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Omar (r)Omar (r)As Viewed by the Sunni, the Shi’a As Viewed by the Sunni, the Shi’a

andandWestern WritersWestern Writers

A.S. Hashim, MDA.S. Hashim, MD

From wikipedia.comFrom wikipedia.com

Sources of ReferenceSources of Reference

Al Farooq, Omar, Muhammad Husayn HaykalAl Farooq, Omar, Muhammad Husayn Haykalal-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings al-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings Tabqat ibn Sa'ad. Tabqat ibn Sa'ad. al-Suyuti, The History of Khalifahsal-Suyuti, The History of KhalifahsMadelung, Wilferd. The Succession to Muhammad.Madelung, Wilferd. The Succession to Muhammad.K. Y. Blankinship, The History of al-TabariK. Y. Blankinship, The History of al-TabariEarly Khilaafah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ya’qub Early Khilaafah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ya’qub KhanKhanModern Islamic political thought, Hahmid Enayat, Modern Islamic political thought, Hahmid Enayat, Encyclopedia Britannica Encyclopedia Britannica al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by ibn Kathir al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by ibn Kathir Armstrong, Armstrong,

44

In this Slide ShowIn this Slide Show

Omar’s LegacyOmar’s LegacySunni Point of ViewSunni Point of View

Sunnis Remember OmarSunnis Remember OmarMost Sunnis Consider him a Strong…Most Sunnis Consider him a Strong…Some Sunni Take a more Nuanced ViewSome Sunni Take a more Nuanced View

Shi’a Point of ViewShi’a Point of ViewShi'a hold an opposing perspective Shi'a hold an opposing perspective Differing Mainly in Two PointsDiffering Mainly in Two PointsThe Umayya ViewThe Umayya View

Western Writers Point of ViewWestern Writers Point of View1.1. Washington IrvingWashington Irving2.2. Sir William MuirSir William Muir3.3. Gibbon Gibbon 4.4. Professor Philip Khuri Hitti Professor Philip Khuri Hitti 5.5. Encyclopedia Britannica Encyclopedia Britannica

Omar: LegacyOmar: Legacy

Al-Farooq, Sahaabi, KhalifaAl-Farooq, Sahaabi, KhalifaThe Islamic EmpireThe Islamic EmpireAs Considered by Sunni versus Shi’aAs Considered by Sunni versus Shi’aThe Influential FigureThe Influential FigureThe The Politicaly SavvyPoliticaly SavvyThe Good ManagerThe Good ManagerThe Compactness of his Political RuleThe Compactness of his Political RuleOmar’s DemeanorOmar’s Demeanor

Al-Farooq, Sahaabi, KhalifaAl-Farooq, Sahaabi, Khalifa

Omar ibn al-Khattab, also known as Omar the Farooq: Omar ibn al-Khattab, also known as Omar the Farooq: (The one who distinguishes between right and wrong) (The one who distinguishes between right and wrong) Omar was the most powerful of the four Rashidoon Omar was the most powerful of the four Rashidoon Khalifas Khalifas He is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential He is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential Muslim rulers. Muslim rulers. He was a Sahaabi (companion) of Prophet Muhammad. He was a Sahaabi (companion) of Prophet Muhammad. He succeeded Khalifa Abu Bakr as the second of the He succeeded Khalifa Abu Bakr as the second of the Rashidoon Khilaafah on 23 August 634. Rashidoon Khilaafah on 23 August 634. He was an expert jurist known for his justice, that earned He was an expert jurist known for his justice, that earned him the title Al-Farooq.him the title Al-Farooq.Also, Omar was the first Khalifa to be called Amir al-Also, Omar was the first Khalifa to be called Amir al-Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful or Prince of the Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful or Prince of the Believers).Believers).

The Islamic EmpireThe Islamic Empire

Under Omar the Islamic empire expanded at an unprecedented rate Under Omar the Islamic empire expanded at an unprecedented rate Ruling over the whole Sassani Persian Empire Ruling over the whole Sassani Persian Empire and more than two thirds of the Eastern Roman Empire.and more than two thirds of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Omar’s reputation as a great political and military leader, and:Omar’s reputation as a great political and military leader, and:his legislative abilities, his legislative abilities, his firm political and administrative control over a rapidly his firm political and administrative control over a rapidly expanding empire expanding empire and his brilliantly coordinated multi-prong attacks against Sassani and his brilliantly coordinated multi-prong attacks against Sassani Persian Empire had resulted in conquest of Persian Empire in Persian Empire had resulted in conquest of Persian Empire in less than two years, less than two years,

It was Omar who for the first time in 500 years since expulsion of It was Omar who for the first time in 500 years since expulsion of Jews from the Holy Land, that allowed them to live in Jerusalem Jews from the Holy Land, that allowed them to live in Jerusalem and practice their religion freely.and practice their religion freely.

