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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ibnanv" data-source="post: 10662523" data-attributes="member: 218596"> Umar ibn al Khattab(RA) among the most influential people in history      ZECHARIAH 9:9 Rejoice  greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold,  thy Leader cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly,  and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." The  Bible had clearly prophesied the Conquest of Jerusalem at the time of  the Caliph, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab. In the year 637 AD, The people of  Jerusalem, mostly Christians & Jews, refused to give up Jerusalem  without a personal pledge from Omar that he will spare their lives and  let them practice their religion freely and without restraints. Omar  traveled from Medina to Jerusalem on an Ass, when the people of Jerusalem saw him, they ran outside welcoming him since Omar had fulfilled a prophecy in the Bible!!When the pope saw Omer bin Khattab (RaziAllaho Anhoo) he said:"He is exactly the person as described in our Holy Scriptures. I will hand over the keys to him" Next the Caliph signed the treaty of peace. It ran as follows:"From  the servant of Allah and the Commander of the Faithful, Omar: The  inhabitants of Jerusalem are granted security of life and property.  Their churches and crosses shall be secure. This treaty applies to all  people of the city. Their places of worship shall remain intact. These  shall neither be taken over nor pulled down. People shall be quite free  to follow their religion. They shall not be put to any trouble..." Michael H. Hart wrote a book entitled "THE 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History"  in 1978. Several other authors have written similar books but this  still remains a distinguished book in it's category. The book is thought  provoking and encourages the reader to see history from different  perspectives.He chose  Prophet Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential  persons which was surprising to many people. He said he chose Muhammad  because he was the only person in the history who was supremely  successful on both the religious and secular levels. Michael Hart went  on to count the traits and qualities of Prophet Muhammad and his overall  impact on human history and arrived at the conclusion that Prophet  Muhammad should be the number one person in the filed of 100 influential  persons in human history.Another surprise to many people was Michael Hart's choice of Umar Ibn  Al-Khattab among the 100 influential persons, whom he not only included  among these 100 persons but also put him as number two on the second  half (51 to 100) of his choice. Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is 52nd on the list.  He ranked him higher than such famous men as Charlemagne and Julius  Caesar. He further says that Umar's brilliant leadership was responsible  for the expansion of the Islamic territory and the enormous extent that  it did occur under him. He further says that Umar Ibn Al-Khattab  ordered the Muslim armies to leave the natives of the conquered land in  peace and ordered the military personnel not to force the natives to  convert to Islam. In the parenthesis Michael put his note, "From  the above, it is clear that the Arab conquest was more a nationalist  war of conquest rather than a holy war, although the religious aspect  was not lacking". Michael Hart further says that Umar ibn  Al-Khattab's achievements are impressive and it would be a grave mistake  to ignore his contributions to humanity. It should be noted that Umar  Ibn Al-Khattab's brilliant leadership was responsible for permanence of  the territories that came under the Islamic role at that time and are  still part of the Islamic world today.Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is a pioneering figure in the Islamic world. He was a  leader, a statesman, a pious and God conscious Muslim who showed  respect for all individuals including non-Muslims and he ordered the  Muslims to treat non-Muslims with respect. He showed us how to apply the  Quranic injunction "there is no compulsion in religion."Under the leadership of Umar ibn Al-Khattab Islam spread widely not by  the sword but by virtue of its beauty, simplicity, transparency,  openness and the leadership provided by him. Another reason for the  rapid growth of Muslim community was the conversion of some high-placed  religious personalities from among the Jewish and the Christian  communities. These religious personalities saw Islam as a continuation  and affirmation of the Abrahamic faith. Ardkun, the Bishop of Damascus,  accepted Islam after the Islamic armies entered the city under Khalid  bin Walid. The followers of Ardkun became attracted towards the new  faith and became Muslim. The chief administrator of the city of Shata in  Egypt, famous for its textiles manufacturing, left his town with two  thousand men and went to city of Damietta where the Muslim army was  camped and embraced Islam with his followers.During the time of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the non-Muslims enjoyed freedom  of religion. They were free to perform their religious rites, ring bells  to start their religious ceremonies, take out the Cross in procession  and hold religious fairs. Even treaties were signed during the time of  Umar ibn Al-Khattab with non-Muslims that guaranteed freedom of  religion. The writ of Hudhaifa bin al-Yaman to people of the region of  Mahdinar says, "They shall not be required to change their religion, nor shall any interference be made in their religious practices."Umar ibn Al-Khattab followed the principle of equality very strictly and  would not tolerate any kind of distinction. Once, Umar ibn Al-Khattab  had a difference of opinion with Ubayy bin Ka'b. The matter was referred  and brought in the court of Qazi Zaid bin Thabit. When Umar ibn  Al-Khattab arrived at the court the Qazi, Zaid bin Thabit, vacated his  seat out of respect for the Khalifah. Umar ibn Al-Khattab, after  observing the situation, said that this was the first injustice Zaid has  done to the suit. Then he sat down next to Ubayy, his opponent.Umar ibn Al-Khattab always favored individual freedom and self-respect.  