Friday Sermon: Men of Excellence – Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra)

Official English synopsis of the Friday Sermon of 22 October 2021.

Delivered at Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK, by the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih V^(aba).

This summary was originally published in Al Islam. The original post can be found here.

Introduction

After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Umar^(ra).

Treatment Given to Ubaidullah bin Umar

His Holiness^(aba) said that after the martyrdom of Hazrat Umar^(ra), Ubaidullah bin Umar was prepared not to leave a single prisoner or slave alive and had taken it upon himself to kill those who had plotted against his father (i.e. Hormuzan and Jufaynah). Various senior companions tried speaking to him so that he would see reason, however, he did not change his stance. At this time, Hazrat Uthman^(ra) had not yet been elected as the next Khalifa. It is recorded that Ubaidullah was taken prisoner. After Hazrat Uthman^(ra) became the Khalifa, Ubaidullah was brought before him and Hazrat Uthman^(ra) sought counsel about what should be done with Ubaidullah. Some suggested that he should be given the death penalty. Others said that he should be let free. However, according to one narration, Hazrat Uthman^(ra) determined an amount as blood money to be paid by Ubaidullah bin Umar.

His Holiness^(aba) said that there is another narration in which it is stated that Hazrat Uthman^(ra) turned Ubaidullah bin Umar over to the son of Hormuzan and let him determine Ubaidullah’s fate. It is recorded that Hormuzan’s son asked the companions whether or not he had a right over Ubaidullah, and they replied in the affirmative. Thereafter, Hormuzan’s sons forgave him and let him go, and the companions rejoiced upon his decision. His Holiness^(aba) quoted the Second Caliph^(ra) who said that it becomes evident that through the example of the companions, it is clear that in such instances, action against the guilty party is to be determined only by the state, and no action should be taken at an individual level.

Humility of Hazrat Umar^(ra)

His Holiness^(aba) said with regards to the humility of Hazrat Umar^(ra) that he had asked for his coffin to be kept simple and that he should not be praised excessively nor should any qualities be mentioned which he did not possess.

His Holiness^(aba) said that once Hazrat Umar’s^(ra) son told him that through him, Islam spread to many new lands. Hazrat Umar^(ra) replied by saying that he did not wish to take pride in these achievements, rather he wished only to focus on the fear of God.

Level of Sacrifice of Hazrat Umar^(ra)

His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Umar^(ra) desired to reach great heights in his level of sacrifice. Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) was the highest standard of presenting sacrifice, and so Hazrat Umar^(ra) intended to exceed or reach that same level. Once, when the Holy Prophet^(sa) made an appeal for financial sacrifices to be presented, Hazrat Umar^(ra) intended to do more than Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra), and so he presented half of what he possessed at home. However, Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) would present all he had and leave nothing at home. However, Hazrat Umar’s^(ra) intention and actions were to present the highest level of sacrifice he possibly could.

His Holiness^(aba) said that prior to his demise, Hazrat Umar^(ra) had an ardent desire to be buried near the Holy Prophet^(sa). A person of as great stature as Hazrat Umar^(ra), wished only to be buried in the proximity of his master, showing that Hazrat Umar^(ra) wished only to attain the pleasure of his Lord and this was his motivation for whatever he did.

Funeral of Hazrat Umar^(ra)

His Holiness^(aba) said that at the funeral of Hazrat Umar^(ra), Hazrat Ali^(ra) prayed for him and said that he always thought that he would be buried near the Holy Prophet^(sa). In fact, he often heard the Holy Prophet^(sa) referring to himself, Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) and Hazrat Umar^(ra) in the same sentence.

His Holiness^(aba) said that another companion expressed that Hazrat Umar^(ra) was like a strong fortress for Islam, wherein people would enter but would not come out. Another companion expressed that with the demise of Hazrat Umar^(ra), nine out of ten parts of knowledge had also departed from the world. It was also said that there was not a single home which was not affected by the demise of Hazrat Umar^(ra), as he used to help so many people.

His Holiness^(aba) said that over the course of his life, Hazrat Umar^(ra) had ten wives at different times, from whom he had nine sons and four daughters.

Testimony of Renowned Writers Regarding the Qualities of Hazrat Umar^(ra)

His Holiness^(aba) quoted the writer Edward Gibbon who wrote about the excellent qualities of Hazrat Umar^(ra). He wrote that Hazrat Umar^(ra) cared for everyone, and established stipends in order to help others, whilst not caring for himself.

His Holiness^(aba) said that whilst listing the 100 most influential people in the world, Micheal H. Hart listed the Holy Prophet^(sa) as the most influential person in history, while he listed Hazrat Umar^(ra) at number 52. He writes that initially Hazrat Umar^(ra) had been one of the staunchest opponents of Islam, but then after accepting Islam, he became one of its staunchest supporters. He likened Hazrat Umar’s^(ra) acceptance of Islam to St. Paul’s acceptance of Christianity. It was during his era that Islam achieved great victories and was able to spread far and wide to new lands. Hazrat Umar^(ra) also created policies in order to govern these new lands which were coming under the banner of Islam. After the Holy Prophet^(sa), he played a vital role in the spread of Islam. His victories and achievements were such that perhaps they are greater than the likes of Julius Caesar.

His Holiness^(aba) said that he would continue highlighting the life of Hazrat Umar^(ra) in future sermons.