As Considered by Sunni versus Shi’aAs Considered by Sunni versus Shi’a

Religiously a controversial figure in the Religiously a controversial figure in the Muslim world:Muslim world:

Omar is regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of Omar is regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of four Rashidoon or rightly guided Khalifas who four Rashidoon or rightly guided Khalifas who were true successors of Muhammad; were true successors of Muhammad; Omar, in stark contrast, is regarded by Shi'a Omar, in stark contrast, is regarded by Shi'a Muslims as unjust in his usurping Ali's right to Muslims as unjust in his usurping Ali's right to the Khilaafah, indeed as the principal political the Khilaafah, indeed as the principal political architect of opposition to Ali.architect of opposition to Ali.

The Influential FigureThe Influential Figure

Omar is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic Omar is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic history. history. He was in a true sense the architect of the Islamic Empire. He was in a true sense the architect of the Islamic Empire. As a leader, Omar was known for his simple and austere As a leader, Omar was known for his simple and austere lifestyle. lifestyle.

Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected by the rulers Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected by the rulers of the time, of the time, he continued to live much as he had when Muslims were he continued to live much as he had when Muslims were impoverished and persecuted. impoverished and persecuted.

Omar was vigorous, robust and a very tall man, Omar was vigorous, robust and a very tall man, in markets he would tower above the people.in markets he would tower above the people.The front part of his head was bald, eyes were black, The front part of his head was bald, eyes were black, His teeth were white. His teeth were white. He would always color his long beard using Henna.He would always color his long beard using Henna.

The The Politicaly SavvyPoliticaly Savvy

Omar is considered as a political genius, as an architect of Islamic Omar is considered as a political genius, as an architect of Islamic Empire; he is regarded as 52nd most influential figure in history.Empire; he is regarded as 52nd most influential figure in history.Omar remained politically stagnant during Mohammad's era, Omar remained politically stagnant during Mohammad's era, however after his death, however after his death,

It was Omar's brilliance that Abu Bakr was elected as Khalifa,It was Omar's brilliance that Abu Bakr was elected as Khalifa,despite of massive initial confrontations at Saqifa. despite of massive initial confrontations at Saqifa. Omar successfully broke the alliance of the tribes of Medina Omar successfully broke the alliance of the tribes of Medina who claim Khilaafah to be their rightwho claim Khilaafah to be their rightIn addition he cleverly sidelined Ali, paving the way for the In addition he cleverly sidelined Ali, paving the way for the succession of Abu Bakr. succession of Abu Bakr. During Abu Bakr's era, he actively participated as his secretory During Abu Bakr's era, he actively participated as his secretory and main adviser. and main adviser. After succeeding Abu Bakr as Khalifa, Omar won over the After succeeding Abu Bakr as Khalifa, Omar won over the hearts of Baudouin tribes by emancipating all their prisoners and hearts of Baudouin tribes by emancipating all their prisoners and slaves takenslaves takenduring Ridda wars, during Ridda wars,

The Good ManagerThe Good Manager

Omar proved himself as an excellent manager during the Omar proved himself as an excellent manager during the year of the great Famine year of the great Famine

when his dynamic abilities saved people from when his dynamic abilities saved people from starvation. starvation.

He is best known to build up an efficient administrative He is best known to build up an efficient administrative structure of the empire, that held together his vast realm. structure of the empire, that held together his vast realm.

He organized an effective network of intelligence, He organized an effective network of intelligence, partly a reason for his strong grip on his bureaucracy.partly a reason for his strong grip on his bureaucracy.His judicial reforms were fairly modern and advanced in His judicial reforms were fairly modern and advanced in nature when compared to contemporary systems of his nature when compared to contemporary systems of his era. era.

The Compactness of his Political RuleThe Compactness of his Political Rule

One of the reasons of the compactness of his political rule in One of the reasons of the compactness of his political rule in the conquered lands:the conquered lands:1.1. Is attributed to his policy of tolerance to their religious beliefsIs attributed to his policy of tolerance to their religious beliefs2.2. and imposition of lower taxes on them as compared to their and imposition of lower taxes on them as compared to their

previous taxes by Sassani Persian Empire and Byzantine previous taxes by Sassani Persian Empire and Byzantine Empire. Empire.

3.3. Their local administration was kept un-touched and several Their local administration was kept un-touched and several of the former Byzantine and Persian officials were retained of the former Byzantine and Persian officials were retained on their services under Omar's governors. on their services under Omar's governors.

Omar was very painstaking in every matter. Omar was very painstaking in every matter. His meticulous attitude was evident in his appointment of His meticulous attitude was evident in his appointment of governors and judges that never let him lose his grip on the governors and judges that never let him lose his grip on the government. government. He never appointed governors for more than two years, for He never appointed governors for more than two years, for they might get influence in their regional atmosphere. they might get influence in their regional atmosphere.

