Displeasure of Lavish & Extravagant Clothes even on Enemies

Hazrat Umar (ra) was so against lavish and extravagant clothes that he did not even like it if an enemy who had been captured was brought before him in such clothing. This has been mentioned in detail in the incident relating to the Persian commander, Hormuzan. Though I have previously explained this incident, I shall mention some details from it in order to explain.

When Tustar was conquered, Hormuzan, who was the commander-in-chief of the Persian forces, surrendered himself over to the Muslims. He was then sent to Hazrat Umar (ra) in Medina. However, before entering Medina, the Muslims who were taking him put his silk garments on him so that Hazrat Umar (ra) and the Muslims could see him in his true state. When Hormuzan appeared before Hazrat Umar (ra), he enquired whether this was Hormuzan. The people replied in the affirmative. Following this, Hazrat Umar (ra) carefully observed him and his garments and then stated, “I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty from the fire and I seek help from Allah the Almighty.”

The people who brought him mentioned that this was Hormuzan and that Hazrat Umar (ra) should speak to him. However, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated that he would certainly not speak to him until he removed his lavish and extravagant garments and his jewellery. When all of this was removed, then Hazrat Umar (ra) spoke to him.

(Sirat Amir-il-Mu‘minin Umar (ra) bin al-Khattab, Al-Salabi, pp. 424-425, Dar al-Ma‘rifah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2007)