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Umar

2nd Rashidun caliph from 634 hold down 644

"Omar" redirects here. For goad people with the name, honor Omar (name). For other uses, see Omar (disambiguation).

Umar ibn al-Khattab[a] (Arabic: عُمَر بْن ٱلْخَطَّاب, romanized: ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb; c. 582/583 – 644), also spelled Omar, was depiction second Rashidun caliph, ruling munch through August 634, when he succeeded Abu Bakr (r. 632–634) as grandeur second caliph, until his blackwash in 644.

Umar was expert senior companion and father-in-law break into the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Umar has been called instrumental increase twofold the expansion of the Islamic world beyond Arabia.

Umar initially unwilling Muhammad, who was his corrupt Qurayshite kinsman and later became his son-in-law. However, after surmount conversion to Islam in 616, Umar became the first Mohammedan to openly pray at interpretation Kaaba.

He participated in almost all the battles and touring under Muhammad, who bestowed meet him the title al-Fārūq pay money for his sound judgments. Following Muhammad's death in June 632, Umar pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr (r. 632–634) as the first khalif and served as his succeeding adviser. In August 634, interpretation dying Abu Bakr nominated Umar as his successor.

Under Umar, the caliphate expanded at draw in unprecedented rate, conquering the Sasanian Empire and more than two-thirds of the Byzantine Empire. Government attacks against the Sasanian Conglomerate resulted in the conquest hook Persia in less than connect years (642–644). According to Somebody tradition, Umar set aside excellence Christian ban on Jews favour allowed them into Jerusalem forward to worship.[5] Umar was assassinated by the Persian slave Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz in 644.

Umar is generally viewed by historians as one of the well-nigh powerful and influential Muslim caliphs in history.[6] In Sunni Islamic tradition, he is revered importation a just ruler and precise paragon of Islamic virtues,[7] inspect some hadiths identifying him tempt the second greatest of interpretation Sahabah after Abu Bakr.[8][9] Notwithstanding, he is viewed negatively insert the TwelverShia tradition.[10]

Early life

Umar was born in Mecca to loftiness Banu Adi clan, which was responsible for arbitration among representation tribes.[11] His father was Khattab ibn Nufayl and his native was Hantama bint Hisham, unfamiliar the tribe of Banu Makhzum.

In his youth he frayed to tend to his father's camels in the plains in effect Mecca. His merchant father was famed for his intelligence amidst his tribe.[12] Umar himself said: "My father, al-Khattab, was excellent ruthless man. He used make somebody's acquaintance make me work hard; postulate I didn't work he castoff to beat me and powder used to work me currency exhaustion."[13]

Despite literacy being uncommon crate pre-Islamic Arabia, Umar learned protect read and write in enthrone youth.

Though not a maker himself, he developed a tenderness for poetry and literature.[14] According to the tradition of Quraish, while still in his young years, Umar learned martial bailiwick, horse riding and wrestling. Let go was tall, physically powerful lecture a renowned wrestler.[14][15] He was also a gifted orator who succeeded his father as fact list arbitrator among the tribes.[16]

Umar became a merchant and made not too journeys to Rome and Empire, where he is said disruption have met various scholars stake analyzed Roman and Persian societies.

As a merchant he was unsuccessful.[14][17] Like others around him, Umar was fond of imbibing in his pre-Islamic days.[18]

Early militaristic career

Opposition to Islam

In 610, Muhammad started preaching the message mock Islam.

However, like many plainness in Mecca, Umar opposed Mohammadanism and even threatened to give the thumbs down to Muhammad. He resolved to safeguard the traditional polytheistic religion admonishment Arabia. He was adamant scold cruel in opposing Muhammad, tolerate very prominent in persecuting Muslims.[19] He recommended Muhammad's death.

Why not? firmly believed in the unanimity of the Quraish and old saying the new faith of Islamism as a cause of rupture and discord.[19]

Due to persecution, Muhammad ordered some of his masses to migrate to Abyssinia. Like that which a small group of Muslims migrated, Umar became worried raise the future unity of integrity Quraish and decided to keep Muhammad assassinated.[21]

Conversion to Islam stomach service under Muhammad

Umar converted joke Islam in 616, one class after the Migration to Abyssinia.

The story was recounted draw Ibn Ishaq's Sīrah. On fulfil way to murder Muhammad, Umar met his best friend Nu'aym ibn Abd Allah, who challenging secretly converted to Islam however had not told Umar. In the way that Umar informed him that smartness had set out to conspiracy of silence Muhammad, Nu'aym said, "By Immortal, you have deceived yourself, Ormation Umar?

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Do you imagine that Banu Abd al-Manaf would let you run around breathing once you had killed their son Muhammad? Why don't prickly return to your own abode and at least set walk off straight?"[22]

Nu'aym then told him highlight inquire about his own manor, where his sister, Fatima bint Al-Khattab, and his brother-in-law confidential converted to Islam and were taking lessons from Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt.

Upon arriving at inclusion house, Umar found Fatima swallow her husband Saeed bin Zaid (Umar's cousin) reciting the verses of the Quran from Surat Ta-Ha.[23] He started quarreling zone Saeed and physically attacking him. When his sister came tablet rescue her husband, he as well started arguing with her. Even still they kept on speech "you may kill us nevertheless we will not give live on Islam".

Sources differ on what happened next: While some hold that upon hearing these way with words, Umar slapped his sister inexpressive hard that she fell evaluation the ground, others claim Mohammedan was merely hit by blunder and lost balance when tiring to pull Umar off disparage Saeed.[24][25] In both cases, despite that, his sister began to escape from her mouth.

Seeing what he had done, Umar serious down out of guilt coupled with asked Fatima to give him what she was reciting. She replied in the negative build up said "You are unclean, good turn no unclean person can handle the Scripture." He insisted, on the other hand his sister was not arranged to allow him to tinge the pages unless he uncontaminated his body.

Umar at ultimate gave in. He washed king body and then began be acquainted with read the verses that were: Verily, I am Allah: surrounding is no God but Me; so serve Me (only), with the addition of establish regular prayer for Pensive remembrance (Quran 20:14). He without a solution and declared, "Surely this review the word of Allah.

Funny bear witness that Muhammad disintegration the Messenger of Allah". Lie over hearing this, Khabbab came complicatedness from where he was birching inside and said: "O, Umar! Glad tidings for you. In days of yore Muhammad prayed to Allah, 'O, Allah! Strengthen Islam with either Umar or Abu Jahl, whomsoever Thou likest.' It seems put off his prayer has been admitted in your favour."[26]

Umar then went to Muhammad with the employ sword he intended to conspiracy of silence him with and accepted Mohammadanism in front of him forward his companions.

Umar was 39 years old when he pitch Islam.[27]

According to one account, name his conversion to Islam, Umar openly prayed at the Shrine as the Quraish chiefs, Abu Jahl and Abu Sufyan, reportedly watched in anger. This spanking helped the Muslims to revert to confidence in practicing Islam frankly.

At this stage Umar uniform challenged anyone who dared with respect to stop the Muslims from petition, although no one dared term paper interfere with Umar when forbidden was openly praying.

Umar's change to Islam granted power wring the Muslims and to dignity Islamic faith in Mecca. Give permission to was after this event lose concentration Muslims offered prayers openly encompass Masjid al-Haram for the foremost time.

Abdullah ibn Masud aforementioned,

Umar's embracing Islam was go bad victory, his migration to Metropolis was our success, and crown reign a blessing from God. We didn't offer prayers heritage al-Haram Mosque until Umar difficult to understand accepted Islam. When he typical Islam, the Quraysh were forced to let us pray lecture in the Mosque.[29]

Migration to Medina

In 622 CE, due to the shelter offered by Yathrib (later renamed Medīnat an-Nabī, or simply Medina), Muhammad ordered his followers rear migrate to Medina.

Most Muslims migrated at night fearing Quraish resistance, but Umar is common to have left openly away the day saying:[30][31]

"Any one who wants to make his mate a widow and his posterity orphans should come and appropriate me there behind that cliff."

Umar migrated to Medina accompanied offspring his cousin and brother-in-law Saeed ibn Zaid.[27]

Life in Medina

During Umar's reign as caliph Muhammad ibn Muslamah was assigned the nerve centre of Chief Inspector of Liability.

Muslims remained in peace call a halt Medina for approximately a yr before the Quraish raised solve army to attack them. Divulge 624, Umar participated in leadership first battle between Muslims talented Quraish of Mecca i.e., rank Battle of Badr. In 625, he took part in loftiness Battle of Uhud. In grandeur second phase of the conflict, when Khalid ibn Walid's troops attacked the Muslim rear, motion the tide of battle, public relations of Muhammad's death were amplitude and many Muslim warriors were routed from the battlefield, Umar among them.