Omar’s DemeanorOmar’s Demeanor

Omar would walk the streets of Medina with a club Omar would walk the streets of Medina with a club درهدره in his in his hand,hand,

and it is said that Omar's club and it is said that Omar's club درهدره was more fearful than the was more fearful than the sword of another man. sword of another man. Omar was known for covert night tour of Medina, to find out Omar was known for covert night tour of Medina, to find out about the secret life of his domain, about the secret life of his domain,

Omar used to closely monitor the public policy and the needs Omar used to closely monitor the public policy and the needs of the public were central in his rule. of the public were central in his rule.

As second Khalifa of Islam, he refused to chop off the hands As second Khalifa of Islam, he refused to chop off the hands of the thieves, even though the Quran had specified it.of the thieves, even though the Quran had specified it.This was because he felt he had fallen short of his This was because he felt he had fallen short of his responsibility in providing meaningful employment to his responsibility in providing meaningful employment to his subjectssubjects

Omar and the Views about himOmar and the Views about him

Shi’a View of OmarShi’a View of OmarWestern Writers View of OmarWestern Writers View of Omar

Sunni View of OmarSunni View of Omar

VIEWSVIEWS

Omar: Sunni Point of ViewOmar: Sunni Point of View

1.1. Sunnis Remember OmarSunnis Remember Omar

2.2. Seeking no AdvancementSeeking no Advancement

3.3. Most Sunnis Consider him a Strong…Most Sunnis Consider him a Strong…

4.4. Some Sunni Take a more Nuanced Some Sunni Take a more Nuanced ViewView

1. Sunnis Remember Omar1. Sunnis Remember Omar

Sunnis remember Omar as a rigid Muslim Sunnis remember Omar as a rigid Muslim of a sound and just disposition in matters of the religion of a sound and just disposition in matters of the religion of Allah, of Allah, a man they title Farooq, meaning "leader, jurist and a man they title Farooq, meaning "leader, jurist and statesman", statesman", and the second of the rightly-guided Khalifas. and the second of the rightly-guided Khalifas.

He patched his clothes with skin, He patched his clothes with skin, took sacks on his shoulders, took sacks on his shoulders, always riding his donkey without the saddle, always riding his donkey without the saddle,

Rarely laughing, he was stern, serious, and never Rarely laughing, he was stern, serious, and never joking with anyone. joking with anyone.

2. Seeking no Advancement2. Seeking no Advancement

On Omar’s ring is written the words "Enough is On Omar’s ring is written the words "Enough is Death as a reminder to you O, Omar".Death as a reminder to you O, Omar".He did not seek advancement for his own family,He did not seek advancement for his own family,

but rather sought to advance the interests of the whole but rather sought to advance the interests of the whole Muslim community, the Ummah. Muslim community, the Ummah.

The general Sunni sentiment for Omar is The general Sunni sentiment for Omar is summarized by one of Muhammad's summarized by one of Muhammad's companions, ibn Mas'ood who said:companions, ibn Mas'ood who said:

Omar's submission to Islam was a conquest, Omar's submission to Islam was a conquest, his migration was a victory, his migration was a victory,

his period of rule was a blessing, …his period of rule was a blessing, …

3. Most Sunnis Consider him a Strong…3. Most Sunnis Consider him a Strong…

Most Sunnis consider Omar as:Most Sunnis consider Omar as:a strong, a strong, wise, wise, humble man, and ahumble man, and acompetent ruler, the second rightly-guided Khalifa. competent ruler, the second rightly-guided Khalifa.

They consider him a sincere Muslim and a brave one if They consider him a sincere Muslim and a brave one if not a fierce warrior. not a fierce warrior. Omar did not seek advancement for his own family, but Omar did not seek advancement for his own family, but only to serve the Muslim community at large, the Ummah. only to serve the Muslim community at large, the Ummah. Omar made the pilgrimage to Mecca nine times. Omar made the pilgrimage to Mecca nine times. Muhammad (pbuh) thought of him highly.Muhammad (pbuh) thought of him highly.

4.4. Some Sunni Take a more Nuanced ViewSome Sunni Take a more Nuanced View

Some Sunni take a more nuanced view of Omar. Some Sunni take a more nuanced view of Omar. They note that even amongst the early Muslims, he had a reputation They note that even amongst the early Muslims, he had a reputation for:for:

Strict militancy Strict militancy and rigid conformity and rigid conformity and was even accused by contemporaries of being harsh in and was even accused by contemporaries of being harsh in religious matters. religious matters. On several occasions he even opposed Muhammad when the On several occasions he even opposed Muhammad when the Prophet wished to be merciful toward religious and political Prophet wished to be merciful toward religious and political enemies enemies

Though Omar spent eighteen years in the company of Muhammad Though Omar spent eighteen years in the company of Muhammad Mustafa, the Messenger of God, the latter never appointed him to Mustafa, the Messenger of God, the latter never appointed him to any position of authority – civil or military. any position of authority – civil or military.

