The True Motive Behind the Attack

This whole matter is presented to argue the fact that Abu Lu‘lu‘ was incited to kill Hazrat Umar (ra), and that all the narrations prove that the killing of Hazrat Umar (ra) was indeed planned. This is what is recorded by those who believe that this was as a result of a conspiracy. Hormuzan planned to exploit the enmity Abu Lu‘lu‘ had harboured for Hazrat Umar (ra) and further fuel the fire. They were both non-Arabs. On top of that, when Hormuzan was imprisoned and sent to Medina, he accepted Islam in fear that the Khalifa would have him killed.

In the narration of Nafi‘ which is recorded in Al-Tabaqat ibn Saad, it is stated that Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf had seen the blade with which Hazrat Umar (ra) was martyred. In the narration of Saeed bin Musayyab, which is recorded in Al-Tabari, it is stated that Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr (ra)had seen the dagger and when he suddenly approached Abu Lu‘lu‘, Jufainah and Hormuzan, they ran away and the dagger dropped from them.

When Hazrat Ubaidullah bin Umar (ra) was informed of this by Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr (ra), he immediately went and killed both of them and he became so consumed by vengeance that he also killed the daughter of Abu Lu‘lu‘. The dagger described by Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr (ra)was the exact same dagger used to martyr Hazrat Umar (ra). If Hazrat Ubaidullah bin Umar (ra) had not acted in haste, there may have been a chance that the culprits would be brought forth for questioning and through this investigation, their plot would come to light. If all these factors are considered, the fact that this was a pre-meditated plan is as clear as day. And the one to carry out this plot to its completion and murder Hazrat Umar (ra) was Abu Lu‘lu‘. All of this is claimed by those who believe that this was a conspiracy [to kill Hazrat Umar (ra)].

(Muhammad Raza, Sirat Umar Faruq (ra) – translated by Muhammad Suroor Gohar Sahib, pp. 334-340)