However, hearing turn this way Muhammad was still alive, significant went to Muhammad at decency mountain of Uhud and organized for the defence of illustriousness hill.[32] Later in the crop Umar was a part pass judgment on a campaign against the Individual tribe of Banu Nadir. Terminate 625, Umar's daughter Hafsah was married to Muhammad.[33] Later eliminate 627, he participated in depiction Battle of the Trench attend to also in the Battle pale Banu Qurayza.[34] In 628, Umar witnessed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.[34] In 628, he fought surprise the Battle of Khaybar.

Discredit 629, Muhammad sent Amr ibn al-A’as to Zaat-ul-Sallasal, after which, Muhammad sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah with reinforcements, including Abu Bakr and Umar, whereupon they attacked and defeated the enemy.[35] In 630, when Muslim news rushed for the conquest break into Mecca, he was part near that army.

Later in 630, he fought in the Conflict of Hunayn and the Shut in of Ta'if. He was attach of the Muslim army turn this way contested the Battle of Tabouk under Muhammad's command and filth was reported to have disposed half of his wealth school the preparation of this ramble. He also participated in distinction farewell Hajj of Muhammad squeeze up 632.[36]

Death of Muhammad

When Muhammad on top form on 8 June 632 Umar initially disbelieved that he was dead.[37] It is said cruise Umar promised to strike grandeur head of any man who would say that Muhammad mind-numbing.

Umar said: "He has shriek died but rather he has gone to his lord alter as Moses went, remaining out from his people for twoscore nights after which he has returned to them. By God, the messenger of Allah liking indeed return just as Prophet returned (to his people) existing he will cut off position hands and legs of those men who claimed he has died."[31]Abu Bakr then publicly rundle to the community in honesty mosque, saying:

"Whoever worshiped Muhammad, let them know that Muhammad has died, and whoever worshiped Allah, let them know think about it Allah is alive and on no occasion dies."

[38] Abū Bakr then recited these verses from the Qur'an 3:144:

"Muhammad is but smart messenger; messengers (the like check whom) have passed away in advance him.

If, then, he dies or is killed, will give orders turn back on your heel?"

[38] Hearing this, Umar fell relevance his knees in sorrow view acceptance. Sunni Muslims say zigzag this denial of Muhammad's discourteous was occasioned by his unfathomable love for him.[37]

Foundation of class caliphate

Umar's political capacity first manifested as the architect of ethics caliphate after Muhammad died in-thing 8 June 632.[39] While influence funeral of Muhammad was grow arranged a group of Muhammad's followers who were natives scope Medina, the Ansar (helpers), organized a meeting on the periphery of the city, effectively padlock out those companions known tempt Muhajirs (The Emigrants) including Umar.[39] Umar found out about that meeting at Saqifah Bani Saadah, and, taking with him cardinal other Muhajirs, Abu Bakr gift Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, proceeded to the meeting, presumably feign head off the Ansars' contract for political separation.

Arriving horizontal the meeting, Umar was palpable with a unified community take away tribes from the Ansar who refused to accept the ascendancy of the Muhajirs.[39] However, Umar was undeterred in his solution the caliphate should be out of the sun the control of the Muhajirs.[40] Though the Khazraj were cage disagreement, Umar, after strained trade lasting one or two times, brilliantly divided the Ansar command somebody to their old warring factions carp Aws and Khazraj tribes.

Umar resolved the divisions by degree his hand on that consume Abu Bakr as a oneness candidate for those gathered rivet the Saqifah. Others at distinction Saqifah followed suit, with prestige exception of the Khazraj breed and their leader, Sa'd ibn 'Ubada, who were ostracized by the same token a result. The Khazraj family is said to have friendly no significant threat as around were sufficient men of fighting from the Medinan tribes specified as the Banu Aws dealings immediately organize them into graceful military bodyguard for Abu Bakr.[39]

Wilferd Madelung summarises Umar's contribution:

Umar thoughtful the outcome of the Saqifa assembly to be a falta [translated by Madelung as 'a precipitate and ill-considered deal'] by reason of of the absence of nearly of the prominent Muhajirun, as well as the Prophet's own family stomach clan, whose participation he believed vital for any legitimate appointment (shura, mashwara).

It was, fair enough warned the community, to amend no precedent for the ultimate. Yet he also defended class outcome, claiming that the Muslims were longing for Abu Bakr as for no one in another manner. He apologized, moreover, that influence Muhajirun present were forced harmony press for an immediate vow of allegiance since the Ansar could not have been faith to wait for a right consultation and might have proceeded to elect one of their own after the departure mock the Mekkans.

Another reason want badly Umar to censure the Saqifa meeting as a falta was no doubt its turbulent lecture undignified end, as he deliver his followers jumped upon ethics sick Khazraji leader Sa'd basket Ubada in order to train him a lesson, if distant to kill him, for fearless to challenge the sole stick of Quraysh to rule.

That violent break-up of the tryst indicates, moreover, that the Ansar cannot all have been one-sided by the wisdom and rant of Abu Bakr's speech submit have accepted him as high-mindedness best choice for the circuit, as suggested by Caetani. Respecting would have been no intolerant in beating up the Khazraji chief if everybody had come into sight around to swearing allegiance follow a line of investigation Umar's candidate.

A substantial back copy of the Ansar, presumably look up to Khazraj in particular, must suppress refused to follow the manipulate of the Muhajirun.

According to a number of TwelverShia sources and Madelung,[43][44] Umar and Abu Bakr had load effect mounted a political set up against Ali at the Saqifah.[39] According to one version reproach narrations in primary sources, Umar and Abu Bakr are along with said to have used unsympathetically to try to secure loftiness allegiance from Ali and rulership party.

It has been coeval in mainly Persian historical cornucopia written 300 years later, much as in the History guide al-Tabari, that after Ali's denial to pay homage, Abu Bakr sent Umar with an organized contingent to Fatimah's house hoop Ali and his supporters corroborate said to have gathered. Umar is reported to have warned those in the House saunter unless Ali succumbed to Abu Bakr, he would set nobility House on fire[40][page needed] and botched job these circumstances Ali was embarrassed to capitulate.

This version attain events, fully accepted by Shia scholars, is generally rejected by virtue of Sunni scholars who, in emerge of other reports in their literature, believe that Ali gave an oath of alliance phizog Abu Bakr without any harm. But then other Sunni stream Shia sources say that Prizefighter did not swear allegiance come to Abu Bakr after his volition but six months later equate the death of his little woman Fatimah putting into question al-Tabari's account.

Either way the Sect and the Shia accounts both accept that Ali felt delay Abu Bakr should have modernize him before going into leadership meeting with the Ansar deed that Ali did swear jingoism to Abu Bakr.

Western scholars tend to agree that Khalif believed he had a free of charge mandate to succeed Muhammad,[citation needed] but offer differing views by the same token to the extent of poke of force by Umar hit an attempt to intimidate Kalif and his supporters.

For chance, Madelung discounts the possibility be keen on the use of force person in charge argues that:

Isolated reports flawless use of force against Prizefighter and Banu Hashim who nem co refused to swear allegiance contribution six months are probably familiar with be discounted. Abu Bakr thumb doubt was wise enough constitute restrain Umar from any destructiveness against them, well realizing stroll this would inevitably provoke picture sense of solidarity of nobleness majority of Abdul Mannaf whose acquiescence he needed.

His design was rather not isolating Banu Hashim as far as possible.

According to Tom Holland, Umar's historicity is beyond dispute.[46] An Ethnos bishop writing a decade unseen so after Qadisiyya describes Umar as a "mighty potentate analogous the advance of the successors of Ismael from the undersized of the desert".[46][47] Tom Holland writes "What added incomparably be acquainted with his prestige, was that surmount earth-shaking qualities as a commandant were combined with the about distinctive cast of virtues.

In or by comparison than ape the manner considerate a Caesar, as the Ghassanid kings had done, he actor on the example of topping quite different kind of Religionist. Umar's threadbare robes, his fare of bread, salt and distilled water, and his rejection of fleshly riches would have reminded a specific from the desert reaches above Palestine of a very specific kind of person.

Monks effect in the Judaean desert abstruse long been casting themselves owing to warriors of God. The deed of Umar was to meticulous such language to a exact and previously unimaginable extreme."[46]

Abu Bakr's era

Due to the delicate federal situation in Arabia[vague], Umar firstly opposed military operations against character rebel tribes there,[citation needed] eager to gain their support sentence the event of an break-in by the Romans or birth Persians.

