hazrat Umar as caliph

Chapter 3: The Four Rightly-Guided Caliphs and their Importance as Leaders

The Second Rightly-Guided Caliph: Umar bin Al-Khattab

Duration of Caliphate: 10 years (634-644 C.E.)
AH: 13-23

Election for the Caliphate

Abu Bakr, during his illness, was concerned about his succession and carefully thought about his choice for successor. He decided to nominate Omar and presented this proposal to the leading Companions who agreed. After calling Uthman, Abu Bakr dictated his verdict regarding Umar's nomination.
After assuming the office as Caliph, Umar addressed the Muslims gathered in Masjid-e-Nabwi, stating:
"O you faithful! Abu Bakr is no more amongst us. After having led us for about two years, he has returned to His Creator. He has the satisfaction that he has successfully piloted the ship of the Muslim state to safety after negotiating the stormy sea. He successfully waged the apostasy wars, and thanks to him, Islam is now supreme in Arabia. Islam is now on the move, and we are carrying on Jihad in the name of Allah against the mighty empires of Byzantine and Persia. In the performance of my duties, I will seek guidance from the Qur'an and will follow the examples set by the Prophet and Abu Bakr. In this task, I seek your assistance. If I follow the right path, follow me. If I deviate from the right path, correct me so that we are not led astray."
The title "Ameer-ul-Momineen" (Commander of the Believers) was first used by the people of Kufah (Iraq) to refer to Umar. Umar questioned how this title came about and remarked that it was an attractive term that symbolized the office he held. Following a meeting with the Shura, he formally adopted the title.

Battles Fought During the Caliphate of Umar

Conquest of Iraq and Iran

The conquest of Iraq was initiated during Abu Bakr's caliphate. Under the command of Khalid bin Waleed, half the army was sent to Syria, leaving Musanna bin Haritha to command the remaining troops in Iraq.
Bahman Jadooya, the Persian commander, attacked the Muslims when he learned of the troop division. Musanna countered the attack but needed additional troops. He traveled to Madinah to seek help from Umar. By the time he arrived, Abu Bakr had passed away but had urged Umar to assist Musanna.
When the people pledged loyalty to Umar, he took advantage of the situation to encourage participation in the Persian campaigns. Abu Ubaidah bin Saqifi answered this call, leading his tribe to support the Muslim forces.

The Conquest of Persia

At this time, Rustam, the commander-in-chief of the Persian army, had recaptured the districts of Iraq from Muslims and sent two large armies under commanders Jaban and Narsi.

  1. The Battle of Namaraq

    • Abu Ubaidah's first battle against Jaban resulted in a significant Muslim victory. Jaban was captured by a Muslim soldier; however, after a deal was struck for his release, Abu Ubaidah honored the soldier's promise. Consequently, the fleeing Persians joined forces with Narsi, who was also defeated. These victories had lasting impacts on local chiefs, who pledged loyalty to Abu Ubaidah.

  2. The Battle of Jasr/Bridge

    • After losses in earlier battles, Rustam gathered a vast army to confront the Muslims. As the Muslims crossed the Euphrates via a boat bridge, they encountered a challenging terrain and fierce resistance, including war elephants. With heavy casualties, particularly among the Muslims—four thousand drowned—the battle saw mixed results despite valiant efforts.

  3. The Battle of Buwaib

    • Following the losses at Jasr, Umar was disheartened but sent reinforcements. In a desperate fight, the Muslims faced Mehran's forces and, after identifying their leader and killing him, routed the Persians who suffered significant deaths while trying to flee.

  4. The Battle of Qadisiya

    • Following extensive unrest in Persia, Rustam prepared another offensive against the Muslims. Despite Umar wanting to lead the army, he delegated command to Sad bin Abi Waqas. Employing strategies that included peace offerings, the battle raged fiercely. Rustam was ultimately killed, leading to the Muslims' significant victory and the capture of the sacred Durfash-i-Kawayani flag.

  5. The Conquest of Madain (Ctesiphon)

    • Following the victory at Qadisiya, Muslim forces approached Madain, and upon crossing the Tigris, they caught the defenders off guard, leading to an immediate capitulation. The Muslims acquired a vast treasure trove.

