Al-Farooq And Islam

   Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas narrated a profound encounter: Umar ibn A-Khattab (RA) once sought permission to see the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) while some women of Quraish were with him. They were speaking loudly, requesting more financial support. However, as soon as they heard Umar’s voice, they hastily donned their veils. Upon entering, Umar found the Prophet (ﷺ) smiling and said, “May Allah always keep you smiling, O Messenger of Allah!” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “I am amazed by these women; the moment they heard your voice, they rushed to veil themselves.” Umar turned to the women and exclaimed, “O enemies of your own souls! Do you fear me more than you fear the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)?” They answered, “Yes, for you are harsher and sterner than the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” At this, the Prophet (ﷺ) remarked, “O Ibn Al-Khattab! By Him in Whose Hand my life is, whenever Satan finds you taking a path, he surely takes another.” This encounter perfectly illustrates why the Prophet (ﷺ) titled him “Al-Farooq” (The Criterion)—the one who distinguishes truth from falsehood. From the moment of his conversion until his martyrdom after a ten-year caliphate, Umar (RA) spared no effort in championing the cause of Islam.

     Just as Umar (RA) displayed formidable strength in his initial opposition to Islam, he manifested that same might in advocating for the Muslims once he embraced the faith. He recalled, ”When I became Muslim, there were only thirty-nine men with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ); my conversion brought the number to forty.” His son, Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), recounted the story of that day: Upon embracing Islam, Umar inquired about the individual in Quraish who was quickest to spread news. He was directed to Jameel ibn Ma’mar Al-Jumahi. Umar approached him and declared, ”O Jameel! Do you not know that I have entered the religion of Muhammad?” Without a word of confirmation, Jameel rushed to the Haram and shouted at the top of his voice: ”O Quraish! Know that Umar has turned Sabi (a term they used for those leaving their ancestral faith)!” Umar immediately corrected him, shouting: ”You lie! I have become a Muslim and testified that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.” A fierce confrontation ensued as the men of Quraish assailed him. Umar fought them single-handedly until noon, eventually sitting down in exhaustion and challenging them to do their worst. The assault only ceased when Al-Aas ibn Wa’il intervened. It was through Umar’s conversion that the Muslims finally gained the strength to perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Ka’bah openly. Indeed, Allah granted the Ummah a newfound might through him.

   In addition, Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masood (RA) said: “We felt a sense of pride when Umar became Muslim, for we could not circumambulate the Holy Mosque and pray until Umar became Muslim. When he became Muslim, he fought them until they left us free. Then we prayed and circumambulated the Kaaba.” He also said: “Umar’s becoming a Muslim was a victory, his migration was help, and his caliphate was a mercy. We could not pray or circumambulate the House until Umar became Muslim. When he became Muslim, he fought the unbelievers until they left us alone and let us pray.” How much we wish we had a person like Sayyiduna Umar who could advocate for the rights of the poor, the weak, and the oppressed. May Allah revive His Ummah with strong believers.

    In conclusion, the legacy of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) remains a golden chapter in human history. He was not merely a ruler, but a symbol of divine justice and a shield for the oppressed. His life teaches us that true strength lies in humility before Allah and firmness in the face of falsehood. As we reflect on his remarkable journey—from the moment he embraced Islam to his final days as the Commander of the Faithful—we see a man who transformed the world through his faith. May Allah be pleased with Umar ibn al-Khattab and grant the Ummah leaders who walk in his footsteps, upholding the scales of justice and mercy for all.