Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab PDF

Election of Hazrat Umar (RA) Abu Bakr (RA), during his illness consulted the Shura about the next Caliph and then gave his decision in favour of Umar (RA). Umar (RA) was intelligent, had strong will power and a sense of justice – which earned him the title ‘al-Farooq’, one who distinguishes between...

Election of Hazrat Umar (RA) Abu Bakr (RA), during his illness consulted the Shura about the next Caliph and then gave his decision in favour of Umar (RA). Umar (RA) was intelligent, had strong will power and a sense of justice – which earned him the title ‘al-Farooq’, one who distinguishes between right and wrong. Some companions were apprehensive about this selection of khalifah because of Umar (RA)’s strictness. Abu Bakr (RA) rejected their opposition and said: ‘His strictness was there because of my softness; when the weight of the caliphate is on his shoulders, he will no longer remain strict. If I will be asked by Allah as to whom I appointed my successor, I will say that I have appointed the best among your men.’ Umar (RA) assumed the office as the second caliph on the same day that his predecessor died. He got the title of ‘Ameer al-Muminun’ meaning ‘commander of the Believers’. Muslims took (Bai’ah ) allegiance of loyalty at the hand of Umar (RA), in Madinah in Jamada-al- akhirah, in the year 13 A.H/634C.E. After the allegiance, Umar (RA) ascended the pulpit and addressed the people who were assembled in the mosque, “Abu Bakr is no more with us. He successfully ran the affairs of the Ummah for more than two years. I wish the responsibility of leading the nation had fallen on someone else. I never desired such a position. I do not want to put myself on the same level as Abu Bakr” Page 1 of 18  ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS MADE BY UMAR (RA) Introduction Umar’s period is considered as the golden era in Islamic history. The Islamic empire expanded vastly during his reign. He also introduced several administrative reforms that made his caliphate prosperous and well run in which the living standard of the citizens improved a lot. Reforms that helped to make Umar’s caliphate so admirable are given below Each experienced and qualified governor called wali. They made caliphate safe and prosperous and well administered that led to the prosperity of its people. Government officials’ credentials and finances scrutinized at the time of appointment and when they left government to ensure no wrong doings had taken place. Complaints against them were heard at the time of hajj and dealt with effectively. They were instructed to live with simplicity. All this ensured that the public servants were there to serve the people and ensure smooth running of government without any corruption. Umar (RA) imposed certain restrictions on his officers, he made them take pledge that they would not keep doorkeepers to ensure easy access to the public, or wear silk cloths, or eat bread made from refined flour or ride Arabian horse. Umar ran the affairs of the state by consultation hence Majlis Shura was established that comprised both muhajireen and ansaars and a democratic system of government was put in place. He established advanced administration for newly conquered lands, and ordered census of all the Muslim territories. He established many new departments and institutions like board of inspection, board of revenues, military department, judicial department, police department, jails etc. He made the judiciary separate from the executive, Qadi was the head of judiciary - appointed judges which gave the citizens swift and impartial justice. He was displeased when a judge showed some respect to him when he appeared in his court as a defendant. The bait-ul-maal was created under Amils. He made the government finances safe from misuse and introduced checks and balances on public finance and kept corruption out of government. He established department of finance called Dewaan. This system was implemented in the Muslim nation for the first time in order to keep the record of all revenues and expenditures are recorded in it. After meeting expenses, left-over amount used to be distributed amongst Muslims on the criteria of closeness to Prophet (SAW). His wives received highest allowance, followed by those who participated in Battle of Badr. Even children and old Dhimmis were given salaries. He also introduced an old age pension system. Poor people used to get allowance as well. If people were chronically ill, and were permanently unable to work, Umar (RA) would give them from Zakaat wealth. Umar (RA) would even give to poor Christians and Jews. Upon designating them as being poor, he would waiver the Jizyah tax from them and give charity. The revenues were generated from jizyah, Zakat, Kharaj (spoils of war) and fai’y (refers to all wealth that Muslims get from polytheists by peaceful mean). One fifth of the Faiy tax is distributed among specific categories of people, mentioned in the Quran. He also levied tax on the produce of the land called usher. Page 2 of 18 He paid special attention to expansion of cultivation and construction of canals for irrigation. Town planning, building of roads and highways were all undertaken to make a layman’s life better. Mosques and schools were constructed to make the public well versed in religious and other subjects. He constructed rest houses for wayfarers. Cantonments were made for soldiers and their needs were looked after. This kept the armed forces content and happy and they were happy to serve the caliphate. He introduced Islamic calendar and ordered that it should be counted from the first year of Hijrah and set Muharram as the first month of the year. Umar (RA) was the first Muslim to mint the Islamic currency in the year 18 AH. He imprinted over the Persians inscriptions and added the phrase, “All praise to Allah” similar phrases were added on different coins and other part of the coin. Special attention was given to the wellbeing of non-Muslims which ensured good relations between all the citizens so much so that their affairs were settled by their religious laws. It fostered religious tolerance. He took special care of the farmers in the conquered land and forbade Arab soldiers to acquire land in the conquered territories. He also gave unused lands to the people who were willing to make use of them. He said, “O people whoever revives a dead (barren, unused) land gains ownership thereof.” He founded new cities such as Kufa, Basra and Fustat. During the era of Umar (RA) judges were relied on the same sources that had been relied upon by messenger of Allah; the Quran, Sunnah and Ijtihaad. But there were some new developments during the era of rightly guided caliphs. The meaning of Ijtihaad broadened which resulted in new forms of legal procedures; Ijmaa (consensus), Qiyas (analogy) and legal precedents. He started the practice of praying taraweeh in congregation during his caliphate and made Ubay bin Ka’b the Imam to lead people in taraweeh. He expanded the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and also expanded the Prophet (SAW)’s mosque in Madinah. He stressed female education and promoted them to receive it. He sent specially trained teachers to teach Quran. Number of schools and mosques were also built. Conclusion Umar (RA) was an outstanding example of being intelligent, responsible, just and simple, after Holy Prophet (SAW). He consolidated the conquered territories in an efficient system of administration. Page 3 of 18  Battles During the Reign of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA) Persian Battles Byzantines Battles Battle of Namariq Battle of Yarmouk (13 AH – 634 A.D) (15 A.H - 636 A.D) Battle of Jasr (Bridge) ( 13 AH – 634 A.D) Fall of Jerusalem (16. A.H - 635 A.D) Battle of Buwaib (Ramadhan 13 AH – 634 A.D) Conquest of Egypt Fall of Alexandria Battle of Qadisiyyah (20. A.H - 639 A.D) (Muharram 15 AH – 637 A.D) Fall of Mada’in Battle of Jalula (637 A.D) Battle of Nahawand (Muharram 19 A.H - 642 A.D) Page 4 of 18  Expansion of Islamic States during the Reign of Umar (RA) Questions related to expansion of states required details of battles Battles against Persian Empire Introduction (Highlighted is the general introduction to be written with other battles) Umar’s was the 2nd Caliph. Islamic empire expanded vastly during his reign in the east and west. It was largest ever territorial addition to the Islamic State. Umar (RA) used to closely follow the situation on the front in Iraq and other territories, sending them reinforcements, supplies, instructions and commands. He used to plan the battles himself and oversee their execution personally. After the death of Abu Bakr as Sideeq (RA), Umar (RA) urged Muslims to fight against Persians and encouraged them by reminding the reward of Allah. However, nobody stood up to volunteer because the Persians were famous for their legendary power and war expertise. Al Muthanna bin Harithah also encouraged people to take part. For three days, Muslims were encouraged to take part and on the fourth day the first man to step forward was Abu Ubaid bin Masood At - Thaqafi and then the people followed suit in large numbers. Page 5 of 18  Battle of Namariq 13 AH (634 A.D) (Background and Cause of the Battle) During the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA) - under the command of Khalid bin Walid (RA) Muslims conquered part of Persia called Hira. Main cause of the battle was the fall of Hira. Persians outraged at loss of Hira. Emperor of Persia sent army under the command of famous general Rustam bin Farrakhzad , a chief commander of Persian forces. People requested to Umar (RA) to appoint a commander from Ansaar or Muhajiroon but Umar (RA) replied, “By Allah! I don’t find anyone more worthy of the task than the one who first responded to my call.” Umar (RA) appointed Ubaid ath Thaqafi (RA) as commander of Muslims accompanied by Muthanna bin Harith and made Sulait ibn Qais (RA) his advisor. (Details and Main Events of the Battle) The battle occurred after Abu Ubaid reached Iraq and assumed command of the forces. Persians wanted to scare Abu Ubaid, the first volunteer for this campaign, to the extent that his desire to win would be broken. They mobilized the troops and faced the Muslims from the rear, in their front and from within their ranks. They wrote letters to the village leaders to revolt against Muslims and send people to instigate its residents. For this purpose, they sent Jaban with battalion to combat Al- Muthanna. Al- Muthanna got to know about this gathering. Abu Ubaida joined Al Muthanna and they faced off with the enemy at Namariq. Muslim army was comprising of 5000 men. Two armies met 10 miles from Hira and an intense battle took place. It was a fierce but decisive battle, wherein Allah the Almighty caused the Persians to be utterly routed. Result of the Battle Persians were defeated and Muslims won this battle. Jaban the right hand of Rustam was killed in battle. It is also believed that Jaban was not killed but was captured and later he was released. It is believed that Jaban was captured by the companion Matar binn Fidhah- Al Tamimi. The captor did not realize that he has captured the commander of opposite army and he set him free for a ransom. However, the Muslims recaptured him and presented to Abu Ubaid, informing him that he was the Persian commander and urged him to execute the captive. Abu Ubaid said, “I fear Allah that I may execute him while a Muslim granted him security. The captor beseeched saying, “He is the leader!” but Abu Ubaid remained adamant saying, “Even if he is, I will not betray!” Hence, Jaban was set free. Many people who got to know about such exemplary act of Muslims, accepted Islam and became Muslim. Muslims were victorious in this battle. Page 6 of 18  Battle of Jasr (Bridge) 13 AH (634 A.D) Background and Cause of the Battle There were series of battles fought after the battle of Namraq in which Muslims were victorious, like battle of Al- Saqqatiyya which occurred in the place called Kaskar a city between Basra and Kufa. Saqqatiyya is a district of Kaskar. Another battle was the battle of Barosma which occurred in the place called Barosma which is located between Kaskar and Saqqatiyya. In both the battles Muslims were successful under the command of Ubaid ath Thaqafi (RA). Defeat of Persians enraged Rustam and he sent Bahman Jazavia, renowned Persian commander for a battle at the bank of Euphrates. Rustam granted him the Khosrau’s own standard, called the Dirafsh-i-Kaviyani. ‘The great banner’ which the Persians believed brought good luck. It was made of tiger skin and was 4 cubits wide and 12 cubit long. They sent array of trained elephants with army – wearing bells that frightened the horses of the Muslims. Details and Main Events of the Battle Between two armies was a river that could be crossed by a bridge. They sent a message to the Muslims, “Will you come across to us, or shall we come across the bridge?” The troops advised Abu Ubaid (RA) to ask them to cross the bridge. However, he said, “They are not as dauntless in the face of death as we!” Saying this he went cross the river with his army. Muslims were stuck after crossing the bridge as they found that it was a restricted terrain with a narrow exit. In front of them were trained Persian elephants and at their back was river Euphrates. Elephants were the strongest ‘weapon’ that Muslims had to cope with. Every time enemy attacked sound of bells & the sight of elephants frightened Arabian horses and they would flee. Only handful of expert horsemen were able to rein in their horses to maintain their positions. Muslims were able to kill 6,000 of enemy troops. Persians targeted Muslims with arrows. Many Muslims were killed. Abu Ubaid ordered army to dismount and fight. He called out to concentrate on the elephant and cut their saddle girths to make the troops on them fall to the ground. Finally, it was decided to cut elephants’ lips so that they would die but this did not work though Muslims fought bravely and hundreds of them were trampled under the beasts’ feet. Abu Ubaidah was martyred by one of the elephants, his brothers succeeded him, but one