General Articles, - Biography, - Hazrat Umar (ra)

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Hazrat Umar (ra), the second caliph of Rasulullah (Our Messenger) (saas), was one of the closest Companions of our Prophet (saas) and was at his side from the age of 33. With the powerful character he exhibited in the face of persecution by the pagans and the profound sense of justice that spread his name across the world, he was one of the leading proponents of Islamic moral values.
Abdullah Ibn Masud described the importance of Hazrat Umar’s conversion to Islam by saying:
"Umar’s becoming a Muslim was a conquest." (Ali ibn al-Athir, Usud al-Ghabah, IV, p. 151)
Like Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar (ra) participated in all our Prophet’s (saas) battles.
Hazrat Umar was a Companion whose intelligence and foresight our Prophet (saas) trusted and made use of.
He played a significant role in the selection of Hazrat Abu Bakr as Caliph and thus putting an end to the confusion that followed the death of Rasulullah (Our Prophet) (saas), and he was the first person to swear allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr. In addition, Hazrat Umar was Hazrat Abu Bakr’s greatest helper during his caliphate.
Hazrat Umar spent all his wealth on the spread of Islam, and with his just administration he was an excellent role model for subsequent administrators. Rasulullah (Our Prophet) (saas) gave him the name of ‘Faruq,’ meaning “he who distinguishes between good and evil, truth and superstition”, and he thus became known as Umar Faruq.
Since he obeyed the injunctions of the Qur’an and the Sunna throughout his life, he was also known as “Al wakkafu indel haq (He who immediately stops and pays heed when the truth is mentioned.)”
Following the Battle of the Trench, our Prophet (saas) married Hazrat Umar’s daughter Hazrat Hafsa. Hazrat Umar thus achieved the honor of being a relative of Rasulullah (Our Prophet) (saas).
Hazrat Umar possessed a very good knowledge of genealogy, Arab family lines of descent , in other words. He learned that from his father. He was also a good wrestler. He won first prize many times in wrestling contests in the Ukas market, the largest market of Hejaz Region at that time. He was also famous for his horse- riding skills. He was very majestic, brave and strong. He was one of the few people in the time of ignorance who knew how to read and write. Hazrat Umar had a powerful way of speaking and always used the most pleasant language. His voice was deep and impressive. His superior abilities also applied to writing. The instructions and letters he wrote to his governors employed an exemplary Arabic. In battle, he was a leader who acted in a highly organized manner. Hazrat Umar knew all the routes to be taken by the armies of Islam in war and the stages involved. On arrival at the field of battle, he would ask for a map of the region and deploy his troops accordingly.
With his courage and determination, Hazrat Umar was a role model for all Muslims:
Hazrat Ali (ra) describes his migration and honorable attitude toward the pagans:
"I know none other than Umar who migrated without concealment. When he was ready to travel, he put on his sword, put his bow on his shoulder, took his arrows in his hand and went to the Kaaba. Leading members of the Quraysh were sitting in the courtyard of the Kaaba. Once he had walked around the Kaaba seven times, he performed two prayers at the rock of Abraham. He came one by one to the pagans sitting in circles and said, “Faces have been polluted. Whoever wishes to leave his mother childless, his children orphaned and his wife a widow, let him follow me in this valley.” None of them had the courage to prevent him (Suyutî, History of the Caliphs, Tarikh al-Khulafa , Beirut 1986, 130 ).
THE TIME OF HAZRAT UMAR’S CALIPHATE
When his death approached, Abu Bakr called the leading Companions together and spoke with them, following which he appointed Hazrat Umar the new Caliph.
The 10-year Caliphate of Hazrat Umar was one of the most peaceful and just periods in Islamic history, lasting from 634 to 644 AD.
Hazrat Umar treated everyone equally in his administration of justice, as required by Qur’anic moral values. He never permitted factors such as line of descent, wealth, family or station to prevent the administration of justice.
