Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section

Academic Year (2022–2023)

Islamiyat 0493
Notes and Guidelines

Student Name/ID

Class/ Section

Chapter 4 The First Islamic Community

Umar Farooq (RA) during the life of Prophet (SAW)

Topic

Reference Note – 2
 Chapter 4: Umar ibn al Khattab (RA) as a Companion

Generic Guidelines

➢ These notes are consisted of outlines NOT the complete answer.

➢ Outlines are based on the IGCSE requirements with the reference of past paper
question and guidelines with examiner report for the relevant topics.
➢ These notes will serve the students as a mind map, in order to form a well-developed
answer.
➢ Students are required to use the given key points to develop the response in their
own words.
➢ For some topics notes are given in complete paragraph form to give idea how to
develop the answer
➢ References are also included within the notes to help students memorize

Umar Farooq (RA) during the life of Prophet (SAW)

A good answer should have most of the information and a lot of detail, accurate chronology,
giving relevant quotes. Following is the outline for a well-developed response

Outlines
➢ Introduction
o Pre-Islamic life
o Personality Traits
o Entrance to Islam
➢ Makkan period
o Offering of Prayers Openly
o Migration to Madinah
➢ Madni Period
o Suggestion of Adhan
o Participation in all battles
(Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhad, Battle of Hunain, Tabuk Expedition)
o Pledge of Ridwan
o Conquest of Makkah
o Siege of Taif
o Revelation of the Quran Agreeing with his opinion
o Role of Umar (RA) after Prophet’s Demise.

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 Chapter 4: Umar ibn al Khattab (RA) as a Companion

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Part ‘a’ (10 Marks Question)
Students are required to recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of
the faith and history of Islam in part ‘A’.

1. Write about the role of ‘Umar in the lifetime of the Prophet. [10]
2. Describe an account of main activities of Umar (RA) during the life time of
Prophet. [10]

Marking Scheme:

Candidates should expand on the points below and write a clear and concise narrative.
‘Umar ibn al-Khattab: he accepted Islam at the age of 26/27. Before his conversion, he had
gone to kill the Prophet; when told his own sister and brother-in-law had converted, he went
to her house. He found them reciting verses from sura Taha; ‘Umar was angry with them
then asked to see the writing which they were reading, but his sister said only those who
have been purified can read it, and so ‘Umar made wudu’ before being given the Qur’an.
After his conversion, ‘Umar refused to keep Islam a secret, after which Muslims could pray
openly.
He didn’t emigrate in secret, he fought in all the battles, giving half his wealth for the
campaign of Tabuk, and is one of the ten promised Paradise.
He was one of the witnesses for the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, although he was initially not
satisfied with the terms.
On the Prophet’s death, in his grief, he said he would kill anyone who said that the Prophet
had died.
Details about ‘Umar’s life after the Prophet’s death will not be credited.

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 Chapter 4: Umar ibn al Khattab (RA) as a Companion

‘Umar Farooq’ (RA) during the life of Prophet (SAW)

Answer must begin with the general introduction and details about the ‘Umar (RA) during the
life of Prophet (SAW)’ as mentioned in the outline.

Introduction
o Umar ibn Al Khattab (RA) was born in 13th year of Elephant 583 AD, about 40 years
before Hijrah.
o His father’s name was ‘Al-Khattab’ and mother was ‘Khatmah bint Hashim’.
o His kunyah was Abu Hafsa.
o He belongs to the tribe of Banu Adi, clan of the Quraysh.
o He was 13 Years younger than Prophet (SAW).
o He was given the title of ‘Al-Farooq’ One who distinguishes between right and wrong.

Pre-Islamic life
o Umar (RA) was tall, well built, a fine soldier and well-educated man known for his
fierce demeanor and wrestling skills.
o He was the spokesperson of Quraysh because of his high oratory skills.
o In early period of Islam, Umar pronounced his hatred for Islam openly and took part in
the abuse and torture of many of the weaker converts to Islam.
Personality Traits
o Umar was known as a man of strength. His posture and bearing denoted strength
and his voice was loud and commanding.
o He was among the few Makkans who can read and write.

Entrance to Islam in 6th Year of Prophethood

Supplication of Prophet (SAW)
o Traditional accounts revealed that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on one occasion
raised his hands in supplication and begged Allah to strengthen Islam by whomever
of the two, ‘Umar ibn al Khattab or Amr bin Hisham (Abu Jahl)’, he loved most.
o To the enemies of Islam and to the companions of Prophet Muhammad Umar
embracing Islam was an unthinkable notion and a surprise for both Prophet’s
companions and enemies of Islam.

Umar (RA)’s Acceptance of Islam

o Umar converted to Islam in 616, one year after the Migration to Abyssinia.
o When a small group of Muslims migrated, Umar became worried about the future
unity of the Quraish and decided to have Muhammad assassinated.
o Deciding to kill the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Umar girthed his sword and set out to
kill him. However, when he learned that his sister and her husband had entered the
new religion, he went to them. After some arguments, he himself asked to read what
his sister was reading and when the verses of surah Taha were recited before him,
he got impressed and embraced Islam in the 6th year of the Prophet’s apostleship.