by one, the Muslims commanders were martyred. Muthanna took charge as commander. He backed by few soldiers and seized the banner. By this time, Muslims already started evacuating the battlefield and started crossing the bridge. Abdullah bin Marthad At Thaqafi took notice of it and hurried to cut the tiers of the bridge saying, “Either be victorious or die like your commanders died!” Abdullah bin Marthad At Thaqafi was brought to Al Muthanna (RA) and he got so furious. He asked, “What made you do this?” He replied, “To make them fight!” This was the wrong judgement by Abdullah as this caused many Muslims to fall in the river and drown since they were unable to wade back to the Persian controlled bank. Page 7 of 18 The best plan for the Muslims was to protect their remaining strength by going across the bridge. He restored the bridge and small detachment of soldiers held the Persian army back while the survivors crossed the river. He along with his knights remained behind to ensure a safe retreat, by protecting the evacuating forces from the rear. He told his army, “Men, we are behind you! Do not panic lest you are drowned. Cross at your east. Take your time. We will not cross until we see you on the other bank. Result of the Battle Muslims lost this battle due to the wrong decision of their commander. Out of 9000 Muslim forces only 5000 were evacuated across the bridge and 4000 martyrs were left behind. Martyrs included many companions of Prophet (SAW) 2000 survivors returned to Madinah Muthanna was left with 3000 men under his command Muslims managed to kill 6000 of enemy. Page 8 of 18  Battle of Buwaib Ramadhan 13 AH (634 A.D) Background and Cause of the Battle Umar (RA) received news of defeat and gave call for Jihad. Muthana sent messages to the Muslim governors appointed in various regions urging them to support the war effort. They too responded with reinforcements such that the army grew in terms of both men and material. Details and Main Events of the Battle Rustam, the commander in chief of Persian army appointed Mahran Hamadani as commander over 200,000 men. Mahran was selected as he knew Arabian ways of fighting Both armies met at Buwaib (near Kufa), situated near Euphrates. Muslim army were little more than 20,000 men. Muslims invited Persians to cross the river. Hence the Persian army came over to the other bank. This was in the month of Ramadan of the year 13 AH. Muthanna suggested them to break their fast to save their energy for the battle. Persians took the initiative in the attack, but the Muslims put up a stiff resistance attack. Muthanna, despite of his physical participation in the battle, kept motivating his troops and supervising the minute details of warfare. For e.g., on seeing a gap in the ranks of his army at a particular position, he sent a message that said: ‘Do not let the Muslims down today!’ the troops understood the message and reformed their lines. Though fierce combat ensued on all fronts, but in the heart of the battle, the tide turned against the Persians. Muslims fought so bravely that they penetrated through the central body of the Persian Army and wiped it out. Result of the Battle Persians were defeated and Muslims gained victory. Mahran was killed. Persians started fleeing back but Muthanna hurried forward and precede them at the bridge and unfastened it, blocking their only escape route. Persians became scattered in bewilderment along the bank of Euphrates and were encircled by the Muslims cavalry, who killed them all. 100,000 Persians lost their life and their army was almost completely destroyed. As a result of this victory, entire Western region of Persian Empire (now Iraq) came under Muslims. Page 9 of 18  Battle of Qadisiyyah Muharram 15 AH (637 A.D) Background and Cause of the Battle Heavy defeat of Buwayb shocked the Persian Empire. It was cause of distress not just to the rulers but also the people. The Persian emperor Yezdegred reorganized the army under command of Rustam. Number of revolts against Muslims arose in lands conquered by them and as a result they lost some parts they had conquered earlier. Mutahanna sent an urgent message to Umar and told him about new threats all around. Umar realized that if Hira was to be held by Muslims, Madain, the Persian capital of Iraq must be captured. Umar issued tough orders for reinforcements, wrote letters to his allies, assembled them under his banner and advised Sa’d about staying steadfast. Umar wanted to go himself and lead the army but advisory council didn’t agree to it and he stayed in Madinah. Details and Main Events of the Battle Saad bin Abi Waqas was appointed as Commander in Iraq over the army of about 30,000 men. The army had 70 companions who were participants of Badr and 300 