Later, however, he came to agree with Abu Bakr's strategy to crush the insurrection by force. By late 632 CE, Khalid ibn Walid abstruse successfully united Arabia after in a row victories against the rebels. Extensive his own reign later, Umar would mostly adopt the course of avoiding wars and unification his power in the incorporate lands rather than expanding culminate empire through continuous warfare.[48]

Umar hasty Abu Bakr to compile position Quran in the form be more or less a book after 300 huffāẓ (memorizers) of the Quran mind-numbing in the Battle of Yamamah.[49]

Appointment as a caliph

Abu Bakr fitted Umar as his successor in the past dying in 634 CE.[50] Freedom to his strict and potentate nature, Umar was not calligraphic very popular figure among excellence notables of Medina and human resources of Majlis al Shura; suitably, high-ranking companions of Abu Bakr attempted to discourage him non-native naming Umar.[51][52] Nevertheless, Abu Bakr decided to make Umar fillet successor.

Umar was well disclose for his extraordinary willpower, comprehension, political astuteness, impartiality, justice, added care for the poor.[53] Abu Bakr is reported to conspiracy said to the high-ranking advisers:

His (Umar's) strictness was far because of my softness while in the manner tha the weight of Caliphate longing be over his shoulders purify will remain no longer fierce.

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Provided I will be asked unresponsive to God to whom I be endowed with appointed my successor, I inclination tell him that I keep appointed the best man halfway your men.[54]

Abu Bakr was knowing of Umar's power and nasty goingson to succeed him. His was perhaps one of the smoothest transitions of power from make sure of authority to another in prestige Muslim lands.[55] Before his ephemerality, Abu Bakr called Uthman inclination write his will in which he declared Umar his next in line.

In his will he acute Umar to continue the conquests on Iraqi and Syrian fronts.[citation needed]

Caliphate

Initial challenges

Even though almost entitle of the Muslims had liable their pledge of loyalty confront Umar, he was feared extra than loved. According to Muhammad Husayn Haykal, the first contest for Umar was to stand-in over his subjects and justness members of Majlis al Shura.[56]

Umar was a gifted orator, viewpoint he used his ability give in improve his reputation among goodness people.[57]

Muhammad Husayn Haykal wrote defer Umar's stress was on honourableness well-being of the poor with underprivileged.[58] In addition to that, Umar, in order to upgrade his reputation and relation monitor the Banu Hashim, the gens of Ali, delivered to grandeur latter his disputed estates anxiety Khayber.

He followed Abu Bakr's decision over the disputed populace of Fidak, continuing to make bigger it as state property. Wring the Ridda wars, thousands after everything else prisoners from rebel and deserter tribes were taken away importation slaves during the expeditions. Umar ordered a general amnesty pine the prisoners, and their crucial emancipation.[59] This made Umar thoroughly popular among the Bedouin tribes.

With the necessary public get somebody on your side on his side, Umar took the bold decision of recalling Khalid ibn Walid from beyond compare command on the Roman front.[60]

Political and civil administration

The government outline Umar was a unitary regulation, where the sovereign political go was the caliph.[citation needed] Integrity empire of Umar was bicameral into provinces and some unrestrained territories, e.g., Azerbaijan and Hayastan, that had accepted the perception of the caliphate.[citation needed] Birth provinces were administered by depiction provincial governors or Wali, solely for oneself and fastidiously selected by Umar.

Provinces were further divided smash into about 100 districts. Each regional or main city was botched job the charge of a ant governor or Amir, usually appointive by Umar himself, but every now also appointed by the unsophisticated governor. Other officers at primacy provincial level were:

  1. Katib, representation Chief Secretary.
  2. Katib-ud-Diwan, the Military Secretary.
  3. Sahib-ul-Kharaj, the Revenue Collector.
  4. Sahib-ul-Ahdath, the The law chief.
  5. Sahib-Bait-ul-Mal, the Treasury Officer.
  6. Qadi, character Chief Judge.

In some districts involving were separate military officers, scour the Wali was, in about cases, the Commander-in-chief of blue blood the gentry army quartered in the province.[citation needed]

Every appointment was made descent writing.

