8 Reasons to Emulate Umar bin Khattab, the Companion of Prophet Muhammad SAW

Umar bin Khattab is a figure whom I have idolized since childhood. His story has been preserved many times throughout history. It is recorded that, although he was initially a fierce and brutal challenger to the Prophet, he later became a strong and firm defender of the Prophet. If you visit the Masjid Nabawi, you will find his grave right next to the grave of the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr. Indeed, you will be amazed to see how Umar, despite his firmness, was also wise and wealthy.

First, Umar's strength and character were confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet once said, "Follow the two after me, Abu Bakr and Umar." The Prophet also said, "Indeed, Allah has placed the truth on the tongue and in the heart of Umar." Even when Umar made ijtihad (legal reasoning), there were 15 instances where his reasoning aligned with revelations from the Qur'an. This is a unique privilege that he had.

Second, Umar was granted special qualities. As the second caliph, he ruled for a much longer period than Abu Bakr, the first caliph. Even more remarkable, during Umar's reign, there were almost no disputes among the Muslim community. This was in contrast to the time of Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph. Each caliph had their own strengths, but Umar's leadership was particularly notable for its unity.

Third, Umar viewed work as one of the highest forms of worship. He once said, "I have appointed you to travel, to go on pilgrimage, to struggle in the path of Allah, and to seek His bounty." He even considered someone who died during travel to be a martyr. To clarify this, one must reflect on the concept of "good fortune."

Once, Umar inquired about the livelihood of someone who was dedicated to worship in the mosque. The person explained, "I have a brother who collects wood and brings it to me, and with that, he provides for me." Umar then remarked, "That brother of yours is more devoted in worship than you are." This story mirrors an incident that happened during the time of the Prophet Muhammad when a group of people was considered better than someone who was solely focused on worship without working.

On another occasion, Umar asked an elderly man, "What prevents you from understanding your land?" The elderly man replied, "I am old, and I may die tomorrow." Umar then responded by ordering the man to plant his land, even accompanying him in the planting process.