Hazrat Umar’s (ra) Acceptance of Islam (Hazrat Musleh Mau'd's (ra) Narration)

With regard to Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e Maud (ra) narrates:

“Hazrat Umar (ra) fiercely opposed Islam.” That is, until he accepted Islam, he continuously opposed the spread of Islam. “One day, the thought crossed his mind as to why not simply put an end to its founder. As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he took his sword and left his home in order to kill the Holy Prophet (sa).

“On the way, someone asked him, ‘Where are you going, Umar?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘I am going to kill Muhammad (sa).’ The person laughed and said, ‘You should first see what is happening within your own house. Your sister and brother-in-law have already accepted him.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘This is a lie.’ The individual responded by saying that he ought to go and investigate for himself. Hazrat Umar (ra) went there and found the door to be locked. Inside, a companion was teaching the Holy Quran. Hazrat Umar (ra) knocked. His brother-in-law asked from inside, ‘Who is it?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied that it was Umar.

“When they saw that it was Hazrat Umar (ra), they hid the companion who was teaching them the Holy Quran, as they knew that Hazrat Umar (ra) was a fierce enemy of Islam. Similarly, they also hid the parchment of the Holy Quran in a corner and then opened the door.

“As Hazrat Umar (ra) had already heard that his brother-in-law and sister had accepted Islam, he immediately asked them why they took so long in opening the door. His brother-in-law replied that, at times, it can take a while to open the door. Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘This is not the case’ and that ‘a particular issue must have hindered you from opening the door. I could also hear that you were listening to the words of a sabi man.’” The idolaters of Mecca used to call the Holy Prophet (sa) “Sabi” [i.e. one who had abandoned their old faith].

“His brother-in-law tried to brush off the matter, but Hazrat Umar (ra) became infuriated and stepped forward in order to strike him. However, out of love for her husband, Hazrat Umar’s (ra) sister jumped between them. As Hazrat Umar (ra) had already raised his hand to strike and his sister suddenly jumped in between, he was unable to hold back. It struck the nose of his sister with full force and blood started to flow from it. Hazrat Umar (ra) was a compassionate person.

“Seeing that he had hit a woman, which was against the custom of Arabia, on top of that it was his own sister, he tried to change the topic and said, ‘Right, tell me about what you were reading.’ His sister understood that Hazrat Umar (ra) had overcome with sentiments of kindness and said, ‘Go! I am not prepared to give something pure in the hands of a person like you.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) asked what he should do? His sister replied, ‘There is some water. Bathe, as only then I will hand it to you.’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) took a bath and returned. His sister then placed the parchments of the Holy Quran, which they were listening to, in his hands. Since he was already affected by the earlier incident, reciting the verses of the Holy Quran melted his heart. Once he had completed reciting the verses, he spontaneously said:

اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَّا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَاَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ

“‘I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (sa) is His Messenger.’ Hearing this, the companion, who was hiding out of fear of Hazrat Umar (ra), also came out.

“Subsequently, Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired as to where the Holy Prophet (sa) was residing in those days. Due to the opposition, the Holy Prophet (sa) frequently changed homes during those days. He told him that these days, the Holy Prophet (sa) was staying in Dar al-Arqam. Hazrat Umar (ra) immediately left, with his sword out of its sheath and headed towards this place. His sister became extremely anxious, thinking that he might be heading there with evil intentions. She stepped forward and said, ‘By God! I will not let you go until you reassure me that you are not going there to cause some mischief.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘I give you a solemn promise that I will not cause any disorder.’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) approached the place where the Holy Prophet (sa) was staying and knocked on the door. The Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions were sitting inside and discussing matters of religion. One of the companions asked who it was. Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘It is Umar.’

“The companions said: ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! The door should not be opened, lest he causes some disorder.’ Hazrat Hamzah (ra) had recently accepted Islam and had the disposition of a warrior. He said, ‘Open the door. I shall see to what he does!’ Hence, an individual opened the door and Hazrat Umar (ra) entered. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Umar! How long will you go on opposing me?’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, I have not come in opposition; rather, I have come to become your follower.’ Umar (ra), who an hour earlier was a staunch enemy of Islam and had left his home to kill the Holy Prophet (sa), became the highest calibre of a believer within a single moment. Hazrat Umar (ra) was not among the chieftains of Mecca, but due to his courage, he had a great influence over the youth. When he became a Muslim, the Muslims raised slogans of ‘Allah is the Greatest’ [Allahu Akbar]. Then came the time for prayer and the Holy Prophet (sa) desired to offer his prayers, but that same Umar (ra), who two hours previously left his home to kill the Holy Prophet (sa), once again took out his sword, saying, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! How can it be that God’s Messenger (sa) and those who follow him pray in hiding whilst the idolaters of Mecca wander about freely? Let me see who will dare to stop us from offering our prayers in the vicinity of the Ka‘bah.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘This passion is commendable indeed, but for the moment, it is not suitable for us to go forth in such a state.’”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pp. 141-143)