People of Knowledge; Greatly Esteemed in his eyes

People with knowledge, especially those who were well versed in the Holy Quran, were greatly esteemed in the eyes of Hazrat Umar (ra), whether they were youths, children or adults. There is a narration in Bukhari where Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates:

“Uyaina bin Hisn bin Huzayfa came to Medina and stayed with his nephew, Hur bin Qais, who was among those individuals who had the opportunity to sit close to Hazrat Umar (ra). The Qaris of the Quran, young and old alike, would sit near to Hazrat Umar (ra) during his gatherings and they would also give various suggestions to him in relation to the Holy Quran. Uyaina said to his nephew, ‘O my nephew! You are honourable in the eyes of this chief. Therefore, seek permission for me to meet him.’ Hur bin Qais said, ‘I will seek permission for you to see him.’”

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) further narrates:

“Hence, Hur sought permission for Uyaina and Hazrat Umar (ra) granted him permission. When Uyaina approached him, he said, ‘O son of Khattab! What is the matter here? By God! You neither give us an abundance of wealth, nor do you make a fair decision with regard to the wealth between us.’ Hearing this, Hazrat Umar (ra) became angry, so much so that he was just about to say something to him, when Hur said to Hazrat Umar (ra), ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Allah the Almighty has said to His Messenger (sa):

خُذِ‭ ‬الْعَفْوَ‭ ‬وَأْمُرْ‭ ‬بِالْعُرْفِ‭ ‬وَأَعْرِضْ‭ ‬عَنِ‭ ‬الْجَاهِلِيْنَ

“‘“Take to forgiveness, and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” [7:200] This Uyaina is also from among the ignorant.’ By Allah! When Hur recited this verse before him, Hazrat Umar (ra) immediately stopped and did not say anything. Hazrat Umar (ra) would refrain [from doing anything] after hearing the Book of Allah!”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Tafsir, Surah al-A‘raf, Hadith 4642)