By word of mouth and through his writings he made it very clear that every human being was born free and no one should have to abase himself in front of others. Once,  the son of Amr bin As abused and beat up a Copt Christian; on hearing  this Umar ibn Al-Khattab had son of Amr punished publicly by the hand of  the victim Copt Christian. Then Umar ibn Al-Khattab addressed both  father and son and said, "Since when have you turned men into slaves, whereas they are born free of their mothers?"The people of many cultures who accepted Islam faced new challenges.  More complex questions regarding the Islamic way of life cropped up at  the same time. Many of the questions could not be answered because clear  rulings of the Holy Prophet or the Holy Qur'an were not available. The  Qadis and Muftis appointed in towns and cities were Companions of the  Prophet, yet they referred complicated questions to the Khalifah. The  famous Sahabis who referred the question to Umar Ibn Al-Khattab are  Abdullah bin Ma'sud, Ammar bin Yasar, Abu Musa Ash'ari, Abu Ubaidah bin  Jarrah, Mughira bin Shuba and others. Umar ibn Al-Khattab gave his  judgment after discussing these questions in the assembly of the  companions. The discussions were conducted with the greatest freedom and  acumen. Shah Wali-Ullah writes in Hujjatullah al-Baligha, "It  was Umar's practice to consult the companions and hold discussions with  them, until the veils were lifted and conviction was attained. For this  reason Umar's dicta were accepted throughout the East and the West."It is said that his writings, his letters and official instructions were  as powerful as his speeches. In a letter to Abu Musa Ash'ari he wrote, "People  generally hate their ruler, and I seek protection of Allah, if my  people should entertain similar feelings about me. Avoid vain suspicions  and keep away from malice, and don not encourage people of cherish vain  hopes, and be careful of Allah's property, and guard yourself against  evil men. If you find any people who are vindictively inclined towards  the Muslim state, it is devilish inclination and must be put down by the  sword, until they bow to Allah's decision and turn to better ways"In another letter to Abu Musa Ash'ari he said, "The thing that strengthens one in execution of work and that one should not procrastinate;  for if you do so, your affairs will heap up and overwhelm you and you  will not then be able to decide what to do and what not to do, and you  will fail in your work."Umr Ibn Al-Khattab appointed Amr bin Al-As as the Governor of Egypt. Amr  bin Al-As delayed remitting the revenue to the treasury. Umar ibn  Al-Khattab wrote to him and reminded about the delay. Amr bin Al-As  procrastinated. Umar ibn Al-Khattab sent him a strong letter, he wrote, "I  understand that the thing that has kept you from replying is the fact  that your subordinates are not good. They have made you a shield, and it  is a disease for which I possess an effective remedy. I am surprised  that I have written to you often and at length, but you neglected  sending the revenue and have avoided giving straight answers. So Abu,  Abdullah, don't worry. Due shall be taken from you and you shall pay  them, for as the river yields pearls, so will you have to render the  dues."Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to end his speeches with following statement: "O God, let me not fall into an error, nor let me be called to account on unawares, nor let me fall into neglect."Umar ibn Al-Khattab's actions speak louder about his character, his  integrity and his love for the people in the Muslim state. He made  rounds at night to gauge and evaluate the condition of the people. His  achievements are reflection of his life.Sayings of Umar ibn Al-Khattab:Umar ibn Al-Khattab always had a  sound opinion, which made him a very powerful leader who expected higher  degree of integrity from the people working with him during his  Khilafate. Some of his wise sayings are quoted here:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">One who keeps his own counsel keeps his affairs in his own hand. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Fear him whom you hate. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The wisest man is he who can account for his actions. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Do not put off today's work till tomorrow. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What regresses never progresses? </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">He who does not know evil will fall into it. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">When a man asks me a question, I know his intelligence. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Don't forget your own self while preaching to others. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The less of the world, the freer you live. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Avoidance of sin is lighter than the pain of remorse. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If patience and gratitude  had been two she camels, it would have mattered little on which I rode.  