Introduction
His name was Umar, and his surname was Abu Hafs. His father's name was Abdul Aziz, and his mother's name was UmmuAasim. His father held a special position in the BanuUmayyah dynasty and was the governor of Egypt, ruling for a long period of about 21 years.
Therefore, Hazrat Umar was the great-grandson of Hazrat Umar bin Khattab. Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz was born in the village of Helwan, Egypt, in 62 Hijri.
Early Life and Education
He spent his childhood in Medina and received his education under the guidance of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar. He memorized the Quran at an early age and mastered eloquence, grammar, and poetry. He also studied from many scholars and jurists of Medina, becoming a great scholar of his time.
AllamaZahabi wrote that he was a great Imam, a distinguished Mujtahid, and a specialist in Hadith.
His Reign as Caliph
When he ascended to the position of Caliph, his first act was to return all properties and wealth that were unjustly taken from the people. He commanded his family members to hand over their wealth to the public treasury (Baitul Mal). His era was known for unparalleled justice, echoing the golden era of the rightly guided Caliphs.
Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz dismissed corrupt officials and appointed righteous individuals in their place. He focused heavily on the welfare of the public, ensuring that charity was distributed so effectively that it became difficult to find anyone poor enough to accept Zakat.
Revival of Sunnah
One of his greatest achievements was the official documentation and compilation of Hadith. He sent letters to scholars and governors across the Islamic empire, urging them to gather and write down the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to preserve them for future generations.
His deep devotion to the Quran and Sunnah inspired a wave of religious awakening. He removed unjust taxes on non-Muslims and promoted peaceful coexistence, which led to a massive increase in people willingly embracing Islam.
Legacy and Passing
His reign, though brief (lasting only about two and a half years), left an indelible mark on Islamic history. He is often affectionately referred to as the Fifth Rightly Guided Caliph (Khulafa-e-Rashideen) due to his strict adherence to justice, piety, and the principles of Islam.
Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz passed away in 101 Hijri at the age of 39. His legacy continues to be a profound source of inspiration for leaders and Muslims around the world today.
