Courage of Hazrat Umar (ra)

“In the early period of Islam, only two people were considered to be truly courageous – one was Hazrat Umar (ra) and the other was Hazrat Hamzah (ra). When both of these individuals entered the fold of Islam, they expressed to the Holy Prophet (sa) that they were not happy to only worship Allah in their homes, when they also had a right over the Ka‘bah. Hence, there was no reason for them not to attain this right of theirs of worshipping Allah the Almighty in the open. Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) – who would worship in his home to avoid being accused by the idolaters of spreading disorder – went to the Ka‘bah for worship. In that moment, to one side of him was Hazrat Umar (ra) holding his sword, and to his other side was Hazrat Hamzah (ra). So in this way, the Holy Prophet (sa) offered his prayers at the Ka‘bah in plain sight.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 23, p. 10)

When news of Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam spread amongst the Quraish, they became extremely infuriated and with these sentiments, they surrounded the house of Hazrat Umar (ra).

Hazrat Umar (ra) came out to a large crowd that had surrounded him; certain overzealous individuals were prepared to attack him. However, Hazrat Umar (ra) stood courageously and steadfastly in front of them. Eventually, as this was happening, the chieftain of Mecca, Aas bin Waa‘il arrived and having witnessed this crowd, asked in a commanding tone, “What is going on?” The people replied, “Umar (ra) has become a sabi.” Whilst assessing the situation, the chieftain said, “Alright, but there is no need for this commotion, I grant my protection to Umar (ra).”

As was the custom of the Arabs, the people had no choice but to remain silent when he spoke and they eventually dispersed. Thereafter, Hazrat Umar (ra) remained in this protection for a few days, as no one dared go against the protection of Aas bin Waa‘il. However, the honour of Hazrat Umar (ra) would not allow him to remain in this state for long. Hence, not long had passed that he went to say to Aas bin Waa‘il, ‘I remove myself from your protection.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) states, ‘Thereafter I would find myself in confrontations and skirmishes in the streets (i.e. he would always be subjected to altercations).’ But Hazrat Umar (ra) never backed down in front of anyone.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 159)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) then states:

“Observe just how staunch the enemies of the Holy Prophet (sa) were and the change that took place within them. Not only were they reformed; in fact, they reached the heights of spiritual ranks that it would be impossible to recognise them” i.e. they were completely transformed to the point where they could not be recognised as the same people.

“When Hazrat Umar (ra) – who was ever-ready to oppose Islam and the Muslims – had the honour of accepting Islam, such a transformation took place in him that he was ready to put his life at risk for the benefit of the world and was occupied day and night in service to Islam.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 7, p. 45)

It should be “[…] for the benefit of religion he began to place his life in danger.”