Omar: Shi’a Point of ViewOmar: Shi’a Point of View

Viewed Negatively in Shi'a LiteratureViewed Negatively in Shi'a Literature

Shi'a hold an opposing perspectiveShi'a hold an opposing perspective

Differing Mainly in Two PointsDiffering Mainly in Two Points

The Umayya ViewThe Umayya View

Omar’s Fatwas that ContradictOmar’s Fatwas that Contradict

Shi'a, Fatima, and her PleasShi'a, Fatima, and her Pleas

In Sermon 3, page 49In Sermon 3, page 49 Ali: Sermon of Shiqshiqiyah, Part 2Ali: Sermon of Shiqshiqiyah, Part 2

The other put it (Khilaafah) in an abrasive enclosure, where utterance was hard and the touch was rough. Mistakes were in plenty and their excuses were abundant. He is therefore, like a rider of an unruly

camel, if he pulls its rein its nostril would be slit, but if he let it loose he would be thrown off its back. As a result, (by Allah), people became involved in recklessness, waywardness, variations and objections.Nevertheless, I remained steadfast

despite the lengthy period and the harshness of the trial, …

ة • ح�و�ز� في ه�ا �ر� ف�ص�ي�م�ه�ا، �ل ك �غ�ل�ظ� ي �اء�، ن خ�ش�

�ر� �ث �ك و�ي ه�ا، م�س" ن� �خ�ش� و�ي ] �ذ�ار� ] �ع�ت و�اال ف,يه�ا �ار� الع,ث

�ه�ا، م,ن�ة,، • الص�ع�ب اك,ب, �ر� ك �ه�ا ب ف�ص�اح,

,ن� و�إ ، م� خ�ر� �ه�ا ل �ق� ن ش�� أ ,ن� إ

,ي� ف�م�ن ، �ق�ح�م� ت �ه�ا ل ل�س� س�� أ

,خ�ب�ط ب ـ الله, �ع�م�ر� ل ـ �اس� الن�و"ن �ل و�ت م�اس، و�ش,

اض ,ر� .و�اع�تط�ول, • ع�ل�ى ت� �ر� ف�ص�ب

�ة,، ن ,�مح� ال د�ة, و�ش, �م�د�ة,، . ….ال

Viewed Negatively in Shi'a LiteratureViewed Negatively in Shi'a Literature

Omar is viewed negatively in Shi'a literature and:Omar is viewed negatively in Shi'a literature and:is regarded as an unfair man of political ambitions, is regarded as an unfair man of political ambitions, a usurper of Ali's rights to Khilaafah as specified by a usurper of Ali's rights to Khilaafah as specified by Muhammad at Ghadeer Khum,Muhammad at Ghadeer Khum,and an abuser of Ali’s wife, Fatima. and an abuser of Ali’s wife, Fatima.

According to Shi'a Muslims, Fatima, wife of Ali According to Shi'a Muslims, Fatima, wife of Ali and daughter of Muhammad, was ill-treated by and daughter of Muhammad, was ill-treated by him in the event that followed Abu Bakr’s him in the event that followed Abu Bakr’s Khilaafah. Khilaafah.

These sources report that the event caused her to These sources report that the event caused her to miscarry her child and eventually led to her death soon miscarry her child and eventually led to her death soon after.after.

Shi'a Hold an Opposing PerspectiveShi'a Hold an Opposing Perspective

While Sunnis regard Omar in high esteem and respect his While Sunnis regard Omar in high esteem and respect his place as one of the "Four Righteously Guided Khalifas," place as one of the "Four Righteously Guided Khalifas," The Shi'a hold an opposing perspective of him. The Shi'a hold an opposing perspective of him.

They do not view him as a legitimate leader of the They do not view him as a legitimate leader of the UmmahUmmahand believe it to be factually provable that Omar and Abu and believe it to be factually provable that Omar and Abu Bakr conspired to usurp power from Ali. Bakr conspired to usurp power from Ali. Shi'a believe that the Sunni view of Omar is an inaccurate Shi'a believe that the Sunni view of Omar is an inaccurate one, the view was created by the Umayya dynasty one, the view was created by the Umayya dynasty to honor the man that gave power to the first Umayya to honor the man that gave power to the first Umayya ruler and third Sunni Khalifa, Uthman. ruler and third Sunni Khalifa, Uthman. In this way, it gives legitimacy to Benu Umayya, a corrupt In this way, it gives legitimacy to Benu Umayya, a corrupt one in both Shi'a and Sunni view.one in both Shi'a and Sunni view.

Differing Mainly in Two PointsDiffering Mainly in Two Points

The Shi'a view of Omar differs from the Sunni The Shi'a view of Omar differs from the Sunni view in mainly two areas. view in mainly two areas.

First, regarding his everyday character. The Sunni's First, regarding his everyday character. The Sunni's claim he was wise and just while the Shi'a describe him claim he was wise and just while the Shi'a describe him as an opportunist and usurper. as an opportunist and usurper.