  6. The Battle of Jalula

    • After Madain, the Muslims faced a defensive Persian position at Jalula. Appointed commander Hashim ibn Uthba successfully laid siege to the city, which resulted in eventual capitulation after seven months.

  7. The Conquest of Khuzestan

    • Abu Musa Ash'ari’s governance of the newly founded city Basra enabled further advancements in Khuzestan, culminating in the capture of Ahvaz and Susa, and ultimately the area was solidified under Muslim control when Hurmazan surrendered.

  8. The Battle of Nahawand

    • Yazdgard, having escaped to Khurasan, mobilized a vast army in an attempt to reclaim lost territories. He faced a decisive defeat at Nahawand, losing many troops and leading to the expansive grasp of Muslim territory throughout Iran.

Wars with the Byzantines

Initial conquests in Syria were ongoing during Abu Bakr’s reign, culminating in numerous battles under Umar's leadership.

  1. The Conquest of Damascus

    • After an initial siege led by Khalid and Abu Ubaidah, the city fell after a daring tactic during the celebration of a governor's son’s birth led to the Muslim forces breaching the walls during a moment of surprise.

  2. The Conquest of Homs (Emesa)

    • Following the conquest of Damascus, the siege of Homs witnessed a decisive victory for the Muslims, with additional cities being taken in the process.

  3. The Battle of Yarmuk

    • In the dramatic confrontation, the Byzantine forces suffered total defeat with heavy losses, enabling the Muslims under the command of Khalid bin Waleed to confirm dominance over the region.

  4. The Conquest of Jerusalem

    • Following a prolonged siege, the surrender of Jerusalem was executed under terms that ensured the protection of the city's inhabitants; Umar visited the city personally to finalize the treaty and emphasized the importance of religious tolerance.

The Egyptian Campaign

In 18 A.H., Amr bin al-Aas proposed the campaign against Egypt. After initial engagements causing significant casualties, the siege of Alexandria effectively concluded the Byzantine rule in the region. Amr bin al-Aas established Fustat, the future capital of Egypt, marking a significant transition into Islamic governance.

Challenges Faced During Umar's Caliphate

The Famine

The dramatic famine of 17 A.H. led Umar to seek relief by coordinating food supplies from neighboring provinces. after the rains improved conditions, Umar personally supervised rehabilitative efforts.

The Great Plague

The severe plague outbreak during 17-18 A.H. decimated populations across multiple regions, including the Muslim army; measures were taken to contain the epidemic while managing the aftermath, including benefiting from lessons learned to prevent future spread.

Umar’s Assassination and Legacy

Umar was fatally wounded by Abu Lulu Firoz, leading to a period of three days before he succumbed to his injuries. Even in death, Umar's actions reflected his dedication to justice and responsibility towards the people under his rule. His character during his caliphate exemplified unyielding dedication to justice, accountability, and compassion, solidifying his legacy.

Main Achievements During the Caliphate of Umar

Political and Judicial Reforms

Umar succeeded in establishing a structured administrative and judicial framework, including separate military and civil administrative duties, and a system for accountability among governors.

  • Establishment of Bait-ul-Maal: Centralized public treasury allowing for systematic financial governance aligned with the expanding Muslim territories.

  • Military Organization: Transition to a standing army with fixed stipends, military centers, and barracks for enhanced readiness.

  • Education System: Promoted Qur'an instruction, made Arabic language mandatory, and established teacher salaries.

  • Rights of Non-Muslims (Zimmis): Established protections for non-Muslim residents, ensuring their rights were preserved while integrating them into the expanding Islamic state.

  • Abolition of Slavery: He sought to enhance the status of slaves and ultimately abolished slavery in Arabia by preventing any individual from being made a slave.

Umar’s caliphate is lauded as a golden era characterized by expansion, justice, and social reform. His balanced leadership remains influential in shaping Islamic administrative principles and humanitarian conduct.

Remarkable Personal Traits

Umar's character displayed an adherence to humility, equality, and accountability; he interacted closely with his subjects, valuing their contributions and well-being. His moral and ethical considerations guided his decisions as a leader, ensuring that his legacy resonated throughout Islamic history.

Quote: "Even if a dog dies hungry at the bank of the Euphrates, Umar will be responsible for dereliction of duty."
Final Note: Umar was held in high esteem not merely for military conquests but for his transformative impact on governance and society, promoting justice and integrity across the growing Islamic empire.