Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.

A)
Hazrat Umar (R.A) belonged to the Adi family of Quraish tribe. In the 8th generation, his lineage joins with Rasulallah (s.a.w.w). He was born in 583 A.C., about forty years before the great Hijrah. The early life of Hazrat Umar is not known in detail. In his youth he was a famous wrestler and orator, and a spirited person. He was one among the few people in Makkah who knew how to read and write. His main occupation was business. His name was "Abu Hafs", a patronymic name of old traditions. He was the strongest and brave one in all the Makkah. No body in Makkah existed in His youth who could dare to fight with Him. But after embracing Islam He was the most fair and just in ever. On 6th year of Prophet hood by Muhammad (s.a.w.w), he embraced Islam. His embracing Islam is the most popular story of the Islamic history. He was the one who took Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) and a small group of Muslims in Kaaba to offer Namaz for the first time in history. The wordings to Kuffars was: "If anyone want to make his children Orphan and wife as a widow, do stop us!". The same words were heard by the Kuffars again at the time of migration of Muslims to Madinah. He (R.A) was appointed as the Second Caliph of Islam after Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A). Before he passed away, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) consulted the senior Sahaba and elected Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) as the second Caliph of the Muslims. I consider him as my ideal leader because of certain qualities He (R.A) possessed. These are: 1) Personal Life Simplicity and devotion were the main characters of Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu). He used to wear clothes that had many patches and yet received Governors, convoys and diplomats. He took just enough allowance from the State to have a simple meal and wear simple clothes. At times he was very poor. He used to visit the old people and sick and even do their house work. He used to visit the houses of the soldiers and inquire about their families. He stayed awake at night in Salaah and often kept Fast. He always supported and upheld the cause of Islam, with his wisdom, energy, dynamism, bravery and little wealth. 2) Greatest Conqueror: During the reign of the second Caliph, Muslims ruled over an area of 22530 square miles which included Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, Kurdistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kerman, Mekran and part of Baluchistan. A handful of ill-equipped and unskilled Muslims had overthrown two of the mightiest Empires of the world. Hazrat Umar was a great military strategist; he issued detailed instructions regarding the conduct of operations. The great caliph laid sharp stress on the moral side of the conquests by offering liberal terms to the conquered races and by granting them all sorts of privileges which are denied to the conquered races even in this advanced modern age.

3) Honesty and Truthfulness: The honesty, truthfulness and integrity of Muslims in general and their Caliph in particular strengthened the faith of the non-Muslims in the promise given by Muslims. Hurmuzan, a Persian chief, who was sworn enemy of Muslims, was captured in the battle-field and was brought in the presence of the Caliph at Medina. He knew that he was sure to be beheaded for his massacre of Muslims. He thought out a plan and asked for a glass of water. The water was brought, but he was reluctant to drink it, saying that he might be killed while drinking it. The unsuspecting Caliph assured him that he would not be killed unless he drank it. The wily Hurmuzan at once threw away the water saying that since he got the assurance of the Caliph, he would not drink water any more. The Caliph kept his word and did not kill him. Hurmuzan much struck with the honesty of the Caliph accepted Islam. 4) Equality and Fairness Hazrat Umar (R.A) was the most just ruler in the Islamic History. All the citizens, including the Caliph himself, were equal before law. Once he appeared before a court at Medina to clarify his position against a complaint. The Qadi (Judge) wanted to stand in his honour, but he did not allow him to do so, so that there would be no distinction between him and an ordinary person before Law. Courts were completely independent and free to give its verdict on any matter that was presented before them even if it was against state or khalifah. The government couldnt interfere in their decisions. He was really the founder of modern democratic system. Once the first lady, Um-e- Kulsum, sent some perfume vials as a gift to the women of Kaiser of Rome. They, out of goodwill, returned the bottles of perfume, but filled with precious jewels. Hazrat Umar heard about the exchange. He ordered confiscation of the jewels, stating, Perfume was yours, but the messenger used in the process was a government employee. He ordered that the jewels be deposited in Baitul Maal, and his wife be compensated for the actual value of the perfume. The great Caliph had established separate departments for different subjects which were headed by efficient and honest officers. He had separated the judiciary from the executive, a remarkable achievement which has not been achieved even in the most modern states of the present day. The judiciary was fee from the control of the governors and the Qazis (judges) imparted justice free form fear or favors. 5) Self Confidence Self confidence is a general personality trait of an effective leader. Hazrat Umar (R.A) was very confident while ruling the entire conquered area and making bold decision while dealing with the States and public matters. 6) Humility Hazrat Umar (R.A) was having a great sense of humility. He (R.A) did not consider Himself as a person knowing and capable of doing each and everything. He for this purpose established the Shura system for discussing the important and critical matters of the State.Whenever a Shura was called everyone of it memebers was fully allowed to

give his opinion without any fear or hesitation. On various occasions Hazrat Umar said, I am but an ordinary person like you. I can only request you to co-operate in the work with which I have been entrusted by you. 7) Extrovert Hazrat Umar (R.A) was not confined to Himself only. He used to patrol the whole night to see what is happening in the State and helped the needy persons. Hadrat Umar used to
take personal care of the public.

Once a caravan came to Medina and alighted outside the city. He himself guarded the caravan during the night and saw to their needs. He was going round one night when he saw a woman with some children just on the outskirts of the city. The children were crying due to hunger. He himself brought some flour and butter etc., from the Bait-ul-Mal and personally prepared meals for the children. His slave, Aslam offered his services but he said, "You can not help Umar on the Day of Judgment. He is himself responsible for it." Once he saw a Bedouin staying outside the city and his wife was in the throes of child birth. He immediately called his wife who worked as a midwife. Every day after the congregational Salats he used to sit in the Masjid in order to listen to the complaints of the people. Any person having any need reported to Umar (Raziallah Anho) and he helped him. Besides the allowances described above he also gave stipends to the poor and disabled persons regardless of their faith and creed. To find out the needs of the people he used to go out during night time. 8) Compliance and Observance: Hazrat Muhammad bin Muslamah Ansari, a person of unquestionable integrity was appointed as the wandering investigator, who visited different counties and enquired into public complaints. Once a complaint was lodged with the Caliph that Hazrat Saad bin Waqas, Governor of Kufa, had constructed a palace there. He at once dispatched Muhammad Ansari who pulled down a portion of the palace which hindered the easy entry of the public. On another complaint, Saad was deposed from his post. A report was received by the Caliph that Ayaz bin Ganam, the Amil (Governor) of Egypt had kept a gate keeper for his house. Muhammad Ansari who was immediately sent to Egypt found the report to be correct and brought the Governor to Medina. The Caliph humiliated him publicly. At times a commission was appointed by the Caliph to enquire into various charges. Such strict measures adopted by Hazrat Umar ensured an efficient and ideal administration in his vast state. Even the officials working thousands of miles away from Medina could not dare to do anything against the interests of the people and the state. None could ever contemplate (consider) gaining the displeasure of the Iron Caliph. The fundamental difference between the administration of the tyrants and his was that while the tyrants used rod for their own good, Umar used it for the good of the people.

Conclusion No doubt, that Hazrat Umar (r.a) is great leader in the world after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Hazrat Umar (r.a) was second caliph in Islamic history. He ruled area of 1.8 million square meters. He is also the person that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tell Hazrat Umar you are in haven during his living in earth. Hazrat Umar (r.a) is great leader that only Hazrat Umar established the administrative system police system. He was very justice man, he never leave his own relative, if he was wrong. Hazrat Umar (r.a) does his work own, mean the work of public. Hazrat Umar (r.a) has quality Action speaks louder than words. Hazrat Umar (r.a) is very brave man. He (r.a) was a courageous person. Hazrat Umar (r.a) was an enthusiastic leader and handled all the affairs of the State with great deal zeal and passion. Hazrat Umar (r.a) was a man of great character and a pious person. He (r.a) was a great conqueror and lead the army with enthusiasm. He (r.a) was fully devoted to Islam and followed the principles of Islam whole heartedly.