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Umar Ibn Al-Khattab
The second caliph of the Muslims and a close Companion of the noble Prophet, Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, strengthened Islam through his courage and actions. This book tells the story of Umar for young readers presenting his key achievements and milestones in his life. Umar ibn al-Khattab wandered the streets at night to find people in need, he personally helped the poor and weak and was never tempted by the luxuries or wealth a leader could be expected to enjoy. The leader of the world's largest empire, he rejected all forms of ostentation, living in a small hut and eating mainly bread and olive oil. His selflessness and modesty inspired many people to accept Islam. After the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, he was the greatest example for believers to follow.
82 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 20, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read in the Age of Bliss series - previously the only thing I knew Umar ibn-Kattab (ra) was from a show I watched called Umar (it’s an Arabic show, Egyptian I think, great show!). Other than that, I knew bits and pieces from lectures at Friday Khutba which is to say I know who he is but I don’t know who he is.
One thing I will say that enjoy so far about the books in the Age of Bliss series so far is that it is told like a novel, like an actual story with a beginning, middle, end - not some fluffed up holier than thou scholarly writing that does literary gymnastics on my mind. Much to thank I think is that it is aimed at middle grade, but I would say it is a great book to pick up to have a surface level of who Umar (ra) was, and how he came to have the name Farouq - the one who knows the difference between right and wrong.
In this book, I felt that I learned a lot about how he carried himself as a Muslim, and as the chief of believers - what example he set and the justice he sought regardless of who was on the receiving end of it - a governor or a servant, the justice did not change based on the station of the person.
My only issue with this is - similar to the Age of Bliss book on the Prophet - that we don’t have anything written on his personal life - like suddenly he had a son and I was hold up where did his wife drop from the sky from???
Overall - I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about who he was as a Caliph - we learn of his humbleness and kindness to others, his temper/anger that he continually tries to abate, justice in issues, and also his ability to accept when he is wrong.
we learn of his humbleness and kindness to others.
“Seeing [Umar] arriving on foot, dressed in simple attire, they worried the reputation of the Muslims would decrease in the eyes of the people of Jerusalem. [The Companions] gave him another horse to enter the city but Umar refused it, saying, “The honor and glory belong to our religion, which Allah gave us. Simplicity is enough for us.””
-
“Will you let me approach?”
“If you come in good faiths then you may approach. Otherwise go away.”
-
his temper/anger that he continually tries to abate
When he questioned the prophet (pbuh) on his acceptance of not being able to view the Kaaba to make Tawaf and made a deal with their enemies in Mecca.
justice in issues
When they were at Hajj and it was brought to him that a governor whipped a man 100 times without reason, he handed the whip to the man and said for him to collect his rights. In the end the man decide not to and instead accepted 200 dinars.
His ability to accept when he is wrong.
when he didn’t hear out the one guy (will edit to place the name once I’m near the book!) - he mentioned that he was wrong for judging without listening to both, and mentions a verse - (will add in later.)
Bonus part - his importance on friendships + also in addition another scene on his definition of who knows you best.
“Oh Allah, don’t deprive people of right/minded friends and don’t let anyone become too insistent on their judgement.”
-
“I think you saw this man praying and reading the Quran. For this reason you’re saying that he is a good man.”
“Yes, Chief of Believers. That is exactly right.”
“In that case, you really don’t know this man well. You can go back to work now,” Umar finished.
One thing I will say that enjoy so far about the books in the Age of Bliss series so far is that it is told like a novel, like an actual story with a beginning, middle, end - not some fluffed up holier than thou scholarly writing that does literary gymnastics on my mind. Much to thank I think is that it is aimed at middle grade, but I would say it is a great book to pick up to have a surface level of who Umar (ra) was, and how he came to have the name Farouq - the one who knows the difference between right and wrong.
In this book, I felt that I learned a lot about how he carried himself as a Muslim, and as the chief of believers - what example he set and the justice he sought regardless of who was on the receiving end of it - a governor or a servant, the justice did not change based on the station of the person.
My only issue with this is - similar to the Age of Bliss book on the Prophet - that we don’t have anything written on his personal life - like suddenly he had a son and I was hold up where did his wife drop from the sky from???
Overall - I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about who he was as a Caliph - we learn of his humbleness and kindness to others, his temper/anger that he continually tries to abate, justice in issues, and also his ability to accept when he is wrong.
we learn of his humbleness and kindness to others.
“Seeing [Umar] arriving on foot, dressed in simple attire, they worried the reputation of the Muslims would decrease in the eyes of the people of Jerusalem. [The Companions] gave him another horse to enter the city but Umar refused it, saying, “The honor and glory belong to our religion, which Allah gave us. Simplicity is enough for us.””
-
“Will you let me approach?”
“If you come in good faiths then you may approach. Otherwise go away.”
-
his temper/anger that he continually tries to abate
When he questioned the prophet (pbuh) on his acceptance of not being able to view the Kaaba to make Tawaf and made a deal with their enemies in Mecca.
justice in issues
When they were at Hajj and it was brought to him that a governor whipped a man 100 times without reason, he handed the whip to the man and said for him to collect his rights. In the end the man decide not to and instead accepted 200 dinars.
His ability to accept when he is wrong.
when he didn’t hear out the one guy (will edit to place the name once I’m near the book!) - he mentioned that he was wrong for judging without listening to both, and mentions a verse - (will add in later.)
Bonus part - his importance on friendships + also in addition another scene on his definition of who knows you best.
“Oh Allah, don’t deprive people of right/minded friends and don’t let anyone become too insistent on their judgement.”
-
“I think you saw this man praying and reading the Quran. For this reason you’re saying that he is a good man.”
“Yes, Chief of Believers. That is exactly right.”
“In that case, you really don’t know this man well. You can go back to work now,” Umar finished.
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June 24, 2024Even though this book is mostly meant for younger people I'm still glad I read it. I managed to learn a bit more about one of my favorite historical and religious figures.
April 12, 2023
A book recalling the life of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA) and his actions, showing his morales and his just leadership. I like the way this novel chronologically spoke about his life.
.رضي الله عنه
.رضي الله عنه
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews