From WikiAhmadiyya, the free encyclopedia on Islam and Ahmadiyyat

Umar Farooq bin Khattaabra also spelt Omar or Omer (581-644) was a close companion of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammadsa, and became his second successor as Caliph

Early Life

Umar belonged to the Quraish tribe of Mecca. He was a renowned businessman and used to lead trade delegations to Syria and Iraq. When Muhammadsa announced his claim to prophethood, Umar became a fierce  opponent of Islam. Umar's initial hostility towards the faith culminated in his taking up a sword with the intention of assasinating the Prophetsa. However as he embarked upon this plan, he was informed his own sister had accepted the faith. He Immediately headed to her door, where he could hear the Quran being recited. He began furiously beating his brother-in-law. Umar's sister rebuked him: "Umar! You may beat us as much as you like, but we are not going to change our faith.”

Umar became calm and asked to hear more from the scripture. Moved by its message, he embraced Islam.


Umar succeeded Abu Bakr as the second Caliph of the Muslims. During ten years in the role, the state expanded and progressed extensively. Peace and prosperity prevailed at home, even as the Muslims were forced to fight a series of defensive battles at their borders, after being attacked from surrounding areas including Iran, Iraq, Syria and Egypt. Subsequent victories meant large portions of these lands fell to Umar, perhaps most notably including the city of Jerusalem.

Domestically, Umar introduced the Hijri calender, established a consultative system between the Caliph and the people, divided the state into provinces to facilitate their administration, built schools and mosques and created a finance department.

In 644, Umar was fatally stabbed by a Persian slave while offering prayers at the mosque.


See also