Al-Farooq: The Life of Omar the Great, Second Caliph of Islam

by Shibli Nomani, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (Translator)

In this landmark work of Islamic literature, Shibli Nomani tells the epic story of Omar "The Great", second Caliph of Islam. Regarded as the architect of the Islamic empire, Omar established a model political structure that would hold together the growing empire for centuries.

Nomani delves into Omar's reputation as one of history's great conquerors and political geniuses, while also examining his pious and just nature, which earned him the title Al-Farooq ("the one who distinguishes between right and wrong").

Under Omar's leadership, the empire expanded at an unprecedented rate ruling the whole Sassanid Persian Empire and more than two thirds of the Eastern Roman Empire. As a leader, Omar was known for his simple, austere lifestyle. Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected by the rulers of the time, he continued to live much as he had when Muslims were poor and persecuted.

The book consists of two parts: the first deals the events embracing the lifetime of Omar as well as his political achievements, while the second is a detailed examination of his system of government, both political and ecclesiastical, as well as his intellectual attainments, personal virtues and habits.

Author and renowned Islamic scholar Shibli Nomani undertook an extensive study of the subject through several years of research in many of the great libraries of the day, including Istanbul, Beirut, Alexandria, Paris, Berlin and London. The result is what many consider to be the definitive biography of Omar "The Great".

Upon publication, the book was hailed as a major event in the history of Islamic literature. Originally published in India and written in urdu, the book was quickly translated into several other languages. Celebrated Pakistani writer and activist Maulana Zafar Ali Khan published the English translation in 1900.

Genres: Islam, History, Religion, Biography, Nonfiction

485 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Shibli Nomani was an islamic scholar from Indian subcontinent during British Raj. He was born at Bindwal in Azamgarh district of present-day Uttar Pradesh.

He is best known for his deeply researched books on Islamic history, including renowned biographies on Islam's holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Omar the Great (RA), and other significant muslims.

While working on his masterwork, Sirat-Un-Nabi (one of the most highly regarded biographies of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Nomani passed away at the age of 57. While he was only able to complete the first two volumes, his disciple, Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, made use of the ample research materials left behind by Nomani and added his own work to complete the remaining five volumes of the work.

In addition to his writing, Nomani was also known for the founding the Shibli National College in 1883 and the Darul Mussanifin in Azamgarh. He further distinguished himself as a poet and versatile scholar in Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Turkish and Urdu.

Reviews

[Muhammad Abdullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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This is a wonderful biography written by Allama Shibli Nomani about the life of the companion of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Second Caliph of Islam Hazat Omar(May Allah be pleased with him). His full name was OMAR IBN KHATAB . His life is a bright candle for the people especially Muslims. He is the closest friends of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and one of the most elegant personality of Islam after the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He served Islam in many ways throughout his life. He ruled over about 2,251,030 sq. miles of area. But led a very simple life which in case is a very rare example of all times. He established the system of Police, Post office, Army record, Census, Canal system for agriculture and other daily needs, Scholarships, Judge and Courts, and many more. Even in current age, many advanced countries add a section named "Omar Laws" in their Constitutions.

This book is divided into two parts. The FIRST PART deals with the stories of Harzat Omar (RA) life (from birth to death) and the situation of conquest countries in his 10 years regime. The SECOND PART talks about his services in political and religious affairs, his personal ethics and his literally wonders and his love for literature. This second part is the GEM of the book. I highly recommend this book to all.



A MUST READ BIOGRAPHY OF A GREAT PERSONALITY.

[Sameem Islam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So a rider from the enemies was sent to give the king's message to Khalifa. The rider (messenger) was expecting a huge castle, a line of knights and a very expensive dress. He ride on all roads of Madina but there was no such thing like a castle. Confused, he asked the people where is your king?

The people said, he is not a king he is our Khalifa, he wear what we wear, he eat what we eat and even for a moment if he may start to think that he is our king, its his own orders to kill him.

Umer Al Farooq, greatest conquer of the world was sleeping without any security in the desert under a date tree using a stone as a couch.

The rider said, our rulers cannot sleep even in their castle without massive security that can protect them from there own people. The only possible reason Umer R.A can sleep fearlessly is that he is just.

A very well written book about the greatest ruler of the world, a sound politician, a military genius, and above all, the beloved companion of holy prophet.

The book tell us that what should be the system of the government and what should be the acts a ruler must adopt.

This book spread some light on the golden history of the world when the first welfare state of the world was formed and successfully operated for more than 20 years.

[Asim Bakhshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it again after something like two decades and its still refreshing and enlightening. Shibli pretty much transformed the view of religious history in subcontinent by introducing the critical approach. I'll surely plan to revisit his other classics such as Ilm-ul-Kalam, Al-Mamun and Sher-e-Ajam.

[Babar Iqbal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best autobiographical accounts of one of the greatest companions of the Prophet & one of the greatest,simplest & just ruler the world has ever witnessed.
The author has touched on every aspect of Hazrat Umar 's (r.a) life and very beautifully sketched his simple life as a ruler who devoted all his time & energies to the service of his people.
The contributions of Hazrat umar in every field such as establishment of police,and opening of courts all over his kingdom,fixing a monthly allowance to evry woman and new born baby..etc..
A must read for every one who want to glimpse into the extraordinary life of second caliph of Islam and his contribution

[Usama Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best biography I have ever read. Allama Shibli Nomani wrote this more than a century ago but his words, writing style and thorough research before writing the book amazes me.

Allama read countless books. Visited different countries to gather as many material as he could. It's hard to imagine the resources and time Allama spend specially when we have Internet in the palm of our hand.

I would read it again for sure.

[Daniyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accurate and meticulous biography of the second Caliph of Islam.

[Sadeem Sajid · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is generally an amazing book to read, especially a book to clarify important points of concern in Islamic history, such as the incident of Qartas. However, at some points, the historical narrative did feel inconsistent and contradictory. Moreover, the author paid a little too much attention to the excruciating details of battles and conquest, so it felt like an historical account of Omar's "time" rather than Omar's life. I think the author should have focused more on Hazrat Omar as a personality. Just an opinion.

[Farhan Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one out there on the Biography of Syedna Umer Farooq R.A.

[Sundus · Rating 5 out of 5]

السّابقون الأوّلون ہونا کیا ھے؟ کیسا ھے؟
یہ پڑھ کے جاننا چاہئے۔ ہدایت کے آسمان کے یہ روشن ستارے اتنے بلند مقام ہیں کہ انسان اس نصیب پر ہی کافی شکر نہیں ادا کرسکتا کہ یہ ستارے ہمارے ہیں ۔۔۔کہ یہ ہمارے آسمان کے نصیب میں آئے۔ ❤️
عمر ابن الخطاب وہ ہیں کہ ان کی شخصیت میں سب کے سیکھنے کے لئے بہت کچھ ھے۔

"سیدُ القومِ خادِمُھُم" عمر ابن الخطاب۔

[Niaz Hussain]

Niaz

[Syed Bilal]

👌

[Maryam Babar]

Mmm

[Rahid Iqbal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

[Arman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book

[Imran Majeed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great Muslim author

[Muhammad Haroon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authentic book on Hazrat Umer (RA).

[Namira Siddique · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful book. It shows how moral, dedicated, honest, and hardworking Hazrat Umar (R.A), the Second, was. There wasn't a moment that he thought about himself, or his own needs. Our leaders are highly recommended to read it, and use it as a guide for governance.

[Tariq]

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