“May Allah SWT bless the man who says less and does more” Presentation By Sami Khan

Childhood Umar was born in Mecca to the Banu Adi clan. His father was Khattab ibn Nufayl and his mother was Hantama bint Hisham. He is said to have belonged to a middle-class family. In his youth he used to tend to his father's camels in the plains near Mecca. His merchant father was very intelligent. Umar himself said: "My father, Al- Khattab was a ruthless man. He used to make me work hard; if I didn't work he used to beat me and he used to work me to exhaustion.”[ Even thought many people could not read and write back then, Umar learned to read and write in his youth. Though not a poet himself, he developed a love for poetry and literature. According to the tradition of Quraish, while still in his teenage years, Umar learned martial arts, horse riding and wrestling. He was tall, physically powerful and a renowned wrestler. He was also a gifted speaker who succeeded his father as an mediator among the tribes. Umar became a merchant and made several journeys to Rome and Persia, where he is said to have met various scholars and analyzed Roman and Persian societies.

Accepting Islam and Becoming Muslim Umar converted to Islam in 616, one year after the Migration to Abyssinia. Verily, I am Allah: there is no God but Me; so serve Me (only), and establish regular prayer for My remembrance (Quran 20:14). According to many sources, he was 39 years old when he accepted Islam. He did not tell many people that he had converted.

Fighting For The Sake of Islam  In 624 Umar participated in the first battle between Muslims and Quraish of Mecca i.e., the Battle of Badr.  In 625 he took part in the Battle of Uhud. After the battle of Badr was over, the Prophet (SAW), asked some of his close companions their opinions about what should be done with the enemy soldiers that the Muslims had taken as prisoners. One very close companion of the Prophet (SAW), Abu-Bakr, said that Muslims should accept a sum of money in exchange for which these men should be set free and allowed to go home.

Fighting For The Sake of Islam  In 624 Umar participated in the first battle between Muslims and Quraish of Mecca i.e., the Battle of Badr.  In 625 he took part in the Battle of Uhud. After the battle of Badr was over, the Prophet (SAW), asked some of his close companions their opinions about what should be done with the enemy soldiers that the Muslims had taken as prisoners. One very close companion of the Prophet (SAW), Abu-Bakr, said that Muslims should accept a sum of money in exchange for which these men should be set free and allowed to go home.

Conquering Nations

Recognition in Islam He is known by the title “Al-Farooq”, which means: “the one by whom truth and falsehood can be separated and distinguished”. His embracing Islam in Makkah, a few years before the battle of Badr, was itself a great support to the tiny group of Muslims. His prestige amongst the citizens of Makkah was such that the oppressed Muslims found great support when Umar openly declared his belief in Islam. Many of the Muslims in those days were from the lower ranks of society, such as poor people and slaves, and it was only after Umar’s acceptance of Islam that they prayed together for the first time openly and publicly.

Relationship with Abu Bakr (RA) Umar and Abu-Bakr (RA) were probably the two closest companions of the Holy Prophet SAW). He was often seen discussing various issues with them, and seeking their opinions on matters concerning the Muslims (as in the story quoted above from Badr). Umar’s God-given perceptiveness and deep insight is confirmed by the following statement of Prophet Mohammad (SAW): “Amongst the people preceding you there used to be Muhaddithun persons who can guess things that come true later on, as if those persons have been inspired by a divine power), and if there are any such persons amongst my followers, it is Umar bin Al-Khattab” (recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari).

Caliphate After the death of the first Khalifah, Abu-Bakr (RA), Umar was made the leader of the Muslims, and in his reign, the Islamic empire grew even more, and many lands were conquered under his leadership. After serving the Muslims and the faith of Islam for many years, Allah finally honored him with Shahadaah (martyrdom). May Allah be ever pleased with this staunch believer and lover of Islam.

Spreading Islam During Caliphate Umar's caliphate is notable for its many conquests. His generals conquered Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kirman, Seistan, Khurasan, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt, and incorporated them into the empire of the Muslims. All of these were permanent conquests. The Romans lost Syria, Palestine and Egypt for ever; and in Persia, the Sassani empire ceased to exist.

Short Story of Umar Ibn Al Khattab (RA) If you are interested in learning about our Caliph Umar Ibn Al Khattab, I encourage you to watch this. It is a small piece of his life and his hard work to spread Islam for the sake of Allah’s SWT pleasure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D6M8Lzjzqs

“Praise Allah, for by praise His blessings multiply “Praise Allah, for by praise His blessings multiply.” - Umar Ibn Al Khattab