Secondly, his attitudes and actions regarding the Secondly, his attitudes and actions regarding the succession to Muhammad. The Sunnis argue that he succession to Muhammad. The Sunnis argue that he acted in good faith to save the community, whilst the acted in good faith to save the community, whilst the Shi'as claim he seized the power in bad faith.Shi'as claim he seized the power in bad faith.

The Umayya ViewThe Umayya View

Shi'a believe that the Umayya view was propagated with Shi'a believe that the Umayya view was propagated with lethal force and heavy duress and as time went on,lethal force and heavy duress and as time went on,

that view became predominant that view became predominant and eventually taken as truth, and it was cemented by and eventually taken as truth, and it was cemented by the works of Bukhari. the works of Bukhari.

However, Shi'a believe that despite the perceived white However, Shi'a believe that despite the perceived white washing of Omar, washing of Omar,

bits of his true qualities can be found in all sources, bits of his true qualities can be found in all sources, including Sunni ones. including Sunni ones.

They also believe that the invented positive traits They also believe that the invented positive traits attributed to Omar do not hold on a closer scrutiny.attributed to Omar do not hold on a closer scrutiny.

Omar’s Fatwas that ContradictOmar’s Fatwas that ContradictEven though Omar did make numerous fatwas in direct violation to the Even though Omar did make numerous fatwas in direct violation to the Quran,Quran,

admitted by the Sunnis in the case of Tayammum,admitted by the Sunnis in the case of Tayammum,and even though he believed he could shape the Sunnah in the case and even though he believed he could shape the Sunnah in the case of triple talaq (divorce) and the Athan, also admitted by the Sunnis, of triple talaq (divorce) and the Athan, also admitted by the Sunnis, Shi'a believe that there are cases where even the evidence clearly Shi'a believe that there are cases where even the evidence clearly proves it, the Sunnis refuse to acknowledge that Omar made those proves it, the Sunnis refuse to acknowledge that Omar made those changes, for example in the case of Nikah Mut’ah changes, for example in the case of Nikah Mut’ah المتعة المتعة نكاح . . نكاحShi'a argue that there are only single narrations on the occasions Shi'a argue that there are only single narrations on the occasions where Muhammad supposedly forbade it, on seven contradictory where Muhammad supposedly forbade it, on seven contradictory times, times, and even though the vast majority of the Hadith related to the topic and even though the vast majority of the Hadith related to the topic unanimously claim that Omar forbade Nikah Mut’ah, unanimously claim that Omar forbade Nikah Mut’ah, even himself saying so, still the Sunnis choose to hold the few even himself saying so, still the Sunnis choose to hold the few claiming Muhammad as the one forbidding it as authentic. claiming Muhammad as the one forbidding it as authentic.

Omar’s Fatwas that ContradictOmar’s Fatwas that Contradict

In Shi'a view, this shows how deep the impact of Omar’s legacy In Shi'a view, this shows how deep the impact of Omar’s legacy is, making Sunnis accept traditions that override the Quran (4:24)is, making Sunnis accept traditions that override the Quran (4:24)The Quran says:The Quran says:

م� ك� ل� و�ا م و�� ل ك��ا و� م� و� م� و�ا م� ك� ل� ذو� و� و�ا و� �و م� ك� و� و�� ل� ك�ا و� � م� ك� �م �و و� ل �� و ا� و! و�� ل" � م� ك� ك$ و%� م& و�ا م' و� �و و �و و�(ا ل*ا ل� و+� ن, ا� و. ل ك/ و,� و0 م1 ك% م� م� و�ا ك� ل� و�ا م و�� ل ك��ا و� م� و� م� و�ا م� ك� ل� ذو� و� و�ا و� �و م� ك� و� و�� ل� ك�ا و� � م� ك� �م �و و� ل �� و ا� و! و�� ل" � م� ك� ك$ و%� م& و�ا م' و� �و و �و و�(ا ل*ا ل� و+� ن, ا� و. ل ك/ و,� و0 م1 ك% م� و�ا � و. �ل1 ل2 و+� ك و3 �م و4 و. �ل, ل0 م1 � ك و. �ل1 ل2 و+� ك و3 �م و4 و. �ل, ل0 م1 و�. ك ك5 م, ل ل ل م� ك� م6 و� م% و� م7 ا و%� و�. و2 ك5 م, ل ل ل م� ك� م6 و� م% و� م7 ا و%� ل و2 ل م� ك� �م و8 و3ا و� و%� �ل2 م� ك� �م �و و� و9 و,� ك: و(ا و� � ة; و= ل3& و2 و�. ك< و� ك:� ك�ا و�. ك< ك�� آ� ل و2 ل م� ك� �م و8 و3ا و� و%� �ل2 م� ك� �م �و و� و9 و,� ك: و(ا و� � ة; و= ل3& و2 و�. ك< و� ك:� ك�ا و�. ك< ك�� آ� و2

ة%� �ل� و� ة%� ��ل و� و� و"� و �� و ا� و�� ل*ا � ل; و= ل3& و@ م� ا Aل م6 و م. ة%� ل �ل� و� ة%� ��ل و� و� و"� و �� و ا� و�� ل*ا � ل; و= ل3& و@ م� ا Aل م6 و م. لAlso (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom

your right hands possess: your right hands possess: Thus hath Allah ordained (Prohibitions) against you: Thus hath Allah ordained (Prohibitions) against you:

Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust, marriage) with gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust,

seeing that ye derive benefit from themseeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers , give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and Allah is All-Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and Allah is All-

knowing, All-wise.knowing, All-wise.