companions who were present at Al-Hudaybiyyah for pledge of Ridwan. Saad was commanded by Umar to encamp at Qadisiyyah, a town 45 kilometers from Kufa. Umar commanded Saad to send delegation to the Persian Emperor with three options: 1. to accept Islam, 2. if not then pay jizyah and come under Muslims protection 3. or fight Saad sent an envoy of fourteen people to the court of Yazdgrid with this message. The emperor insulted the delegation and ordered his men to place the basketful of earth on head one the noblest men of delegation, Asim ibn Amr. Asim returned to Qadisyyah and placed the load before Saad and exclaimed, ‘Rejoice, O Saad! Allah has given us the soil of Persia. He has given us the keys to their kingdom.’ Rustam came out with huge army of about 60,000 strong men and many elephants. Rustum encamped with his army on the opposite bank of the river. He intended to tire out the Muslims or make them short of supplies before attacking. He reached al-Qadisiyyah at a bridge called al-Atiq, facing Muslim camp, with a river between them. Muslims again offered a peace agreement to them and gave them 3 days. Rustom consulted with his officers and they refused to enter into this agreement. Arab raiding parties, which attacked the fertile Persian fields, forced the emperor to order Rustum to commence fighting. Rustum and his army crossed the river in the secrecy of the night by building a dam to check the flow of the water. Muslims were fully prepared for the fight and they offered dhuhr prayer. Upon hearing the call to prayer (Azan) Rustum lamented, “It feels as if Umar has eaten my liver!”. On the first day known as the Day of Armath, Saad commanded his army to advance after reciting verses from Surah Anfal and boosting the morale of Muslim troops. Page 10 of 18 Saad was suffering from boils so he gave instructions to the army from the camp. The Persian army used elephants, which caused panic in Muslim ranks. Muslim archers pierced the eyes of elephants and cut their trunks, blind elephants ran towards Persian armies and destroyed their ranks. On the second day known as the Day of Aghwath, reinforcement of thousand men arrived under the leadership of Qa’qa Al Tamimi, who was well known for his bravery. His military skills boosted the morale of Muslim fighters. On the third day known as the Day of ‘Amas, when the Persians fielded their elephants again, Qa’qa and his brother destroyed the leader elephant and as a result they trampled their own soldiers in pain. The troops mounted on the elephants were killed in the stampede. Elephants had completely left the battlefield as they blindly ran towards the river. Heroic feats of Badr were enacted on the battle field, fighting was severe and the bloodshed was great. The battle lasted for 3 days and 4 nights. Result of the Battle Persians lost eventually. Their commander Rustam was killed. Muslim loss far exceeded that of any previous engagement. Fifth part of Muslims were martyred. 30,000 Persians were killed. It was one of the decisive battles in the history of Islam. This battle shattered the Persian’s strength and put an end to the military might of Persians. Arab tribes no longer hesitated to fight against Persia. It also gave courage to them to fight the enemies of Islam. Victory at Qadisiya also led to the conquest of the whole of Iraq from the Persians. Fall of Mada’in Background and Cause of the Battle Saad used successful methods at Battle of Qadissiyah and chased the defeated and demolished Persian to Babel, where they had sought refuge. Saad with the permission from Caliph Umar marched towards Mada’in the capital of the Persian Empire with the intention to capture it. Details and Main Events The army defending the city fell back before the Muslims assault. They fled into the city and closed the doors. Muslims captured the city after a siege. Emperor and his family and the nobles fled leaving the city, its streets, garden and palaces deserted. Royal treasures were collected and sent to Madinah along with the one fifth of the war booty and rest was distributed among the troops. Result of the Battle Peace was declared. The remaining population came to hear and agree to the terms of Jizyah. This brought the whole territory from the Euphrates to the Tigris under the banner of Islam Page 11 of 18  Battle of Jalula (637 A.D) Background and Cause of the Battle The Persian emperor took shelter in Halwan and started preparations to attack Muslims. They made preparations for the battle; entire town was converted into fortress and deep ditch was dug around the town. Details and Main Events of the Battle Saad bin Abi Waqas after consulting with Umar (RA) sent an army under command of Qaka to face Persians at Jalula. Muslims fought