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 Chapter 4: Umar ibn al Khattab (RA) as a Companion

Makkan period

Offering of prayers Openly

o Umar’s conversion to Islam granted power to the Muslims and to the Islamic faith in
Mecca.
o It was after this event that Muslims offered prayers openly in Masjid al-Haram for the
first time.
o Prophet (SAW) said, “We have been powerful since ‘Umar (RA) embraced Islam.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
o It was on this occasion that Prophet Muhammad gave him the Title ‘Al Farooq’ – the
criterion. It denotes one who is able to distinguish truth from falsehood
Migration to Madinah
o When Muslims were ordered to migrate to Medina, they secretly began to immigrate
to Medina Mecca.
o Umar felt no need to be secretive and he set off for Medina with twenty companions.
o No man in Makkah dared to accept his challenge when he announced loudly.
o , “I am migrating to Madinah. If anyone wants to check me, let him come out. I
am sure that his mother would cry for his life”.

Madni Period
o Umar (RA) was constantly at the side of the Prophet, and he did everything possible
to protect him.
o Umar (RA) had become one of Prophet Muhammad’s chief advisers, closely
associated with Abū Bakr.
o His position in the state was marked by Prophet Muhammad’s marriage to his
daughter Hafsa in 625.
o Prophet (SAW)’s love for him “Were a Prophet to come after me, he would have been
Umar” (Agreed)
o Abu Bakr (RA) said that he heard the Prophet (SAW) about Umar (RA) that: “The Sun
has not risen on a better man than Umar (RA)” (Tirimidhi)
o He was one of the Ashara Mubashra and scriber of divine revelations.
o He learned the whole Quran by heart.

Suggestion of Adhan:
o It was Umar (RA) who gave the suggestion of summoning the Believers for daily
prayers by Adhan (Call for prayer)

Participated in all Battles

o Battle of Badr: He shared a camel with Abu Bakr and Abdul Raham ibn Awf. He
killed his uncle named al-Aas ibn Hisham. He suggested to kill prisoners of Qurish.
o Battle of Uhad: He was among those who encircled Prophet (SAW) to protect him
from Quraish. He responded to Abu Sufyan’s claim. “It is not equal: Our dead ones
are in Paradise and your dead ones are in Hellfire.”
o Battle of Trench: He participated in digging the trench around Madinah.
o Tabuk Expedition: He was part of the Muslim army that contested the Battle of
Tabuk and he was reported to have given half of his wealth for the preparation of this
expedition.
o Battle of Hunain: He stood firmly by Prophet (SAW) under great danger.
o Siege toTaif: He persuaded Muslims to accept Prophet (SAW)’s decision to return
without fighting when the Prophet (SAW) ordered.

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 Chapter 4: Umar ibn al Khattab (RA) as a Companion

Pledge of Ridwan
o He took the pledge of Rizwan at the hand of prophet (SAW). He was unhappy about
the terms of the Treaty of Hudaibiya and showed his dejection, for what he later
always repented.
o Prophet (SAW) said: “The most rigorous regarding Allah’s affair is Umar.” (Ahmad)
Conquest of Makkah
o When Abu Sufyan was taken as prisoner as he was spying on Muslims, Umar (RA)
asked Prophet (SAW) to kill him.
o Prophet (SAW) appointed him as deputy in witnessing the acceptance of Islam by the
women.
Revelation of the Quran Agreeing with His Opinion
o There are many places wherein the opinion of Umar (RA) conformed to revelation in
the Holy Quran
o He suggested ‘station (Maqam) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer to prophet (SAW),
later Allah (SWT) revealed the verse,’ “And the Maqaam of Ibrahim a prayer
place.” (Baqarah 124)
o The verse was revealed in regards to the mothers of the believers and how they
should remain in veils. Considering Umar (RA) point of view Allah (SWT) commanded
in Quran. “And when you ask them anything of use, ask them from behind a
curtain.” [Surah 33, Verse 53]

Death of Prophet (SAW) and role of Umar (RA)

o Umar (RA) was so upset that he wasn’t ready to believe the death of Prophet (SAW).
o Abu Bakr (RA) was able to calm him down by reciting the verse (3:144).
o He was the First person to pledge loyalty to Abu Bakr (RA) and then supported him
throughout his caliphate period.
o He was selected as second Caliph and was assassinated by Persian slave Abu Lulu
at the age of 63.

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 Chapter 4: Umar ibn al Khattab (RA) as a Companion

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Part ‘b’ (4 Marks Question)

Students are required to demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of

Islam and in the lives of Muslims in part ‘B’

1. What lessons can Muslims learn from ‘Umar’s conversion? [4] May/June 2015

Marking Scheme:

Candidates could say that ‘Umar had a very staunch character and was open about his
idolatry and opposition to Islam. Yet his conversion meant that the Qur’an was able to affect
someone who on the outside looked like an enemy of Islam, therefore Muslims should still
try to convey the good in Islam to non-Muslims even if they seem against it. His conversion
meant Muslims had someone to stand up and defend them, and he was not afraid of letting
people know about his new faith, so Muslims should also try to be open about their faith
and not hide it. Candidates can offer other answers but should try to give an explanation or
details to get higher marks.

2. Why was ‘Umar’s conversion important for the early Muslims? [4] May/June 2013

Marking Scheme:

Answers here should reflect upon the character of ‘Umar, and give reasons as to why his
actions were important. Candidates could write about his staunch character and that
people feared him, which meant that his conversion was a boost for the morale of the
Muslims. His openness meant that he was not willing to pray in hiding, and so Muslims
could now pray openly. His temper and physical strength gave protection to the vulnerable
Muslims as no-one dared challenge him.

Note: Points mentioned in marking scheme for part ‘b’ are given as reference. Candidates
are required to include their own point of view and elaborate them for higher mark

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