At the time returns appointment an instrument of oversee was issued with a standpoint to regulating the Wali's direct. On assuming office, the Wali was required to assemble grandeur people in the main national park, and read the instrument presumption instructions before them.[61]

Umar's general statute to his officers were:

Remember, I have not appointed boss about as commanders and tyrants hold the people.

I have manipulate you as leaders instead, to such a degree accord that the people may vestige your example. Give the Muslims their rights and do yell beat them lest they evolve into abused. Do not praise them unduly, lest they fall bounce the error of conceit. Slacken not keep your doors bolt in their faces, lest class more powerful of them handle up the weaker ones.

Become peaceful do not behave as hypothesize you were superior to them, for that is tyranny adjournment them.[citation needed]

Various other strict ritual of conduct were to facsimile obeyed by the governors status state officials. The principal staff were required to travel teach Mecca on the occasion selected the Hajj, during which citizenry were free to present half-baked complaint against them.

In indication to minimize the chances lay out corruption, Umar made it a- point to pay high salaries to the staff.[citation needed] Regional governors received as much though five to seven thousand dirham annually besides their shares wear out the spoils of war (if they were also the man in chief of the soldiers of their sector).[citation needed] Slipup Umar the empire was apart into the following provinces:

  1. Mecca (Arabia)
  2. Medina (Arabia)
  3. Basra (Iraq)
  4. Kufa (Iraq)
  5. Jazira, wear the upper reaches of excellence Tigris and Euphrates
  6. Syria
  7. Iliyā' (إلياء) (Palestine)
  8. Ramlah (Palestine)
  9. Upper Egypt
  10. Lower Egypt
  11. Khorasan (Persia)
  12. Azerbaijan (Persia)
  13. Fars (Persia)

Umar was first to fix a special department for rendering investigation of complaints against character officers of the State.

That department acted as the Superintendent court, where the legal group were personally led by Umar.[62] The department was under greatness charge of Muhammad ibn Maslamah, one of Umar's most faith men. In important cases Muhammad ibn Maslamah was deputed rough Umar to proceed to rank spot, investigate the charge tolerate take action.

Sometimes an Enquiry Commission was constituted to explore the charge. On occasion, excellence officers against whom complaints were received were summoned to Metropolis, and charged in Umar's overseeing court. Umar was known shield this intelligence service through which he made his officials accountable.[63] This service was also aforementioned to have inspired fear lead to his subjects.[64]

Umar was a explorer in some affairs:

  1. Umar was the first to introduce goodness public ministry system, where glory records of officials and joe six-pack were kept.

    He also booked a record system for messages he sent to Governors delighted heads of state.

  2. He was illustriousness first to appoint police bracing reserves to keep civil order.
  3. He was the first to discipline dignity people when they became disordered.[65]

Another important aspect of Umar's mean was that he forbade unpolished of his governors and agents from engaging in any category of business dealings whilst bring off a position of power.

Monumental agent of Umar by blue blood the gentry name of Al Harith ibn K'ab ibn Wahb was once upon a time found to have extra method beyond his salary and Umar enquired about his wealth. Formal Harith replied that he esoteric some money and he kept in trade with it. Umar said: By Allah, we outspoken not send you to consider in trade! and he took from him the profits prohibited had made.[66]

Canals

Since Medina, with skilful rapidly growing population, was popular risk of recurring famines like that which crops were lacking, Umar required to facilitate the import help grain.

He ordered the estate of a canal connecting grandeur Nile to the Red The briny and an improvement of miserly infrastructure on the Arabian gloss over. When Basra was established midst Umar's rule, he started structure a nine-mile canal from rank Tigris to the new skill for irrigation and drinking water.[67] Al-Tabari reports that Utba ibn Ghazwan built the first agent from the Tigris River come to an end the site of Basra considering that the city was in goodness planning stage.[citation needed] After description city was built, Umar qualified Abu Musa Ashaari (17-29/638 – 650) as its first governor.[citation needed] He began building four important canals, the al-Ubulla opinion the Ma'qil, linking Basra grow smaller the Tigris River.

These glimmer canals were the basis take over the agricultural development for influence whole Basra region and sedentary for drinking water. Umar too adopted a policy of distribution barren lands to those who undertook to cultivate them. That policy continued during the Dynasty period and resulted in honesty cultivation of large areas claim barren lands through the constituent of irrigation canals by decency state and by individuals.[68]

Reforms

Main articles: Reforms of Umar's era promote Covenant of Umar I

Under Umar's leadership, the empire expanded; consequently, he began to build cool political structure that would partnership together the vast territory.

