A Portrait of the Man

It is helpful for readers to form in their minds a mental image or portrait of The Companions so that it can help us to understand the impact of their presence.

In light of this, the following is a physical description as narrated by Imam Anwar Al Awlaki from his excellent series of talks on the life of Umar Ibn Al Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him):

“He was a towering figure. Whenever he would be among any group he would be the tallest among them. When you would see him from a distance, you would think that he is riding his mount (on a camel), while everyone else is standing. He was very well built, not overweight, and he was described as having a ‘lot of flesh on his bones’, but it was all muscle. He was a wrestler (before Islam) and he had the physique of a wreselter.

His limbs were large and he had a large frame to his body and his hands and feet were also large. He was bald headed. He was described as being fair-skinned (relative to the people who live in the Arabian peninsula). There was some redness to his colour. He would use Henna to dye his hair in old age. His moustache was long and he would twist his moustache when he was upset.

When he would walk he would walk fast. When he would speak you could hear him from a distance and when he strikes, he strikes with strength. He hurts! His presence was intimidating to his enemies, and it would strike fear into the hearts of both friend and foe alike.”

So the personality and physical presence of Umar Ibn Al Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was one of strength.

The amazing irony of this description is that despite the strength and intimidating presence, his eyes would flow with tears easily and he had a soft and merciful heart. In addition he was a very humble individual.

This paints the picture of a very unique person, for someone having such bold characteristics such as a strong physique, intimidating presence, would be inclined to misuse these characteristics by becoming harsh, aggressive and tyrannical. Also, people with soft and compassionate hearts tend to be weak, yet Umar embodied both the strength and the compassion and this is one of the many things that made him special.