The second caliph of Islam, 鈥楿mar ibn al-Khatt芒b faced more struggles than any other Muslim leader in the early onset of Islam. His life began in a time of ignorance and ended during the Golden Age of Islam. Under his leadership, the Muslim world was witnessing some of its most notable conquests in the history of Islam. The strength and resilience of Islam鈥檚 leaders were being tested, and 鈥楿mar ibn al-Khatt芒b鈥檚 true commitment to Allah shone to reveal an Islamic spirit unlike that found in any other Muslim leader. The standards by which he lived can teach us a lot about determination, hardship, and success. The two books which compose 鈥楿mar ibn al-Khatt芒b: His Life and Times are sold together as a set. They belong in Part II of the Islamic History Series, as the second set of The Rightly Guided Caliphs. The Table of Contents for Volume 1 of 鈥楿mar ibn al-Khatt芒b: His Life and Times may be viewed via the 'View Table of Contents' link located above. This book was translated into English by Nasiruddin al-Khattab. From the Translator: For those who would be leaders, this book offers the model of an ideal Muslim leader, one who felt responsible before Allah for the well being of all those under his rule, including his troops, women, infants, non-Muslim subjects and even animals. 鈥楿mar was a 'hands on' leader who kept himself informed and consulted scholars and experts before every major decision. For the rest of us, this book offers a window into an exciting and important period of Islamic history, and it also reminds of an important lesson, that our strength comes not from wealth or money or status, but from our submission to Allah and our commitment to the path of Islam.
Dr. Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi, a prolific writer, is famous for his detailed books of history and biography that bring the past to life for modern readers.
Dr. as-Sallabi was born in Benghazi, Libya in 1383 H/1963 CE, and earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree at the Islamic University of Madinah, graduating first in his class. He completed his master鈥檚 and doctorate degrees at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan. He has also studied the entire Qur鈥檃n and various Islamic sciences with respected scholars in Madinah and other parts of Saudi Arabia, as well as in Libya and Yemen.
Nasiruddin al-Khattab translated this book into English and he says:
For those who would be leaders, this book offers the model of an ideal Muslim leader, one who felt responsible before Allah for the well being of all those under his rule, including his troops, women, infants, non-Muslim subjects and even animals. 鈥楿mar was a 'hands on' leader who kept himself informed and consulted scholars and experts before every major decision.
For the rest of us, this book offers a window into an exciting and important period of Islamic history, and it also reminds of an important lesson, that our strength comes not from wealth or money or status, but from our submission to Allah and our commitment to the path of Islam.
This first volume of the two books reveals the life of Umar ibn al Khattab (r) the second caliph of Islam, one of the prominent companions of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The genius of this man as a leader the world has witnessed when under his leadership, the Muslim world was on its great position namely Golden age.
How can a man being the emperor of the whole Islamic world was in so modest life style, so concerned for the rights of its inhabitants still amaze us. One such example is that Umar (r) felt responsible before Allah for the well being of all those under his rule, including his troops, women, infants, non-Muslim subjects and even animals that is unthinkable in today's perspective. Not to mention he is the one who kept himself informed and consulted scholars and experts before every major decision. This book may bring a lot of shame to the world leaders today regarding how the citizens of all classes are treated in a country and the establishment of peace. Umar (r) did not only come to rule but to make an example for the humanity of all time that the world has almost forgotten today. The untold story of this man of the glorious history was widely presented in the book that gives us insight of the life of Umar (r) in a great length. Finally the question arises how can a man from ignorant and dark society transformed himself swiftly in to a great man of history, is because the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shed God gifted light in his life that altered him completely.
Umar RA! He is the greatest leader of all time mankind ever seen. He is the man inspired by Allah SWT so many of times. Prophet PBUH told about him that "If any one would be prophet after me, it is Umar" He is the man under whose authority Islam has seen prosperity, triumph, tranquility, unity and conquest. He is our hero. In these books, the author present the whole life of Umar with eloquence. The author mentions almost every detailed found about Umar. Every muslim child must read these books.