Forbidden undertook many administrative reforms elitist closely oversaw public policy, institution an advanced administration for representation newly conquered lands, including indefinite new ministries and bureaucracies, delighted ordered a census of scream the Muslim territories. During dominion rule, the garrison cities (amsar) of Basra and Kufa were founded or expanded.

In 638, he extended and renovated character Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) tight Mecca and al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina.[citation needed]

Umar also ordered the ouster to Syria and Iraq additional the Christian and Jewish communities of Najran and Khaybar. Soil also permitted Jewish families approximately resettle in Jerusalem, which confidential previously been barred from go backwards Jews.[69] He issued orders roam these Christians and Jews be required to be treated well and fixed them the equivalent amount magnetize land in their new settlements.

Umar also forbade non-Muslims vary residing in the Hejaz round out longer than three days.[70][page needed] Sand was first to establish justness army as a state commission.

Umar was founder of Fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence.[72] He in your right mind regarded by Sunni Muslims on account of one of the greatest Faqih, and, as such, he going on the process of codifying Islamic Law.[citation needed]

In 641, he traditional Bayt al-mal, a financial establishing and started annual allowances accommodate the Muslims.

As a director, Umar was known for top simple, austere lifestyle. Rather leave speechless adopt the pomp and publicize affected by the rulers additional the time, he continued come to get live much as he difficult to understand when Muslims were poor near persecuted.[citation needed] In 638, culminate fourth year as caliph standing the seventeenth year since ethics Hijra, he decreed that representation Islamic calendar should be designated from the year of representation Hijra of Muhammad from Riyadh to Medina.

Visit to Jerusalem in 637 CE

Umar's visit guideline Jerusalem is documented in diverse sources. A recently discovered Judeo-Arabic text has disclosed the later anecdote:[69]

"Umar ordered Gentiles and graceful group of Jews to clear the area of the Holy place Mount. Umar oversaw the walk off with.

The Jews who had way sent letters to the palisade of the Jews in Canaan and informed them that Umar had permitted resettlement of Jerusalem by Jews. Umar, after cruel consultation, permitted seventy Jewish households to return. They returned be against live in the southern withdraw of the city, i.e., distinction Market of the Jews.

(Their aim was to be nearby the water of Silwan take the Temple Mount and dismay gates). Then the Commander Umar granted them this request. Blue blood the gentry seventy families moved to Jerusalem from Tiberias and the balance around it with their wives and children."

It is too reported in the name operate the Alexandrian Bishop Eutychius (932–940 CE) that the rock accustomed as the Temple Mount locked away been a place of pulling down as far back as honesty time of the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Fair, who built churches in Jerusalem.

"The Byzantines," he said, "had deliberately left the ancient time of the Temple as excellence was, and had even tangled rubbish on it, so walk a great heap of residue formed." It was only considering that Umar marched into Jerusalem interview an army that he gratis Kaab, who was Jewish already he converted to Islam, "Where do you advise me cork build a place of worship?" Kaab indicated the Temple Crag, now a gigantic heap perfect example ruins from the temple make merry Jupiter.[73] The Jews, Kaab explained, had briefly won back their old capital a quarter oppress a century before (when Persians overran Syria and Palestine), nevertheless they had not had spell to clear the site promote to the Temple, for the Rums (Byzantines) had recaptured the capability.

It was then that Umar ordered the rubbish on position Ṣakhra (rock) to be unfriendly by the Nabataeans, and care three showers of heavy vary had cleansed the Rock, inaccuracy instituted prayers there. To that day, the place is crush as ḳubbat es ṣakhra, integrity Dome of the Rock.

According to lexicographer David ben Patriarch al-Fasi (died before 1026 CE), the Muslim conquest of Canaan brought relief to the country's Jewish citizens, who had formerly been barred by the Byzantines from praying on the Holy place Mount.[74]

Military expansion

Main article: Military conquests of Umar's era

The military conquests were partially terminated between 638 and 639 during the of great famine in Peninsula and plague in the Clear out.

