Seeking Counsel Regarding the Request of the Christians of Jerusalem

As it were, in relation to Hazrat Umar (ra) seeking counsel after receiving these letters, he [Haikal] has written that Hazrat Umar (ra) gathered all the revered companions and took consultation. Hazrat Uthman (ra) gave his suggestion that the Christians were terrified and hopeless, so he should refuse their request. In this way, they would be further humiliated and lay down their arms unconditionally, knowing that the Muslims see them as insignificant. However, Hazrat Ali (ra) advised against this and instead suggested Hazrat Umar (ra) go to Jerusalem [Ilya] and said that the Muslims had endured extraordinary hardships from fighting in the cold and the prolonged stay. If he went, there would be security, prosperity and betterment for him and for the Muslims. But if he were to reject this peace proposal, it would not be in his best interest. The enemy would remain seated in their fortresses and reinforcements would arrive from their land and from the Byzantine emperor, especially considering that Jerusalem was of great importance and a site of pilgrimage. Hazrat Umar (ra) was pleased with the suggestion of Hazrat Ali (ra) and accepted it.

(Al-Faruq, Shibli Nu‘mani, p. 124, Idarah Islamiyyat, 2004) (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, p. 369, Islami Kutub Khana, Lahore)