ExplainingExplaining ,ه, ب �م� �ع�ت �م�ت ت اس� ,ه, ف�م�ا ب �م� �ع�ت �م�ت ت اس� ف�م�ا

�ه�ن� �ه�ن�م,ن م,نFamastamta-tum bihiFamastamta-tum bihi �ه�ن� م,ن ,ه, ب �م� �ع�ت �م�ت ت اس� �ه�ن� ف�م�ا م,ن ,ه, ب �م� �ع�ت �م�ت ت اس� provides for a provides for a ف�م�اtemporary marriage, known as Mut’ah temporary marriage, known as Mut’ah المتعة المتعة نكاح It has been . It has been . نكاحspecifically made lawful by the Quran and the Holy Prophet, specifically made lawful by the Quran and the Holy Prophet, therefore, this provision subsists as un-rescinded. therefore, this provision subsists as un-rescinded. One day Omar from the pulpit announced: One day Omar from the pulpit announced:

"Two Mut’as (one is the temporary marriage and the 2"Two Mut’as (one is the temporary marriage and the 2ndnd is is Mut’a of Haj) were in force during the time of the Holy Mut’a of Haj) were in force during the time of the Holy Prophet, but now I decree both of them as unlawful; and I Prophet, but now I decree both of them as unlawful; and I will punish those who practice them." will punish those who practice them." (Tafsir Kabir, Durr al-Manthur, Kashshaf, Mustadrak and (Tafsir Kabir, Durr al-Manthur, Kashshaf, Mustadrak and others). others).

According to Tirmidhi even his son, Ibn Omar, refused to According to Tirmidhi even his son, Ibn Omar, refused to agree with his father's action because Mut’ah was made agree with his father's action because Mut’ah was made lawful by Allah and His Prophet, whose pronouncements lawful by Allah and His Prophet, whose pronouncements could never be revoked by any one after him. could never be revoked by any one after him.

Shi'a, Fatima, and her PleasShi'a, Fatima, and her Pleas

Shi'a believe Omar to be the main force behind Abu Bakr's Shi'a believe Omar to be the main force behind Abu Bakr's rise to power,rise to power,

since they quote him several times stopping Abu Bakr since they quote him several times stopping Abu Bakr from giving in to Fatima's cries for justice.from giving in to Fatima's cries for justice.Omar is responsible for the election that followed after himOmar is responsible for the election that followed after himan election where Ali is quoted to view it in effect as an election where Ali is quoted to view it in effect as rigged to the extent that he could not win it, rigged to the extent that he could not win it, in practice giving away the Muslim nation to Islam's former in practice giving away the Muslim nation to Islam's former arch-enemies, the Benu Umayya, starting with Uthman arch-enemies, the Benu Umayya, starting with Uthman and continuing with Abu Sufyan's son: and continuing with Abu Sufyan's son: Mu'awiya, followed by Yazid, resulting in the slaughter of Mu'awiya, followed by Yazid, resulting in the slaughter of Benu Hashim in the battle of Karbala and ultimately the Benu Hashim in the battle of Karbala and ultimately the pillage and rape of Medina and the catapult assault on the pillage and rape of Medina and the catapult assault on the Ka'ba.Ka'ba.

Omar: Western Writers Point of ViewOmar: Western Writers Point of View

1.1. Washington IrvingWashington Irving

2.2. The Khilaafah: Its Rise, Decline, and The Khilaafah: Its Rise, Decline, and Fall Sir William MuirFall Sir William Muir

3.3. The Decline and Fall of the Roman The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon Empire, Gibbon

4.4. History of the Arabs Professor Philip History of the Arabs Professor Philip Khuri HittiKhuri Hitti

5.5. Encyclopedia Britannica Encyclopedia Britannica

Washington Irving:Washington Irving: Mahomet and His SuccessorsMahomet and His Successors

The whole history of Omar shows him to have been a man of The whole history of Omar shows him to have been a man of great powers of mind, inflexible integrity, and rigid justice. great powers of mind, inflexible integrity, and rigid justice. He was, more than anyone else, the founder of the Islamic He was, more than anyone else, the founder of the Islamic empire; empire;

confirming and carrying out the inspirations of the Prophet;confirming and carrying out the inspirations of the Prophet;aiding Abu Bakr with his counsels during his brief Khilaafah; aiding Abu Bakr with his counsels during his brief Khilaafah; and establishing wise regulations for the strict administration of and establishing wise regulations for the strict administration of the law throughout the rapidly-extending bounds of the Muslim the law throughout the rapidly-extending bounds of the Muslim conquests. conquests. The rigid hand which he kept upon his most popular generals in The rigid hand which he kept upon his most popular generals in the midst of their armies, and in the most distant scenes of their the midst of their armies, and in the most distant scenes of their triumphs, triumphs, gives signal evidence of his extra-ordinary capacity to rule. gives signal evidence of his extra-ordinary capacity to rule.

