Umar before Islam
Umar Ibn Al Khataab (RadiAllahu Anhu) had a very tough upbringing.
His father Al Khataab bin Nufail, was a very tough and harsh man who would be strict and stern with his children. Umar (when he became Khalifah of the Muslims) came across a place that brought back memories of his childhood so he related to The Companions who were with him the following:
“There is no God except Allah, the Most High, the Most Great, who gives whatever He wishes to whomever He wishes. I used to be a sheperd of the camels of my father in this place, and I would wear harsh clothing. And my father was harsh with me and he would make me exhausted when I worked and he would beat me if I didn’t work… and today, there is no one between me and Allah.”
This is one the many amazing contrasts in the journey of the life of Umar Ibn Al Khataab (RadiAllahu Anhu). How he was transformed by his Islam from being an obscure, wayward figure to one of the most powerful and just leaders in the history of humanity.
Umar Ibn Al Khataab (RadiAllahu Anhu) was before Islam a successful trader and business man, and he earned a lot of wealth from this. He was also a wrestler who would take part and compete in competitions at the sooqs (market places) and he was unbeatable.
Umar Ibn Al Khataab (RadiAllahu Anhu) was not a person who would do something half-hearted. He was not indecisive. The committment and discipline from him (once he was convinced on a course of action) was 100%, full speed ahead! He would put his heart and soul towards a cause before and after his acceptance of Islam. He would not sit on the sidelines, rather he would get involved. Therefore during his days before Islam (Jahiliyah – Ignorance), he would be one of the most enthusiastic, active and effective persucuters of the Muslims in Makkah. That was consistent with his strong resolve.
An example of this was his torture of a slave girl who was Muslim. He would lash her with a whip, during one point he sat down and looking at her said:
“I did not stop because I feel sorry for you, I stopped because I am tired.”
She replied “It is Allah who made you stop.”
It was therefore, unthinkable in the minds of the Muslims and the non-Muslims that the likes of Umar would EVER accept Islam. Umar Ibn Al Khataab (RadiAllahu Anhu), once witnessed some of the Muslims leaving Makkah to travel to Abbissinya. He asked on of the Muslim women:
“Are you leaving Makkah?”
She replied “Yes. Because you have oppressed us and persecuted us. We will travel in the land of Allah, so that we may practice our religion freely.”
Umar Ibn Al Khataab (RadiAllahu Anhu) replied: “May Allah, be with you.”
This statement was contrary to his behaviour towards Muslims. In fact it was amazing and showed a clear sign that Allah (The Almighty) was turning the heart of Umar towards Islam. When the same Muslim woman related his reply Nu’aim Ibn Abdillah upon his return from a journey. He replied:
“It appears you are hoping for Umar to become a Muslim…”
She replied yes. So Nu’aim said:
“Let me tell you something, the DONKEY of Umar’s father will become Muslim before he does!”
This humerous statement demonstrates how strongly the people felt that he would never come to Islam. However, not only did he accept Islam, but became one of the strongest and most devoted Muslims and followers of Rasulullah Sal Allahu Alayhi WaSalaam ever!
This clearly demontrates that guidance to Islam (Hidayah) is in the hands of Allah. And He can turn the heart of whomever He chooses from amongst His creation.