May God have mercy on him who sends me my faults for a present! </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">During  his Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, Umar ibn Al-Khattab heard one of the  camel drivers singing. People asked Umar ibn Al-Khattab as to why he did  not stop the camel driver from singing. Umar ibn Al-Khattab replied, "Music was the camel driver's provision for a journey." </li> </ul>Some of the Achievements of Umar ibn Al-Khattab:Umar ibn Al-Khattab established many  institutions in the Islamic state's administration. Historians have  called his reforms as innovations. The achievements of Umar ibn  Al-Khattab are numerous. The most important achievements are listed  below:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Umar ibn Al-Khattab established the public treasury: Bait-ul-Mal </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Established courts of justice and appointed judges. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proposed and enforced use of the era of Hijra. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Assumed the title of Amir-ul-Mu'minin. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">To engage the anti-Islamic forces he organized and established the War Department. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Placed  army reserves on the pay-roll. In addition to this, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab  improved the army administration by providing every army corps with an  officer of the treasury, an accountant, and number of interpreters,  physicians and surgeons. He instructed the army commanders to submit  accounts of war expenditures and list of the spoils of war. Historical  records show that in 16 Hijri Ziyad bin Abi Sufyan came from city of  Jalula Ð after its conquest - and brought with him the records of the  accounts to Madinah and submitted them for Umar ibn Al-Khattab's perusal  and review. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Established  Land Revenue Department, ordered survey and assessment of lands and  also ordered conducting census. This required maintenance of the land  revenue records in Persian, Syriac and Coptic languages. The accounts  were kept on long rolled-up sheets. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Founded cities: Kufah, Basrah, Jazirah, Fustat and Musal and undertook construction and building of canals. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Divided conquered countries into provinces. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ordered collecting customs duties. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Appointed officials for the collection of tax on the produce of sea. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Gave permission to traders from foreign countries to conduct business in the Islamic territory. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Organized jails and enforced use of the whip. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Made  rounds at night to gauge and evaluate the condition of the people. For  relaxations he enjoyed lighter pursuits including poetry. Once he asked  Abdullah bin Abbas to recite him poetry the whole night. At the time  when dawn was breaking, he said, "Now recite the Holy Qur'an." During  one of his night rounds around the city he heard the sound of music. He  stopped and listened to the music and then moved on. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Established military cantonments and had them located at strategic points. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Organized Police Department. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Set up a system to classify pedigree and non-pedigree horses. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Built  houses on the road from Makkah to Madinah for the comfort of the  travelers and also established guest-houses in different cities. At that  time a system was established for the clearance of land, construction  of roads, building of bridges and other operations which are carried out  by sappers and miner in present day armies. The local people of the  lands were recruited to perform these duties. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Provided stipends for the poor Jewish and Christian people. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Established schools and provided salaries for school teachers and public lecturers. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proposed the principle of Qiyas and its formulation. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proposed exact division of inheritance. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proposed and inserted additional statement "Prayer is better than sleep" in the call for Fajr prayers. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ordained performing taraweeh prayers in congregation. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Established law for the punishment of alcohol drinkers with eighty lashes. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proposed a method for preparing trusts. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Obtained consensus of opinion for saying four takbirs in funeral prayer. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Made  arrangements for providing lights in mosques at night. It is stated  that until the Khilafate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab there were no  arrangements for lights in the mosques. A person by name Tamim Dari made  the arrangements and supplied lamps for the mosques with Umar ibn  Al-Khattab's permission. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Established a procedure to giving salaries from the public treasury to Imams and Muazzins. </li> </ul></blockquote>

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