A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Pious Caliphate
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in-law, his sister too got wounded in an attempt to protect her
husband. The blood was oozing from their faces. On seeing these
wounds Umar calmed down. He took the text from her and read it
himself. He was so greatly moved by these divine words that he
asked them to take him to Muhammad immediately for conversion.
As soon as he joined the believers, the community became very
strong. He was famed for his bravery, intelligence and was
endowed with a towering personality. Although he held no official
position, he became the real organizer of the newly formed
community of the believer. He became one of the Prophet’s chief
advisors. His part was in fact more of a councilor than of a soldier,
although he did take part in the battles.
Umar was so exceptionally gifted by nature that the power after
Abu Bakr naturally passed on to him. Although he was nominated
by Abu Bakr, the majority of the companions accepted him as
Caliph without any hesitation. He was Caliph from 634-44 A.D.
When Umar Farooq assumed power, the great expansion by
conquest had already begun. Umar Farooq himself had contributed
to it specially in his capacity as advisor to Abu Bakr.
It is one of his greatest achievements that how he managed to
control the fiercely independent Bedouines, executing his plans of
expansion so successfully. All the generals were under his full
control. One of his uncanny ability lay in recognizing which
particular talent lies in different persons. Umar would unmistakably
pick up that person and employ him for the job he was best suited