Biografi Khalifah Umar bin Al Khattab ini wajib dibaca oleh semua Muslimin dan Muslimat bagi mengenali jati diri siapa sebenarnya Amirul Mukminin yang banyak berjasa pada pengembangan Empayar Islam selepas kewafatan Rasullulah SAW dan kematian Khalifah Abu Bakar As siddiq. Banyak jasanya dan nilai-nilai murni yang boleh dicontohi oleh pemimpin dunia sekarang dan kita Muslimin dan Muslimat.
The life of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Calip of Islam, is important for the subsequent generations because he was the man who designed the political and administrative structure of Islamic polity. His life and teachings are also very significant to know the difference between the Quran and Ijtihad. Umar r.a. once said that whatever matter he found no clue about in the Quran or sayings of the Prophet, he used his own thinking, if he concluded correctly, it was God's blessings upon him, and if he concluded incorrectly, it was his own mistake. Furthermore, he added that every person is free to use his thinking on issues that are not discussed in the Quran or by the prophet and that an issue may have different solutions at different times. So it is very important for our time when a variety of decisions taken by Umar are still referred to be legitimated by many scholars around the world. But they forget that it was Umar himself who denied following blindly. That's why his life and teachings are still important for us so that we may know the difference between divine decrees and human thinking.
I had been looking for a book on Umar (r.a) since the last three years or so. This particular publication was only available at an annual international book fair, but was priced very high. I finally bought it this year, shelling out Rs 2,000, after resisting buying it for two previous years.
So far I have read until page 272, and I appreciate the fact that Dr Sallabi has made an effort to consult original sources and present them all to us. The role of the translator is also to be commended, for making this text available for non-Arabic speaking Muslims like me. Global fans of Umar (r.a) can get to know him through this book.
I believe the book is very thorough in its coverage and wide in its scope. I gave it 4 stars and not 5, because the book can be improved with professional editing.
Throughout history, people have loved great men, they have looked at great men with awe and admiration. These great heroes were loved and respected for the quality they possessed and the actions which changed the course of history. And indeed this biography is about one of those rare great men in history who, as an individual, made a great impact on the events that took place during his life time. The earth will never see again a leader like him whose reign was known for justice and peace. His name is Umar ibn Al-Khattab(R.A), the second of the rightly guided Khaleefahs and the third most important personality of Islam after Prophet(SAW) and Abu Bakkr(R.A) and who first bear the title "Ameer Al Mo'mineen" means The Leader of the Believers.
This is the biography of Umar(R.A) and is written by Dr. Ali Muhammad Muhammad As-Sallaabee by compiling various scattered resources from many history books and also from different historical resources by organizing, authenticating and analyzing properly. This book is primarily divided into two volumes. The first one discussed mainly Umar's(R.A) personal life and the latter one his professional life.
In volume one, the author comprehensively gave an account of Umar's(R.A) life during the pre-islamic days of ignorance, his lineage, his family, his acceptance of Islam from being a stern enemy at first and later one of the most powerful leader of Islam, his migration to Madeenah, the effect the Noble Qur'an had on his character, the time he spent in the company of the Prophet(SAW), and the greatness of his truly Islamic character.
And in the second volume, the author beautifully highlighted Umar's (R.A) multi-faced talents, for he was very well-rounded, being an exceptional leader, a skilled military commander, a brave soldier, a prolific worshiper, a learned听 scholar, a fair and wise judge. His governance system, functioning of judicial system under his leadership, his dealings with conquered lands and it's people, and also听 about establishing a stable and strong country. And finally it discussed the events that led to Umar's(R.A) martyrdom and the last hour of his life.
This is a great and long read..... and I think I can't really add much to this great character and even if I wish I will probably be out of words to praise his glorify. I would recommend this to all future leaders who are aspiring to be a quality leader.