Omar (r)Omar (r)AdministrationAdministration

A.S. Hashim, MDA.S. Hashim, MD

From wikipedia.comFrom wikipedia.com

Sources of ReferenceSources of Reference

Al Farooq, Omar, Muhammad Husayn HaykalAl Farooq, Omar, Muhammad Husayn Haykalal-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings al-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings Tabqat ibn Sa'ad. Tabqat ibn Sa'ad. al-Suyuti, The History of Khalifahsal-Suyuti, The History of KhalifahsMadelung, Wilferd. The Succession to Muhammad.Madelung, Wilferd. The Succession to Muhammad.K. Y. Blankinship, The History of al-TabariK. Y. Blankinship, The History of al-TabariEarly Khilaafah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ya’qub Early Khilaafah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ya’qub KhanKhanModern Islamic political thought, Hahmid Enayat, Modern Islamic political thought, Hahmid Enayat, Encyclopedia Britannica Encyclopedia Britannica al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by ibn Kathir al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by ibn Kathir Armstrong, Armstrong,

In this Slide ShowIn this Slide Show

Inaugural addressInaugural addressOmar and Majlis al-Shura Omar and Majlis al-Shura Omar and FadakOmar and FadakThe Government of OmarThe Government of OmarDepartment for Investigation Department for Investigation Omar as a PioneerOmar as a PioneerReforms Reforms Other Administrative DecisionsOther Administrative DecisionsAs a LeaderAs a Leader

Inaugural addressInaugural address

In August In August 634634 Khalifa Abu Bakr died. Khalifa Abu Bakr died. The same day Omar assumed the office of Khilaafah. The same day Omar assumed the office of Khilaafah. After the assumption of office as the Khalifa, After the assumption of office as the Khalifa,

Omar addressed the Muslims in his Inaugural Address as follows:Omar addressed the Muslims in his Inaugural Address as follows:

"O ye faithful! Abu Bakr is no more amongst us. "O ye faithful! Abu Bakr is no more amongst us. He has the satisfaction that he has successfully piloted the vessel of He has the satisfaction that he has successfully piloted the vessel of

the Muslim state to safety, after negotiating the stormy sea. the Muslim state to safety, after negotiating the stormy sea. He successfully waged the apostasy wars, and thanks to him, Islam is He successfully waged the apostasy wars, and thanks to him, Islam is

now supreme in Arabia. now supreme in Arabia.

Inaugural address, ContinuedInaugural address, Continued

After Abu Bakr, the mantle of Khilaafah has fallen After Abu Bakr, the mantle of Khilaafah has fallen on my shoulders. on my shoulders.

I swear it before God that I never coveted this I swear it before God that I never coveted this office. office.

I wished that it would have devolved on some I wished that it would have devolved on some other person more worthy than me. other person more worthy than me.

But now that in national interest, the responsibility But now that in national interest, the responsibility for leading the Muslims has come to vest in me, for leading the Muslims has come to vest in me,

I assure you that I will not run away from my post, I assure you that I will not run away from my post, and will make an earnest effort to discharge the onerous and will make an earnest effort to discharge the onerous

duties of the office to the best of my capacity in duties of the office to the best of my capacity in accordance with the injunctions of Islam. accordance with the injunctions of Islam.

Inaugural address, ContinuedInaugural address, Continued

Allah has examined me from you and you from me, Allah has examined me from you and you from me, In the performance of my duties, I will seek guidance from In the performance of my duties, I will seek guidance from

the Holy Book, and will follow the examples set by the the Holy Book, and will follow the examples set by the Holy Prophet and Abu Bakr. Holy Prophet and Abu Bakr.

In this task I seek your assistance. If I follow the right path, In this task I seek your assistance. If I follow the right path, follow me. If I deviate from the right path, correct me so follow me. If I deviate from the right path, correct me so

that we are not led astray.that we are not led astray.People listened, now that he is the new Khalifa, the one People listened, now that he is the new Khalifa, the one about whom they had apprehension.about whom they had apprehension.

But will the apprehension be justified?But will the apprehension be justified?Or, will a new dawn in the page of Islam show up!Or, will a new dawn in the page of Islam show up!

Omar and Majlis al-Shura Omar and Majlis al-Shura

Omar was already not an endearing figure in Medina. Omar was already not an endearing figure in Medina. Although almost all of the Muslims had given pledge of Although almost all of the Muslims had given pledge of loyalty to him, loyalty to him,

Nevertheless he was rather more feared than loved. Nevertheless he was rather more feared than loved.

