Hazrat Umar (ra) and his Dealing with Armies and Conquests

The following is written with regard to the wars that were fought and the conquests during that period. This part of history spans from the 13 AH up to 23 AH. Hazrat Umar’s (ra) era of Khilafat spanned over approximately 10 and a half years. Mentioning the vast conquests that took place during that period, Allama Shibli Nomani writes in his book:

“The entire area of land conquered by Hazrat Umar (ra) spanned over 2,251,030 square miles. This included the following areas; Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Khuzestan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Persia, Kerman, Khorasan and Makran, which also includes a part of Baluchistan [present-day Pakistan].”

(Al-Farooq, p. 159, Idaara Al-Islamiyaat, 2004)

Muslim conquests and victories began in the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). During the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), the Muslim army took part in jihad in Syria and Iraq and there was fighting on several fronts simultaneously. This continued in a similar manner during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra).

One notable aspect during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra) was that despite all his engagements, it was as if he was part of the Muslim army in each and every victory. Even though he did not take part in any of the battles during his Khilafat, he would send comprehensive instructions from Medina to the Muslim commanders with regard to the army, or would remain in contact with them wherever he was. In fact, it is clear from certain battles that Hazrat Umar (ra) would continue writing to the Muslim commanders on a daily basis. Whilst in Medina, Hazrat Umar (ra) would send instructions with regard to the arrangement and formation of the Muslim army and grant them such information and guidance about these places, as though Hazrat Umar (ra) had a map of the area, or as though these areas were right in front of him.

In relation to Hazrat Umar (ra), Imam Bukhari has written in Sahih Bukhari:

“Hazrat Umar (ra) said:

وَقَالَ عُمَرُ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ إِنِّيْ لَأُجَهِّزُ جَيْشِيْ وَأَنَا فِي الصَّلَاةِ

“‘I arrange my army whilst I am engaged in formal prayer.’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Amal Fi Al-Salat, Baab Tafakkur Al-Rajalu Al-Shai Fi Al-Salat)

In other words, he was so concerned in this regard that he would be engaged in arranging and making plans for the Muslim armies even during the formal prayer. He would also pray during this time. This is the very reason that we are able to see on numerous occasions that owing to following his instructions and through the grace and blessings of Allah the Almighty, the Muslim armies passed through the most difficult of circumstances and yet were victorious.

Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib has written a thesis regarding the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra). Those who compile these notes, i.e. the Research Cell have benefitted from this and also taken some points from this. Nevertheless, these have been checked with the original sources and are correct.