He always acted out of a deep sense of responsibility toward Muslims. Indeed, he said,
"If a camel is killed on the shores of the Euphrates, I will hold myself responsible."
A letter sent by Hazrat Umar to the religious judges of the time served as a guide for all the administrators who followed him:
"In hearing cases, never permit over-excitement, noise or belittling behavior on the part of the different sides. Because calm and majesty are essential if justice is to be done. Manifestation of the truth will lead to increased respect for Divine justice. The duty of the judge is the just distribution of the treasures of Allah's blessings and approval among His servants.” (Great History of Islam from Its Birth to the Present Day, Vol. 2 p. 109)
The time of Hazrat Umar witnessed many new developments. Syria, Iraq-Iran, Algeria and Egypt became Islamic countries. Hazrat Umar laid the foundations of the State of Islam by spreading his territories over a wide area. 1,036 large towns were captured in his time. Four thousand mosques were built. New settlements were erected in captured territories .
Other New Developments Hazrat Umar brought about for the State of Islam Include:
The first census was held in his time.
Children were paid wages.
A municipal weights and measures institution was created to prevent traders cheating their customers.
Hazrat Umar first employed night watchmen to ensure public order.
The Hijri calendar was established.
Judges working independently of governors were appointed in order to regulate judicial matters, and courts and prisons were established.
Children abandoned by their mothers were placed under protection.
Money was provided for Jews and Christians with nobody to support them.
The words “Es-salatü hayrun min-en-nevm,” meaning, “prayer is better than sleep”, were added to the morning call to prayer.
Sermons were initiated for instruction in mosques.
THE PEACE AND JUSTICE THAT HAZRAT UMAR BROUGHT TO PALESTINE
The greatest milestone in the history of Palestine was the conquest of the region in 637 by Islamic armies under the command of Hazrat Umar. Hazrat Umar’s entry into Jerusalem and the extraordinary maturity and kindness he showed to members of different faiths thereafter foretold the beginning of a glorious age.
After its capture by Hazrat Umar, Muslims, Christians and Jews in Jerusalem lived together in peace and tranquility for hundreds of years. Muslims never compelled anyone to convert, but many non-Muslims who saw that Islam is the true faith did indeed choose to become Muslims of their own free will.
Places of worship in captured territories were scrupulously protected in the time of Hazrat Umar. Abu Yusuf described this fact:
"All places of worship were left as they were. They were not demolished, and the defeated were not deprived of their property or possessions." (Abu Yusuf, Kitab al- Kharaj; The Administration of the State under Islam, Abul A'la Al-Mawdudi, Hilal Press, 1967, p. 74)
Hazrat Umar was martyred as he prayed in the last month of 645.
WHAT OUR PROPHET (SAAS) SAID ABOUT HAZRAT UMAR
O Muslims! This is Umar Ibni Hattab. He is a great Migrant and Helper of migrants. I have taken him as my assistant and counselor. He is so worthy that he admits and speaks the truth even if it is painful. He never seeks to avoid criticism in matters involving Allah’s command and prohibitions. Satan flees from him. Stone and iron melt in the face of his majesty. He is a person praised by the dwellers in Paradise.
Abu Bakr is the pillar of the religion. Umar is the lock on corruption. There can be no corruption so long as Umar is alive.
“When satan sees Umar Ibn Hattab he will fall on his face from his majesty!”
WISE ADVICE FROM HAZRAT UMAR (RA)
Call your earthly passions to account before you are called to account. Weight your earthly passions before you are weighed. Prepare for that greatest of days when you will come to Allah with nothing hidden.
The person I love most is he who tells me my mistakes and flaws.
Justice is the foundation of property.
The most powerful victory is piety.
One of Hazrat Umar’s most frequently recited prayers was “O Allah! Make all my deeds pure and unsullied for Your approval. Involve nothing other than Your approval.”