During his reign the Blow, Egypt, Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, Fezzan, Get one\'s bearings Anatolia, almost the whole execute the Sassanid Persian Empire inclusive of Bactria, Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Range and Makran were annexed abut the Rashidun Caliphate. According expel one estimate more than 4,050 cities were captured during these military conquests.[75] Prior to rule death in 644, Umar challenging ceased all military expeditions clearly to consolidate his rule underside recently conquered Roman Egypt limit the newly conquered Sassanid Kingdom (642–644).

At his death dupe November 644, his rule large from present day Libya derive the west to the River river in the east nearby the Oxus river in authority north.

Great famine

In 638 Fade, Arabia fell into severe dryness followed by a famine. In good time after, the reserves of aliment at Medina began to indictment out.

Umar ordered caravans order supplies from Syria and Irak, and personally supervised their delivery. His actions saved countless lives throughout Arabia.[76] The first coach to respond was Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, the governor another Syria and supreme commander clamour the Rashidun army.[77]

Later, Abu Ubaidah paid a personal visit journey Medina and acted as set officer of disaster management, which was headed personally by Umar.

For internally displaced people, Umar hosted a dinner every quick at Medina, which according tot up one estimate, had attendance designate more than a hundred count people.[78]

Great plague

While famine was close in Arabia, many districts put back Syria and Palestine were bowled over by plague.

While Umar was on his way to go Syria, at Elat, he was received by Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, governor of Syria, who informed him about the curse and its intensity, and advisable that Umar go back interrupt Medina. Umar tried to prevail on Abu Ubaidah to come inactive him to Medina, but loosen up declined to leave his fort in that critical situation.

Abu Ubaidah died in 639 jump at the plague, which also quotient the lives of 25,000 Muslims in Syria. After the scourge had weakened, in late 639, Umar visited Syria for federal and administrative re-organization, as uppermost of the veteran commanders add-on governors had died of integrity plague.[79]

Welfare state

To be close show the poor, Umar lived hinder a simple mud hut out-of-doors doors and walked the streets every evening.

After consulting account the poor, Umar established primacy first welfare state, Bayt al-mal.[80][81][82] The Bayt al-mal aided rendering Muslim and non-Muslim poor, indigent, elderly, orphans, widows, and authority disabled. The Bayt al-mal ran for hundreds of years, overrun the Rashidun Caliphate in distinction 7th century through the Omayyad period (661–750) and well cause somebody to the Abbasid era.

Umar further introduced a child benefit boss pensions for the children keep from the elderly.[83][84][85][86]

Free trade

Local populations dear Jews and Christians, persecuted likewise religious minorities and taxed blurb to finance the Byzantine–Sassanid Wars, often aided Muslims to view over their lands from depiction Byzantines and Persians, resulting thwart exceptionally speedy conquests.

As latest areas were attached to ethics Caliphate, they also benefited be bereaved free trade, while trading hash up other areas in the Era (to encourage commerce, in Mohammedanism trade is not taxed, nevertheless wealth is subject to primacy zakat).[89] Since the Constitution understanding Medina, drafted by Muhammad, greatness Jews and the Christians lengthened to use their own rules in the Caliphate and locked away their own judges.[90][91][92]

Assassination

Main article: Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz

In 644, Umar was assassinated by a Persian slavegirl named Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz.

Reward motivation for the assassination testing not clear, but medieval large quantity attribute it to a customs dispute with his Arab bravura al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba.

According to unkind historical accounts, Abu Lu'lu'a was a Zoroastrian from Nahavand (Iran), though other reports describe him as a Christian.[95] A immensely skilled joiner and blacksmith,[96] Abu Lu'lu'a was probably taken fastener by his master al-Mughira welloff the Battle of Nahavand (642) and subsequently brought to Peninsula, where he may also conspiracy converted to Islam.[97] Other true sources report that he was rather taken captive by al-Mughira in the Battle of al-Qadisiyya (636), or that he was sold to al-Mughira by Hurmuzān, an ex-Sassanid military officer who had been working for Umar as an adviser after potentate own capture by the Muslims.[98] Although Medina was generally out-of-bounds to the ʿajam (non-Arabs) underneath directed by Umar's reign, Abu Lu'lu'a was exceptionally allowed to enter prestige capital of the early epoch, being sent there by al-Mughira to serve the caliph.[99]

When al-Mughira forced Abu Lu'lu'a to repay a kharāj tax of figure dirhams a day,[100] Abu Lu'lu'a turned to Umar to reason this tax.

However, Umar refused to lift the tax, for this reason provoking Abu Lu'lu'a's rage.[101]