
- **Expansion**: Under Umar's leadership, the Islamic state expanded rapidly. Key
conquests included:
- **Byzantine Empire**: The Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE) led to the Muslim conquest
of the Levant, including Syria and Palestine.
- **Sassanian Empire**: The Battle of al-Qadisiyyah (636 CE) and the Battle of
Nahavand (642 CE) resulted in the conquest of Persia.
- **Egypt**: The Muslim army, led by Amr ibn al-As, conquered Egypt, capturing
Alexandria in 641 CE.
### Administrative and Social Reforms
- **Administrative Structure**: Umar established a centralized administration with
provinces governed by appointed officials. He implemented a system of stipends
(diwan) for soldiers and public servants.
- **Judiciary**: He appointed judges (qadis) to administer justice and introduced a
system of accountability for public officials.
- **Infrastructure**: Umar is credited with building canals, roads, and
establishing new cities such as Basra and Kufa.
- **Social Reforms**: He was known for his emphasis on justice and welfare,
ensuring provisions for the poor, widows, and orphans. He also introduced measures
to protect non-Muslims living under Muslim rule.
### Personal Attributes and Leadership
- **Justice and Piety**: Umar was known for his strict adherence to justice and his
personal piety. He often traveled incognito to understand the conditions of his
subjects.
- **Military Leadership**: His strategic acumen and ability to inspire and organize
his forces were instrumental in the rapid expansion of the Islamic state.
- **Consultative Governance**: Umar valued the counsel of the senior companions of
Muhammad and established the Shura (consultative council) for major decisions.
### Assassination and Legacy
- **Assassination**: Umar was assassinated in 644 CE by a Persian slave named Abu
Lu'lu'a Firuz. On his deathbed, he appointed a committee to choose his successor,
leading to the selection of Uthman ibn Affan as the third Caliph.
- **Legacy**: Umar's reign is often seen as a model of effective governance and
justice in Islamic history. His administrative innovations and emphasis on justice
and welfare have left a lasting impact on Islamic governance.
Umar ibn al-Khattab remains a revered figure in Islam, remembered for his strong
leadership, commitment to justice, and significant contributions to the early
Islamic state.
