Hazrat Umar (RA) was the second pious caliph of Islam and he ruled Muslims for a great time period. The era of Caliph Umar (RA) was a great time for Muslims. The Islamic Empire was expanded in his time and most importantly Persian Empire was badly defeated by the Muslim army of the second pious caliph of Islam. However, the martyrdom of Caliph Umar (RA) is also a part of his era and Islamic history about which we will talk in this blog.
As stated earlier, in the era of Caliph Umar (RA), Muslims badly defeated the Persian Empire which also made some Persians the enemies of Caliph Umar (RA). Hormuzan was one of those Persians who supported the assassination of Caliph Umar (RA). He was actually the Persian military officer who was taken into imprisonment by Muslims in one battle. He backed Abu Lulu Feroz in assassinating Caliph Umar (RA).
Abu Lulu Feroz was actually a Persian soldier who was captured in Battle of Qadisiyyah by the Muslims. Later he became slave of Hazrat Mughirah (RA). Abu Lulu Feroz was a blacksmith and had other talents as well. In that time, the slaves used to give tax to their owners; the slaves used to earn. Hazrat Mughirah (RA) also used to take tax from Abu Lulu Feroz but Abu Lulu was not happy from that taxation as according to him, Hazrat Mughirah (RA) was taking tax from him more than he could give.
Abu Lulu Feroz came to Caliph Umar (RA) and complained to him about Hazrat Mughirah (RA) that he was taking tax from him unfairly. On this, Caliph Umar (RA) enquired from him about his capabilities. Abu Lulu stated that he’s a blacksmith and can do many other things too; he listed his capabilities. Caliph Umar (RA) then said to him that he has many talents so it is not unfair if Hazrat Mughirah (RA) is charging little more tax on him (we can note here that one with more abilities can earn more and give more tax ultimately). On this Abu Lulu Feroz left with malice in his heart against Hazrat Umar (RA). One viewpoint says that Caliph Umar (RA) planned to enquire from Hazrat Mughirah (RA) about this matter.
With malice in his heart against the second pious caliph of Islam, Abu Lulu Feroz planned to assassinate him. According to Dr Israr, Abu Lulu was backed by Hormuzan to do so. Persians are people with high nationalism and hating a person who destroyed their empire can be connected with their this national character of giving importance to their race and nation.
Thus, the assassination of Caliph Umar (RA) was planned and he was attacked by Abu Lulu Feroz at the time of Fajr prayer. He stabbed Caliph Umar (RA) which wounded him and then Abu Lulu tried to escape but people captured him. On this, Abu Lulu Feroz killed himself. Moreover, Caliph Umar (RA) received martyrdom due to assault and wounds. Caliph Umar (RA) was buried alongside Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) after taking permission to do so from Hazrat Ayesha (RA).
Hazrat Umar (RA) was one of the great personalities of Islamic history. His acceptance of Islam, journey with Prophet (SAWW), support of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and his own caliphate tell us inspirational stories about the second pious caliph of Islam. He was surely a just ruler who took great care of his people. Caliph Umar (RA) also built institutions in Islamic Empire and took it towards development. He surely maintained discipline in the empire. Lastly, the martyrdom of Caliph Umar (RA) is an incident in history we must know about.