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M

Marital Life, - Entering the marital bond –II: The marriage contract

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The necessary components of the marital process:
This article, discusses some of the important issues to consider when entering the bond of marriage. This includes the marriage contract and witnesses to the marriage. It is imperative to remember that whatever endeavor a person engages in, his or her intention should be purely for the sake of Allaah, Almighty. For something as serious as marriage, this should be obvious. The correct intention will ensure that the union is blessed by Allaah and protected from difficulty and tribulation. Our sole purpose in life should be to seek the pleasure of Allaah in all that we do. If this goal were the focus, we would see many happy, smiling married couples.
1. The marriage contract
The marriage contract is a necessary component in the marital process. Marriage itself is actually considered to be a contract agreed upon by the two parties. It is a binding, permanent agreement that can only be broken through the process of divorce.
It should be entered with seriousness, and as with any contract, the best attempt should be made to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities due to the other party.
All scholars agree that the offer by one party and acceptance by the other is an essential part of the marriage contract. Most of these scholars also say that the offer must be from the woman’s side )the Wali - the guardian or one who represents him( and the acceptance from the man during the process of the contract. The majority of the scholars also say that it is necessary to have the presence of both the prospective husband and the Wali during the process. The actual presence of the woman to be wed is external to the whole process.
It is essential to mention here that the consent of the Wali is a condition without which the contract is void.
The marriage contract itself may simply be in spoken form, although it may also be completed through writing. Any wording that clarifies the intention and goals of the contract would be acceptable. It is important to mention that when the contract is entered into, the aspects pertaining to marriage in the Sharee’ah )Islamic Law( become binding upon each person, regardless of whether or not they are stated in the contract. These aspects would include the rights and responsibilities of each party, such as the husband providing sustenance for his wife and the wife being obedient toward her husband and so forth.
Certain customs that are known and accepted by everyone can also take the status of law and be considered binding on the parties. These, of course, would only be acceptable if they do not contradict the Sharee’ah. Some examples may be the custom of the husband providing furniture for the house or the bride being taken to the home of the groom.
Other stipulations may be added to the marriage contract if both parties agree. These conditions cannot contradict the Sharee’ah nor can they bring harm to anyone. The primary purpose of these additions should be to avoid any conflict or hardship in the future.
Those who accept the stipulations must complete the condition or the husband or wife has right to nullify the marriage. Allaah Says )what means(:“O believers, fulfill the contracts.”]Quran; 5:1[
The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:“The Muslims must act upon their stipulations.”]Abu Daawood and Al-Haakim[. It is necessary to mention that some scholars are of the opinion that additional conditions cannot be added to the marriage contract.
2. Presence of witnesses
The majority of scholars agree that the presence of two witnesses is an obligatory aspect of the marital contract. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:“There is no marriage save with a guardian and two )just( witnesses.”]Al-Bayhaqi[
The witnesses must be just and righteous, and also adult, mature and sane. Most scholars state that the witnesses must be male, although Abu Haneefah, may Allaah be pleased with him, is of the opinion that it is allowed to have one male and two females. The witnesses must also be Muslim between two Muslims. )Abu Haneefah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, allows for non-Muslims witnesses if the marriage is to a non-Muslim woman(.
The reason for having Muslim witnesses is that the contract is a serious one and is considered to be a religious contract.
Conclusion
As a woman eagerly prepares for her wedding day, buying clothes and accessories, beautifying herself, informing family and friends, she should reflect on the serious nature of the contract that she is about to enter. It is a lifelong, binding contract that entails many duties and responsibilities. She should become aware of the elements that are necessary for completion of this bond )as outlined above and in the previous article( as detailed in Sharee’ah, and learn about her role as a wife and companion. She should also be informed about the rights that are due to her from her husband. It is a beautiful reciprocal relationship in which the rights of one party become the responsibility of the other. There are many books available on this topic and it would be wise to read some of these as part of the preparation. In Islam, it is not enough to just get married. One must have the knowledge to enter the union with wisdom and understanding and a deep commitment to making it successful.
Equipped with the right intention and knowledge, there should be little room left for Satan to nudge between the man and woman who have promised to love and honor each other all the days of their lives… and in the Sight of Allaah.

