Saturday, February 23, 2019 / 0 Comment(s)
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Hazrat Umar (RA) was the second caliph of Islam and his rule was the golden age of Islam. He ruled for a long term of ten years and fully followed the ways of the Holy Prophet (SAWW). It was because of his firm adherence to the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) which aided him to rule with such discipline and subdue the powerful Persian and Byzantine empires.
Hazrat Umar (RA) was going to assassinate Holy Prophet (SAWW) when on his way he met Saad bin Abi Waqas (RA) who told him that Hazrat Umar’s (RA) sister and brother-in-law have accepted Islam. So, Hazrat Umar (RA) went to both of them and on reading the verses of the Quran there, he was moved. Hazrat Umar (RA) went to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and accepted Islam. His acceptance of Islam was a serious blow to the Quraish.
Hazrat Umar (RA) then served a lot for the purpose of Islam and became second caliph of Islam after the death of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) in his life during his illness consulted the shura about the next caliph and gave his decision in the favour of Hazrat Umar (RA).
The system of government during the rule of Hazrat Umar (RA) was based on democratic principles. Three types of shura also used to work in the time of the second caliph of Islam. Also, freedom of opinion was a practice in Hazrat Umar’s (RA) reign. The provincial administration was also managed as governors are appointed in different provinces like Hijaz, Syria, Iran, Iraq and many more.
The judicial functions were also managed effectively and were entrusted to the qadis (judges). The judges were free of any pressure and paid good salaries to avoid the curse of bribery. Moreover, the department of education was also set up to educate the Muslims. The schools were located in the mosques and their teachers were also paid good salaries.
Furthermore, the office of Bait-ul-Mal was enlarged and Jizya (indemnity or defence tax) was also regulated. Also, care of poor and disabled persons was taken by the state via stipends. Construction of mosques and office buildings also took place in the time of Hazrat Umar (RA).
In the time of Hazrat Umar (RA), Muslim Empire was expanded by conquering Syria, Egypt, Jerusalem and many other places. This made Muslim Empire big and showed that they are very powerful.
Hazrat Umar (RA) in his rule ordered his commanders to invite people to Islam first and not to start war before the invitation. Also, a proper method of preaching Islam was adopted as Hazrat Umar (RA) commanded Muslims to establish their own quarters and present the practical idea of Islam to the people.
The rule of the second caliph of Islam is an example for the Muslim leaders of today. With discipline, merit and strictly following the orders of Allah and sunnat of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), Hazrat Umar (RA) made his ruling period as the Golden Age of Islam.
