The Marvellous Humility of Ameerul-Mu’mineen – Hazrat Umar Radhiyallahu anhu (Part 2)

6) One day, approximately 50 Muhaajir Sahaabah gathered in the Musjid. They were discussing Hazrat Umar’s Zuhd (abstinence, worldly renunciation, abstention form worldly comforts and pleasures for Allah’s sake – Translator). It was said: “Look at Umar in whose control is the empire of Kaisar and Kisraa! His orders operate in the east and west. The delegations of Arab and Ajam visit him. They all see him with a Kurtah of a dozen patches. He should be advised to change his dress. He should wear better garments. Garments do create an impression. He should make better arrangements for his food. There should be some elaborate daily arrangement for both meals. The Muhaajireen and Ansaar coming to meet him, should join him in meals.”

Although it was resolved to offer this advice to Hazrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu), no one could muster up the courage to tell him. Finally, they decided to ask Hazrat Ali who being Hazrat Umar’s father-in-law would be able to advise him. When they approached Hazrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu), he declined and suggested that they approach Ummahaatul Mu’mineen (The Mothers of the Mu’mineen, viz. Rasulullah’s wives).

Ahnaf Bin Qais (Radhiyallahu anhu) says that they then went to Hazrat Aishah and Hazrat Hafsah. Both were at the same place. Hazrat Aishah (Radhiyallahu anha) agreed to tell Hazrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu). But Hazrat Hafsah (Radhiyallahu anha) said that she would not go. But in view of the insistence of this group of Sahaabah both finally went to Hazrat Umar. They presented an eloquent introductory speech in this matter.

He patiently listened to their advice and broke down crying profusely. He recounted the austerity and poverty of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and both wives cried as well. He then commented: “Listen! I had two companions (referring to Rasulullah Sallalalhu alaihi wasallam and Hazrat Abu Bakr Radhiyallahu anhu). If I should adopt a way which differs from their way which I had observed, I will not be blessed with their companionship (in the Aakhirah).”

This condition of Hzrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) endured to the end. Not the slightest change was admitted in his life-style.

7) Once while Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’aari (Radhiyallahu anhu) was sweeping the premises of the Baitul Maal, he found a Dirham (silver coin). He gave it to one of Hazrat Umar’s grandsons who was a little child. When Hazrat Umar saw the Dirham in the child’s hand he enquired about it. When the child informed him that it was given to him by Hazrat Abu Musa, Hazrat Umar became very displeased. He took the Dirham from the child and reprimanded Hazrat Abu Musa as follows: “O Abu Musa! Could you not find a home more contemptible than my home?”

8) Towards the end of his life, Hazrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) started to fast in abundance. He would fast the whole year excluding the 5 days on which it is not permissible to fast. He adhered rigidly to this practise of fasting day after day in succession.

9) In 13 Hijri, the first year of his Khilaafate, he appointed Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan Bin Auf (Radhiyallahu anhu) as the Ameer of Hajj. Thereafter he went himself every year for Hajj. During his Khilaafate, he performed ten Hajj. In 23 Hijri which was the last year of his Khilaafate, he took along the Azwaaj-e-Mutahhaaraat (The Holy Wives of Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as well.

10) His fear for Allah was unparalleled. One day he was reciting the Qur’an Majeed. As he recited the Aayat (“And when the books will be scattered…”), he fell down unconscious. He remained ill for several days.