strategically. Muslims laid siege to Jalula which lasted for 7 months. Fierce battle was fought under command of Hashim and Qaka and with the help of hostile weather broke the resistance of the Persians who fled in all directions. Result of the Battle Persians were defeated and agreed to pay Jizyah. Muslims advanced to Hulwan, city where Yazdegerd was staying and they captured it. Yazdegerd fled and settled in Merv. Page 12 of 18  Battle of Nahawand Muharram 19 A.H (642 A.D) Background and Cause of the Battle There was peace for a while, after the battle of Jalaula,. Umar (RA) stopped further conquest and sought to consolidate the Muslim rule in the lands already occupied. A peace treaty was signed with the Persians. The Persians, however soon broke the treaty and united against the Muslims. Umar (RA) heard that Yazdegerd was determined to recover his control of the rich plains of Mesopotamia (Iraq) and was gathering troops at Nahawanad. He (RA) sent letters to Kufa and Basra ordering that armies should be assembled. Details and Main Events of the Battle. The Muslim Armies gathered and marched on to Nahawanad. One force was ordered to station on the borders between the provinces of Fars and Isfahan to prevent Persians sending reinforcements from the South. Persians were 60,000 men under command of Firuzan and Muslims were 30,000. Both armies met at Nahawanad and there was a fierce battle for 2 days. 3rd day Persians took fortified themselves behind trenches. Muslim leaders met in a council of war to decide a course of war and decided that a cavalry would advance and pretend to attack the trenches and then withdraw to lure the Persians from their trenches. By the clever strategy, the Muslims got them out of hiding and fierce fighting took place between them. The Muslim Commander Nauman ibn Muqarrin kept the main army in check until the day was almost over. He exhorted them that they were fighting for their honour and religion, not lands and booty. Result of the Battle The Victory of Nahawanad came to be known as Fatah al-Futuh, the Victory of Victories. Persians were defeated and Firuzan was killed along with 38,000 Persians. Thus in 642, this battle shattered the ancient Empire of Persia for all times to come. Series of victories followed the victory of Nahawanad. Umar (RA) ordered his commanders to march against all the remaining provinces. This administered a death blow to the Persian Empire and all unity and cohesion of the empire was gone. It was the last and the greatest victory of Umar (RA)’s marvelous reign. Page 13 of 18  BATTLES FOUGHT WITH BYZANTINES Introduction: The Eastern Roman Empire consisting of Syria, Jerusalem and Egypt was called Byzantine Empire. Muslims under the leadership of Khalid bin Walid (RA) had captured Hims and Qinnasrin and had laid seige to Damascus at the time of Abu Bakr’s death. The Muslims conquered Damascus at the time of Umar (RA). The fall of some important cities angered the Roman Emperor, Heraclius. He sent huge army to fight against Muslims. In order to face the huge army, the Muslims left some places they had occupied and returned to safer border. While leaving the conquered lands, the Islamic forces paid back the Jizyah that they had collected from non-Muslims of those regions, telling them, ‘Since we cannot protect you, we are returning it.’ This was an extremely rare example of integrity set by Muslims in history. Battle of Yarmuk 15 A.H (636 A.D) Background and Cause of the Battle The Romans were very perturbed at the fall of important cities like Damascus and defeat at Fihl and Hims in 635 AD. When Heraclius received reports of the fall of these cities, he became determined in his decision to recover the towns. He issued orders to mobilize troops from all corners of his empire. He mobilized a large army around 260,000 men who camped in the valley of Yarmuk. Details and Main Events of the Battle As soon as Khalid bin Waleed received information of Heraclius’s intention, he started gathering his forces on the bank of River of Yarmuk, a tributary of the River of Jordan. Muslim army was about 40,000 men and initially was under the command of Khalid ibn al-Walid. Umar was in contact with the army and sent them messages and encouragement. Romans tried to drive out the Muslims from Syria through negotiations and bribery but Khalid bin Waled refused with logical reasons. He highlighted all the positive changes that Islam had brought in Arabia and invited the Romans to accept Islam, pay jizya or fight, but when the enemy choose third option, he went back to prepare his troops with Hazrat Abu Ubaida to upcoming conflict. During the course of the battle Umar (RA) appointed Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Jarra as the new commander- in- chief. In 15th AH both armies were there to fight out the last round and decide the fate of Syria. 40,000 Muslims were against 260,000 Romans. A fierce battle took place which lasted for 6 days. By the grace of Allah, the war strategies of Muslim commanders became successful while the Romans led by Theodorus suffered heavily losses. Romans were defeated and about 100,000 Romans were killed. Bu the end of the sixth day only one third of the Romans remained, the rest had either been killed or fled. The Muslims also lost 3000 men in this battle and several soldiers were badly injured. Page 14 of 18  Result of the Battle Battle of Yarmuk was a turning point in the history of the Byzantine empire. The power of Byzantine was completely crushed & Syria fell in the hands of Muslims forever. Heraclius moved his capital to Constantinople after withdrawing from Syria. After this battle the Muslim forces spread out in all directions in Jordan and captured key areas to pave the way to Jerusalem. Fall of Jerusalem 16. A.H (635 A.D) After the victory of Yarmuk, Muslims captured many other towns and besieged Jerusalem under the leadership of Amr bin al-Aas. The city of Jerusalem surrounded by huge wall. Muslim had special links to Jerusalem. Later Abu Ubaida and Khalid bin Waleed joined him. Artabun was the guardian of Jerusalem at that time, he was second in authority only to the emperor himself. The siege lasted for four months. Muslims had to endure rain, snow and bitter cold. The winter season had created difficulties for Muslims and Romans to give stiff resistance. Hazrat Amr bin Aas ‘s army was reinforcement by Hazrat Abu Ubaida who was the Muslim commander in chief. Since the people of Jerusalem had already seen the defeat of the Byzantine forces, they agreed to surrender but only if caliph came in person to sign the treaty in their presence. The message was sent to Umar (RA) after consulting with the Shura, he accepted the offer. He appointed Ali (RA) as his deputy in Madinah and went to Jerusalem with his slave. They had one camel on which they rode turn by turn. When they entered Jerusalem, it was his slaves turn to be on the camel, Umar (RA) entered Jerusalem holding the rope of camel on which his slave was riding. His cloths were very simple and had several patches on them. Umar (RA) signed the treaty under which the inhabitants of Jerusalem were guaranteed complete security of their life and property, they agreed to pay Jizyah. There Places of worship were secured and remained intact. People were allowed to follow their religion freely which made many people accept Islam. They offered him keys of Jerusalem and visited to Masjid-al-Aqsa, Christian churches and other historical places. This way Jerusalem also fell into the hands of the Muslims. Page 15 of 18  Conquest of Egypt – Fall of Alexandria - (20. A.H - 639 A.D) Egypt was a great danger to the security of Hijaz (Northern Arabia). It was a powerful province of Byzantine empire and had a strong base of Byzantine navy at Alexandria Romans were busy in plotting against Muslims to regain their lost territories from Muslims and to attack them through Egypt. Therefore, it was necessary from the point of view of defense to drive the Romans from Egypt. Conquest of Egypt would open the way of large parts of Africa Amr bin Al-Aas knew that the common people of Egypt were living in miserable conditions under the Byzantine rulers so they would welcome and support the Muslims. Besides this Muslims had a faith, a religion which they wanted to establish all over the world. Egypt boarded Palestine so it was natural for the Muslims to flow into Egypt after having conquered Palestine. Towards the end of 17 AH in 638 AD, Amr bin Al-Aas got the permission from caliph and set out from Palestine to Egypt, at the head of 40,000 men. Amr bin Al-Aas entered Egypt through root of Wadi Al Arish and after attacking some small towns laid siege to one of the strongest force of Romans in Egypt at Fustat. Amr was unable to make headway, requested reinforcements from Madina. Reinforcements arrived late by four brilliant commanders Zubayr bin Al awwam, Miqdad ibn Umar, Ubaidah ibn Samit and Musalama Ibn Mukhallad. Amr handed over the operations to Zubair who captured the fort after a 7-months long siege, by scaling the walls and opening the gates for the Muslim army to enter. The fall of Fustat give a severe blow to the Roman might in Egypt. The Byzantine emperor upon hearing the news of the fall of fort got furious and sent a big army to Alexandria. It is important to note that at that time Alexandria was the capital of the region and also the financial capital and Romans were aware of the dangers posed by the Muslims invasion of the city. When Muslims