The first challenge for Omar was to win out his subjects The first challenge for Omar was to win out his subjects and members of Majlis al-Shura.and members of Majlis al-Shura.

Majlis al-Shura was a consultative body by men of prominenceMajlis al-Shura was a consultative body by men of prominenceAli was the highest figure among them.Ali was the highest figure among them.

Omar was a gifted orator, and he would use his ability to Omar was a gifted orator, and he would use his ability to get a soft corner in the hearts of people.get a soft corner in the hearts of people.

On Friday PrayerOn Friday Prayer

On Friday prayer Omar addressed the people as follows:On Friday prayer Omar addressed the people as follows:Brethren, it has come to my notice Brethren, it has come to my notice that the people are afraid of me ... that the people are afraid of me ...

they say that Omar has become the Khalifa now, God they say that Omar has become the Khalifa now, God knows how hard he will be. knows how hard he will be.

Whoever has said this is not wrong in his assessment ...Whoever has said this is not wrong in his assessment ...know ye brethren that you will feel a change in me. know ye brethren that you will feel a change in me.

For those who practice tyranny and deprive others of their For those who practice tyranny and deprive others of their rights, I will be harsh and stern, rights, I will be harsh and stern,

but for those who follow the law, I will be most soft and but for those who follow the law, I will be most soft and tender.tender.

Next AddressNext Address

Omar's addresses moved the people greatly. Next time he addressed Omar's addresses moved the people greatly. Next time he addressed the people as follows:the people as follows:I will be harsh and stern against the aggressor, but I will be a pillar of I will be harsh and stern against the aggressor, but I will be a pillar of

strength for the weak.strength for the weak.I will not calm down until I will put one cheek of a tyrant on the ground I will not calm down until I will put one cheek of a tyrant on the ground

and the other under my feet, and the other under my feet, and as for the poor and weak, I will put my cheek on the ground for and as for the poor and weak, I will put my cheek on the ground for

them.them.Omar laid his foundation on his rule about which he was consistent:Omar laid his foundation on his rule about which he was consistent:

By God, By God, he that is weakest among you shall be in my eye the strongest, he that is weakest among you shall be in my eye the strongest,

until I have vindicated for him his rights; until I have vindicated for him his rights; he that is strongest I will treat as the weakest, he that is strongest I will treat as the weakest,

until he complies with the law.until he complies with the law.

Omar and FadakOmar and Fadak

Omar's stress was on the well being of underprivileged Omar's stress was on the well being of underprivileged people, as this class made the bulk of any community, people, as this class made the bulk of any community, The people were soundly moved by Omar's speeches The people were soundly moved by Omar's speeches

and his popularity grew rapidly and his popularity grew rapidly and continuously over the period of his reign.and continuously over the period of his reign.

In addition, In addition, Omar delivered Fadak back to Ali, Omar delivered Fadak back to Ali, Along with the disputed estates in Khaybar. Along with the disputed estates in Khaybar. Though Fatima had already died by then, nevertheless Though Fatima had already died by then, nevertheless Fadak was returned to its legitimate owner.Fadak was returned to its legitimate owner.

Though Omar followed Abu Bakr's decision over the dispute Though Omar followed Abu Bakr's decision over the dispute of Fadak, he continued its status as a state property. of Fadak, he continued its status as a state property.

Strategic DecisionsStrategic Decisions

As a result of Ridda wars, As a result of Ridda wars, thousands of prisoners from rebel and apostate tribes thousands of prisoners from rebel and apostate tribes were taken away as slaves during the expeditions. were taken away as slaves during the expeditions.

Omar ordered:Omar ordered:General amnesty for the prisoners, General amnesty for the prisoners, and he ordered their immediate emancipation.and he ordered their immediate emancipation.

This made Omar popular among the bedouin This made Omar popular among the bedouin tribes. tribes. With necessary public support with him, With necessary public support with him,

Omar took a bold decision of removing Khalid ibn Walid Omar took a bold decision of removing Khalid ibn Walid from supreme command on the Byzantine front.from supreme command on the Byzantine front.

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Omar’s KhilaafahOmar’s Khilaafah

1. Omar and Majlis al-ShuraOmar and Majlis al-Shura

2. Omar and Fadak

3. The Government of Omar

4. Omar as a Pioneer

5. Omar and Reforms

6. Administrative Decisions

How to Administer!How to Administer!

Since the empire under Omar’s rule had grown Since the empire under Omar’s rule had grown enormously in all directions, enormously in all directions,

Omar had to establish an administrative system. Omar had to establish an administrative system. But the Arabs did not have any experience in But the Arabs did not have any experience in administration. administration.

