Asalaamu Alaykum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatuhu,
The editors of this site wish to convey the welcome of the blessed month of Ramadhan upon the Muslim Ummah. To all the brothers and sisters who visit this site, may Allah ‘azza wa jal shower His Mercy, Blessings and Forgiveness upon you and your families. Further updates to the articles will follow shortly InshaAllah.
During the battle of Khaibar, there was a particular fortress that was causing problems for the advancing army of Muslims. The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) would appoint leaders from among the Companions to open it, but they would all be unsuccessful.
Then, during one evening, the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam), said:
“Tomorrow I will give the banner to a man for whom Allah will open for him (the fortress). He loves Allah and His Messenger and Allah and His Messenger love him.” [Bukhari]
What an amazing and beautiful honour!
The next day all of the Companions presented themselves to the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) in order to have the honour of this position as mentioned in the statement of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) above.
Umar Ibn Al Khataab (radiAllahu Andu) then made an a profound statement in relation to this event. He said:
“I never loved position of authority, ever, except on that day.” [Muslim]
Loving to be in a position of power, authority, fame and leadership is something all humans crave to a lesser or greater degree. However in Islam, it is something that is not encouraged as something to be sought after. When the uncle of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) Al Abbas came to him asking him for him to appoint him to a position of authority, the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) responded by telling him that authority is not given to someone who asks for it, or is eager to have it. This is the tarbiyyah of Islam.
Umar Ibn Al Khataab (radiAllahu Andu) reached to such a level in his adherance to Islam that he did not even want authority. For him it was not simply a case of surpressing a desire for it, he did not even want it in the first place!
The exception for Umar Ibn Al Khataab (radiAllahu Andu) was that day when the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasallam) promised that Allah and His Messenger love that individual, which is something every Companion dearly wanted for themselves.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated about Umar Ibn Al Khataab (may Allah be pleased with him) that when As-Shaytaan (the Devil) sees you walking down one path, he (As-Shaytaan) takes another.
The allusion here is yet another amazing accolade for Umar Ibn Al Khataab (may Allah be pleased with him). The Shaytaan actually feared to be in his presence, so he would go out of his miserable way, to avoid interacting with Umar Ibn Al Khataab (may Allah be pleased with him). It is testimony to the strength and resolve of this great individual that he would not be duped by the tricks of As-Shaytaan in trying to fool him with the transient desires and distractions of this wordly life.
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.
The Prophet SalAllahu Alayhi Wasallam said:
“If there was to be a Prophet after me, it would be Umar.” [Tirmidhi]
Few statements can match the impact and profound gravity of this statement, as it captures in very few words, the immense position and regard of Umar Ibn Al Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him).
So many of the attributes of the Prophets of Allah were instilled within him, that if there were to be a Prophet after the Prophet Muhammed SalAllahu Alayhi Wasallam, it would have been Umar.
Also, were Allah to have chosen him, he would have been most similar to Nuh and Musa (peace be upon them both). As Umar’s strength, resolve, determination and physique resembled them most from amongst the Prophets of Allah (peace be upon them all).