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M

Marital Life, - Preparing for puberty

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Learn why it is so important to talk to your child about sexuality from an Islamic perspective, and how you can help take the lows out of growing-up.
Talking to teenager about sexuality
Your child has just turned 11 years old; over time you begin to notice subtle changes in the way that she looks, acts, and talks. Her body begins to show signs of maturation, she is rather moody, and conversations with her seem to be more adult-like. Your child, or rather ‘young lady’, is just now entering the first stages of puberty and experiencing the wonderful changes that it brings. As a parent, it is important to prepare your child for this phase of life, and it is also crucial from the Islamic perspective. Once she has reached puberty, she will no longer be considered a child free of responsibility. Instead, she will be an adult with all of the obligations of Islam placed upon her. Spiritually, her relationship with Allaah will grow and develop, and she will be accountable for all of her choices, actions, and intentions.
Although we are able to train our youth for the religious and spiritual aspects of this phase, we often neglect to teach them about another important element – sexuality. Our neglect may be due to shyness, discomfort, fear, or worry, but it is something that must be done for the sake of our youth. Young adult Muslims have actually related that they wished someone )i.e., a parent, relative, Imaam( would have spoken to them about the Islamic perspective on sexuality and dealing with the opposite gender. They have so many questions about this new passage in their life, but are often afraid to ask. It is imperative that Muslim parents discuss with and educate their youth on this issue; otherwise their child may turn to other sources that are likely to be un-Islamic. It is actually the responsibility of parents to undertake this task, as it is part of the overall education, or training of a child. We must also consider how much our involvement will benefit our youth, because adequate preparation for the changes they are about to experience will lessen their worry, anxiety, and fear.
What should you say?
The following are some key points to consider when imparting information about sexuality to youth, and are also good points to draw on when discussing it with them.
1. Sexuality is a beautiful gift from Allaah
Sexuality is a blessing given to us from Allaah, Almighty. It is obviously for the purpose of procreation, but it is a mercy from Allaah, Almighty, that there is also enjoyment and satisfaction that comes with it. The relationship between man and woman in all spheres highlights Allaah’s Graciousness. Allaah, Almighty, Says )what means(:“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.”]Quran 30: 21[
Thus, sexuality is one component in a loving and affectionate relationship between husband and wife. It is not something shameful or disgraceful, but is rather part of Allaah’s wondrous, universal plan.
2. Sexuality is a test and also a responsibility
Although sexuality is a gift from Allaah, along with many other things in life, it is also a test and it entails responsibility. Allaah, Almighty, determines, at the age of puberty, that an individual is ready for this test. The test determines whether or not a person will submit to Allaah and His laws in this sphere of life. To pass this test, the satisfaction of one’s sexual urge must be fulfilled in pure and legitimate ways )within the bond of marriage(; to fail the test is to engage in illegitimate sexual relations and those actions and thoughts leading up to it. There are strict guidelines in the Sharee’ah )Islamic Law( for our sexual life, even in relation to other issues such as Hijaab, privacy and our social behavior. Many of these are a means of prevention, which is the most effective mechanism. This matter is a very serious one, and should be treated as such, for the consequences are quite severe if it is neglected.
3. Sexuality and marriage are inseparable
To assist in successful completion of the test, Allaah, Almighty, through His Mercy, has provided legitimate means to satisfy sexual desire. Marriage is strongly emphasized in Islam for this reason )as well as many others( as indicated in the following Prophetic narrations. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever marries has completed half of his faith; so let him have fear of Allaah in the remaining half.”]At-Tabaraani[ He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, also said:“He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him to lower his gaze )from looking at forbidden things and other women( and save his private parts )from committing illegal sexual acts( and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to observe fasting, as fasting will diminish his sexual power.”]Al-Bukhaari[
Islam encourages marriage as a legal sexual outlet and as a shield and protection from immorality. Marriage should not be postponed, as is common practice in this time, particularly if the youth has strong sexual desire. The fulfillment and satisfaction of this desire is one of the main purposes of marriage, and it should not be postponed or suppressed for the sake of further education or reaching a certain age, especially if the temptation for illicit relations is present.

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M