reached the city, they found it heavily fortified manned by 50,000 soldiers and the Muslims strength was about 12,000 only. Whenever the Muslims tried to get close to the city the enemy rained boulders on them and also because Alexandra was the major port and help could come from sea anytime Heraclius wished to personally face the Muslims in the battle of Alexandria but Allah caused his death during the Siege and that caused disorder in his troops as well. This seige was dragged on for about 9 months and finally the troops were placed under Ubaidah Ibn Samit by Amr bin Al-Aas and the Muslims conquered Alexandria the same day- it was last month of the year 21 AH, 641 CE. Page 16 of 18  Assassination of Umar (RA) 27th Dhul Hijjah, 23 AH (644 AD) Background Al Mughaira bin Shu'bah, who was the governor of Kufah, had a Persian slave named Feroz Abu Lulu, who was a native of Nihawand. He was highly skilled worker, carpenter, smith and sculptor, Al Mughaira wished to let him work in Madinah and to profit from his earnings as under Islamic law the owner of the slave was entitled to a certain share in the latter's gains. Abu Lulu set up his trade in Medina and prospered. Cause of Assassination Al-Mughaira used to take 4 Dirhams from his daily earnings which was quite reasonable. Feroz complained to Omar (RA) that his master charged him too high tax. Umar found out that his earnings were far above the sum demanded by Al-Mughaira. Though he planned to talk Al Mughaira, for the present, however he advised a slave to behave well. This roused the slave's anger and he openly threatened to kill Omar when Umar (RA) asked him, “Have I not been told that you say that if you wanted you could make a mill that is run by the wind?” He scowled in response, “I will make a mill for you that people will talk about!” Umar (RA) turned to his companions and said, “The slave has threatened me.” Some people advised Omar to arrest the slave but he refused to do so and also, he laid down the rule that citizen should not be arrested on grounds of suspicion. On the morning of 27th Dhul Hijjah, Abu Lulu attacked Omar with a double-bladed dagger while Omar was leading the Dawn prayer. Omar (RA) took the hand of Abdur Rehman bin Awf and made him advance to lead the prayer. Omar (RA) was severely wounded in the stomach and survived for few days after the attack. One of the slashes was below the navel and that is the one that proved fatal. Abu lulu also stabbed thirteen more companions in the mosque, seven of whom succumbed to their wounds and died. Umar (RA) said, “O Ibn Abbaas! Find out who attacked me.” Ibn Abbas (RA) kept on looking here and there for a short time and came to say. “The slave of Al Mughira.” Umar (RA) said, “May Allah curse him! I did not treat him unjustly. All praise to Allah the Almighty who has not caused me to die at the hand of a man who claims himself to be a Muslim.” When Feroz was caught, he killed himself. Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil while being on the Deathbed On his deathbed a young man and console him with nice words, upon which Umar (RA) said, “I wish that all these privileges will counterbalance (my shortcomings) so that I neither lose nor gain anything.” When the young man turned back to leave, his clothes seemed to be touching the ground. Umar (RA) called that young man back and said, “O son of my brother! Lift your clothes, for this will keep your clothes clean and save you from the punishment of your Lord.” Fulfilling Responsibility on Deathbed Umar, knowing that his end is near nominated a board of six leading companions (Ali bin Abi Talib, Uthman bin Affan, Abdul Rahman bin Awf, Saad bin Abi Waqas, Az- Zubair bin Al Awwam and Talha bin Ubaydullah) to elect caliph within three days of his Death. Page 17 of 18  Ritual Burial and Funeral Prayer Suhaib bin Sinan (RA) led the prayers between Prophet (SAW)’s pulpit and his house. Suhaib (RA) was leading Muslims in obligatory prayers on Umar (RA)’s order that is why he was chosen for his funeral prayer. He was martyred on Wednesday with three or four days remaining of Dhul Hijjah (last month of Islamic calendar). He passed away at the age of 63 in 23rd AH, 644 A.D. He ruled for 13 and a half years and a few days. He was buried next to Prophet (SAW) in the apartment of Ayesha (RA) as he requested her to permit his burial by the side of Prophet (SAW). Umar (RA) said, “If she gives permission, burry me there and if she refuses, then take me to the graveyard of the Muslims.” Despite of the fact, Ayesha (RA) wanted to be buried next to her husband and her father but she granted permission to Umar (RA). Ayesha (RA) said, “I had the idea of having this place for myself, but today I prefer Umar to myself.” Page 18 of 18