In the simplicity of his habits, and his contempt for all pomp and In the simplicity of his habits, and his contempt for all pomp and luxury, he emulated the example of the Prophet and Abu Bakr. luxury, he emulated the example of the Prophet and Abu Bakr.

Sir William Muir: Sir William Muir: The Khilaafah: Its Rise, Decline, and FallThe Khilaafah: Its Rise, Decline, and Fall

Omar's life requires but few lines to sketch. Omar's life requires but few lines to sketch. Simplicity and duty were his guiding principles; Simplicity and duty were his guiding principles; impartiality and devotion the leading features of his impartiality and devotion the leading features of his administration. administration.

Responsibility so weighed upon him that he was heard to Responsibility so weighed upon him that he was heard to exclaim:exclaim:

'O that my mother had not borne me; 'O that my mother had not borne me; would that I had been this stalk of grass instead!' would that I had been this stalk of grass instead!'

In early life, Omar was of a fiery and impatient temper, In early life, Omar was of a fiery and impatient temper, he was known, even in the later days of the Prophet, as the he was known, even in the later days of the Prophet, as the stern advocate of vengeance. stern advocate of vengeance. Ever ready to unsheathe the sword, it was he who at Badr Ever ready to unsheathe the sword, it was he who at Badr advised that the prisoners should be put to death. advised that the prisoners should be put to death. But age, as well as office, had mellowed this asperity.But age, as well as office, had mellowed this asperity.

Sir William Muir, Sir William Muir, ContinuedContinued

Omar’s sense of justice was strong. Omar’s sense of justice was strong. And except it be the treatment of Khalid, And except it be the treatment of Khalid,

whom according to some accounts, whom according to some accounts, he pursued with an ungenerous resentment,he pursued with an ungenerous resentment,no act of tyranny or injustice is recorded against him; no act of tyranny or injustice is recorded against him;

and even in this matter, his enmity took its rise in and even in this matter, his enmity took its rise in Khalid's unscrupulous treatment of fallen foe. Khalid's unscrupulous treatment of fallen foe. The choice of his captains and governors was The choice of his captains and governors was free from favoritism and …..free from favoritism and …..

Gibbon: Gibbon: The Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpireThe Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

"Yet the abstinence and humility of Omar were "Yet the abstinence and humility of Omar were not inferior to the virtues of Abu Bakr: not inferior to the virtues of Abu Bakr:

his food consisted of barley bread or dates; his food consisted of barley bread or dates; his drink was water;his drink was water;he preached in a gown that was torn or tattered in he preached in a gown that was torn or tattered in twelve places; twelve places;

Economy is the source of liberality, and the Economy is the source of liberality, and the increases of the revenue enabled Omar to increases of the revenue enabled Omar to establish a just and perpetual reward for the past establish a just and perpetual reward for the past and present services of the faithful.and present services of the faithful.

Gibbon: Gibbon: ContinuedContinued

Careless of his own emolument, Omar assigned to Abbas, the Careless of his own emolument, Omar assigned to Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet, uncle of the Prophet,

the first and most ample allowance of twenty-five thousand the first and most ample allowance of twenty-five thousand dirhams of pieces of silver. dirhams of pieces of silver. Five thousand were allotted to each of the aged warriors? Five thousand were allotted to each of the aged warriors? The relics of the field of Badr and the last and the meanest The relics of the field of Badr and the last and the meanest of the companions of Muhammad was distinguished by the of the companions of Muhammad was distinguished by the annual reward of three thousand pieces. annual reward of three thousand pieces.

Under his reign and that of his predecessor, the conquerors of Under his reign and that of his predecessor, the conquerors of the East were the trusty servants of God and the people; the East were the trusty servants of God and the people;

the mass of public treasure was consecrated to the the mass of public treasure was consecrated to the expenses of peace and warexpenses of peace and war

Philip Khuri Hitti: Philip Khuri Hitti: History of the Arabs History of the Arabs

"Simple and frugal in manner, the energetic and talented Omar who "Simple and frugal in manner, the energetic and talented Omar who was:was:

of towering height, of towering height, strong physique and strong physique and bald headed, bald headed, continued at least for some time after becoming the Khalifa to continued at least for some time after becoming the Khalifa to support himself by trade and lived throughout his life in a style as support himself by trade and lived throughout his life in a style as unostentatious as that of a Bedouin Sheikh. unostentatious as that of a Bedouin Sheikh.

In fact, Omar, whose name according to Muslim tradition is the In fact, Omar, whose name according to Muslim tradition is the greatest in early Islam after that of Muhammad, has been idolized by greatest in early Islam after that of Muhammad, has been idolized by Muslim writers for Muslim writers for

his piety, justice and patriarchal simplicity his piety, justice and patriarchal simplicity and treated as the personification of all the virtues a Khalifa ought to and treated as the personification of all the virtues a Khalifa ought to possess. possess.

Philip Khuri Hitti: Philip Khuri Hitti: ContinuedContinued

Omar endeavored incessantly to impress the merit and policy of Omar endeavored incessantly to impress the merit and policy of the same in his letters to his generals. the same in his letters to his generals.

Beware, he would say, of Persian luxury, both in food and Beware, he would say, of Persian luxury, both in food and raiment. raiment. Keep to the simple habits of your country, and Allah will Keep to the simple habits of your country, and Allah will continue you victorious; continue you victorious; depart from them, and He will reverse your fortunes. depart from them, and He will reverse your fortunes.

It was his strong conviction of the truth of this policy which made It was his strong conviction of the truth of this policy which made him so severe in punishing all ostentatious style and luxurious him so severe in punishing all ostentatious style and luxurious indulgence in his officers.indulgence in his officers.Some of his ordinances do credit to his heart as well as his Some of his ordinances do credit to his heart as well as his head. head. He forbade that any female captive who had borne a child He forbade that any female captive who had borne a child should be sold as a slave. should be sold as a slave.

Philip Khuri Hitti: Philip Khuri Hitti: ContinuedContinued

In his weekly distributions of the surplus money of his treasury, In his weekly distributions of the surplus money of his treasury, he proportioned them to the wants, not the merits of the he proportioned them to the wants, not the merits of the applicants. applicants. His irreproachable character became an exemplar for all His irreproachable character became an exemplar for all conscientious successors to follow. conscientious successors to follow.

He owned, we are told, one shirt and one mantle only, both He owned, we are told, one shirt and one mantle only, both conspicuous for their patchwork, conspicuous for their patchwork, slept on a bed of palm leaves, slept on a bed of palm leaves, and had no concern other than the maintenance of the purity and had no concern other than the maintenance of the purity of the faith, the upholding of justice and the ascendancy and of the faith, the upholding of justice and the ascendancy and security of Islam and the Arabians.security of Islam and the Arabians.Arabic literature is replete with anecdotes extolling Omar's Arabic literature is replete with anecdotes extolling Omar's stern character. stern character. He is said to have scourged his own son to death for He is said to have scourged his own son to death for drunkenness..….drunkenness..….

Encyclopedia BritannicaEncyclopedia Britannica

"To Omar's ten years' Khilaafah belong, for the most part, "To Omar's ten years' Khilaafah belong, for the most part, the great conquests. the great conquests. He himself did not take the field, but remained in Medina; He himself did not take the field, but remained in Medina; He never, however, suffered the reins to slip from his He never, however, suffered the reins to slip from his grasp, grasp,

so powerful was the influence of his personality and the so powerful was the influence of his personality and the Muslim community of feeling. Muslim community of feeling.

His political insight is shown by the fact that he His political insight is shown by the fact that he endeavored to limit the indefinite extension of Muslim endeavored to limit the indefinite extension of Muslim conquest,conquest,

to maintain and strengthen the national Arabian to maintain and strengthen the national Arabian character of the commonwealth of Islam; character of the commonwealth of Islam; also by making it his foremost task to promote law and also by making it his foremost task to promote law and order in its internal affairs. order in its internal affairs.

The Muslim Domain at Omar’s TimeThe Muslim Domain at Omar’s Time

IraqIraqSyriaSyria

AnatoliaAnatolia

EgyptEgypt

TripoliTripoli PersiaPersia

CaucusesCaucuses

In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Legacy, Views of Sunni, Shi’a, and Western Legacy, Views of Sunni, Shi’a, and Western writerswritersDiscussed in this slide show are:Discussed in this slide show are:

Sunni Point of ViewSunnis Remember OmarMost Sunnis Consider him a Strong…Some Sunni Take a more Nuanced ViewShi’a Point of ViewShi'a hold an opposing perspective of himDiffering Mainly in Two PointsThe Umayya ViewWestern writers

Finally we quote the Quran:Finally we quote the Quran:

•By the Token of Time •Verily Man is in loss,•Except those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to Truth and exhort one another to patience.

ح�من, • الر� الله, , م ,س� ب

, ح,يم الر��ع�ص�ر, و�ال

• , ا ,ن� رK الإ خ�س� �ف,ي ل ان� نس�•, �وا الإ و�ع�م,ل �وا آم�ن �ذ,ين� ال

�و�اص�و�ا و�ت ,ح�ات, الص�ال�ر, ,الص�ب ب �و�اص�و�ا و�ت Oح�ق� ,ال ب

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THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim