The Power to Honor and Humble

“And You honor whom You will, and You humble whom You will.”


Introduction to Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ)

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) is counted among the Umayyad caliphs, but his life and ruling style were significantly different from other caliphs. His caliphate lasted only two years and five months, yet he established examples that remain a guiding light for Muslims today.

Early Life

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) was born in 61 AH in Medina. His father was Abdul Aziz bin Marwan and his mother was Umm Aasim, the daughter of Aasim bin Umar bin al-Khattab. His upbringing and education were heavily influenced by the principles and teachings of his grandfather, Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab (رضی اللہ عنہ).

Caliphate

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) began his caliphate in 99 AH. From the outset, he committed to ending oppression and establishing justice. He utilized the public treasury (Bait-ul-Mal) for the welfare of the people and dismissed officials who engaged in wrongdoing.

Reforms

1. Justice and Fairness

He made justice and fairness the cornerstone of his governance. He dedicated himself to solving public issues and listened to the grievances of every individual.

2. Financial Reforms

He employed the public treasury for the welfare of the people, implementing special measures to assist the poor, orphans, and needy.

3. Education and Training

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) promoted education and training, valuing scholars and learned individuals.

4. Ending Oppression

He dismissed oppressive officials and took strict action against them.

Death

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) passed away in 101 AH. Even after his death, examples of his governance are cited, and his reforms are remembered.

Lessons

From the life and governance of Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), we learn the following lessons:

  • Justice and Fairness: Justice is the foundation of successful governance.
  • Public Welfare: Rulers should work for the welfare of the people.
  • Ending Oppression: Oppression leads to societal ruin; it must be eradicated.
  • Importance of Education: Understanding and promoting education and training is essential.

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz’s Justice and Fairness

A Famous Incident

During Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz’s (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) rule, a man complained that someone had unlawfully seized his land. Hazrat Umar ordered an immediate investigation.

Upon investigation, it was found that the land belonged to a wealthy landlord who was among the caliph’s close friends. Nonetheless, Hazrat Umar ruled that the land be returned to its rightful owner, and the usurper be punished.

Conclusion

This incident stands as a prime example of Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz’s commitment to justice. He made a decision based solely on fairness and the will of Allah, strengthening his governance and enhancing his respect among the public.

Conclusion

Although Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ)’s rule was brief, his policies of justice and fairness have made him a model ruler in Islamic history. His reforms contributed to a prosperous and peaceful society. This story teaches us that rulers must fulfill the demands of justice and not let personal relationships influence their decisions.