Umar Ibn Al Khattaab (RA) (634-644 CE) was the Second Caliph of Islam and one of the most influential figures in Islamic history. He is known for his justice and bravery. He was the best ruler of his time which ultimately led to the expansion of Islam in neighbouring countries like Iran and Iraq. Roman Empire and Persian Empire fell into the hands of Muslims during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA). Running a nation and looking into all of its matters is not an easy job for most of the political leaders today but we see Umar Ibn Al Khattaab (RA) controlling all the administration smoothly and wisely. This clearly indicates that Umar (RA) was well-equipped with administrative skills.
Hazrat Umar (RA) showed the success of his ten years of rule by applying the rulings and principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah. His leadership was one of the finest, reform-minded, and accountable. Sectors like judiciary, military, and administration developed during his period. Here I will mention some of his administrative reforms :
Military development: Soldiers were present even before the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA) but a separate department for the military was first established by him. He also provided them with salary and other essential items like weapons.
Development in the irrigation sector: Hazrat Umar (RA) being an Arab was aware of the importance of water. He knew how hard it was to live with a small amount of water available, that’s why he ordered the digging of various channels and the development of the irrigation sector during his caliphate.
Establishment of Bait Ul Maal: The idea of Bait Ul Maal (House of Wealth) was first introduced by Hazrat Umar (RA). Attainment of socio-economic justice is an immediate objective of the Bait Ul Maal. According to Aidit Ghazali, the philosophy of the Bait Ul Maal is to form the basis of public financing. The final aim is to mould a society committed to balancing material and spiritual values by ensuring that wealth obtained by individuals is distributed from the “haves” to the “have-nots”.
As Islamic territory grew, more wealth came in the form of revenue. Hazrat Umar (RA) used this wealth for the betterment of society by establishing the Bait Ul Maal system.
Judicial development: Hazrat Umar (RA) also developed the judicial department during his period. He established an independent department of the judiciary and formed courts to look at public matters. He himself was the chief justice. The aim behind this was to implement rulings and commandments of the Qur’an and Sunnah in the society.
Independent trading: Hazrat Umar (RA) halted taxes from Jews and Christians making them able to conduct commerce independently. This shows that his nature towards non-Muslims was not harsh.
Religious matters: Hazrat Umar (RA) was also a man with immense knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah. He ordered many rulings during his caliphate that helped to keep a society united as a united society brings peace and prosperity. The idea of congregation prayer of Taraweeh in Ramadan, Hadd on alcohol consumption, the permission of lectures in mosques and other such orders prove his excellence.
Apart from these many other developments like the establishment of the Hijri calendar, salary for Imams, availability of lights for mosques during the night, etc were made by Hazrat Umar (RA).
Shibli Numani in his book Al Farooq has listed 45 such developments and changes which were first introduced by Hazrat Umar (RA). Sayyiduna Umar (RA) was really a genius and his actions were based on the true understanding of the situation. We should promote his teachings to aware everyone of his excellence.
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Administrative excellence of Hazrat Umar Ibn Al Khattaab (RA)