Omar, therefore, left the Persian and the Roman Omar, therefore, left the Persian and the Roman framework of administration in the conquered framework of administration in the conquered provinces undisturbed.provinces undisturbed. The Persian and the Roman staff carried on the The Persian and the Roman staff carried on the day-to-day work as before. day-to-day work as before.

The Government of OmarThe Government of Omar

The government of Omar was more or less a unitary The government of Omar was more or less a unitary government,government,

Where the sovereign political authority was the Khalifa. Where the sovereign political authority was the Khalifa. The empire of Omar was divided into The empire of Omar was divided into

Provinces Provinces and some autonomous territories like in some regions as and some autonomous territories like in some regions as Azerbaijan and Armenia, that had accepted the Azerbaijan and Armenia, that had accepted the suzerainty of the Khilaafah. suzerainty of the Khilaafah.

The provinces were administered by the provincial The provinces were administered by the provincial governors or Wali governors or Wali وآليوآلي. .

The selection of which was made personally by Omar, The selection of which was made personally by Omar, who was very fastidious in it. who was very fastidious in it.

The Government of Omar, ContinuedThe Government of Omar, Continued

The Provinces were further divided The Provinces were further divided into districts, into districts, there were about 100 districts in the empire. there were about 100 districts in the empire.

Each district or main city was: Each district or main city was: under the charge of a junior governor or Wali, under the charge of a junior governor or Wali, The Wali was usually appointed by Omar The Wali was usually appointed by Omar himself, himself, but occasionally they were also appointed by but occasionally they were also appointed by the provincial governorthe provincial governor

The Government of Omar, ContinuedThe Government of Omar, Continued

Other officers at the provincial level were:Other officers at the provincial level were:1.1. Katib: the Chief Secretary. Katib: the Chief Secretary. 2.2. Katib al-Diwan, the Military Secretary. Katib al-Diwan, the Military Secretary. 3.3. Sahib al-Kharaj, the Revenue Collector. Sahib al-Kharaj, the Revenue Collector. 4.4. Sahib al-Ah’dath, the Police chief. Sahib al-Ah’dath, the Police chief. 5.5. Sahib Bayt al-Mal, the Treasury Officer. Sahib Bayt al-Mal, the Treasury Officer.

Qadhi, the Chief Judge. Qadhi, the Chief Judge. In some districts there were separate military officers,In some districts there were separate military officers,

though the Governor (Wali) was in most cases the though the Governor (Wali) was in most cases the Commander-in-chief of the army Commander-in-chief of the army As such quartered in that province. As such quartered in that province.

The Government of Omar, ContinuedThe Government of Omar, Continued

Every appointment was made in writing. Every appointment was made in writing.

At the time of appointment: At the time of appointment: an instrument of instructions was issued with a view to an instrument of instructions was issued with a view to regulating the conduct of Governors. regulating the conduct of Governors.

On assuming office: On assuming office: the Governor was required to assemble the people in the Governor was required to assemble the people in the main mosque, the main mosque,

and read the instrument of instructions before them.and read the instrument of instructions before them.

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The Government of Omar, ContinuedThe Government of Omar, Continued

Omar's general instructions to his officers were:Omar's general instructions to his officers were:"Remember, I have not appointed you as tyrants over the "Remember, I have not appointed you as tyrants over the people. people. I have sent you as leaders instead, so that the people may I have sent you as leaders instead, so that the people may follow your example. follow your example. Give the Muslims their rights and do not beat them lest they Give the Muslims their rights and do not beat them lest they become abused. become abused. Do not praise them unduly, lest they fall into the error of Do not praise them unduly, lest they fall into the error of conceit. conceit. Do not keep your doors shut in their faces, lest the more Do not keep your doors shut in their faces, lest the more powerful of them eat up the weaker ones. powerful of them eat up the weaker ones. And do not behave as if you were superior to them, for that is And do not behave as if you were superior to them, for that is tyranny over them."tyranny over them."

The Government of Omar, ContinuedThe Government of Omar, Continued

Various other strict codes of conduct were to be obeyed Various other strict codes of conduct were to be obeyed by the governors and state officials. by the governors and state officials. The principal officers were required to come to Mecca on The principal officers were required to come to Mecca on the occasion of the Haj, the occasion of the Haj,

during which people were free to present any complaints during which people were free to present any complaints against them. against them.

In order to minimize the chances of corruption, Omar In order to minimize the chances of corruption, Omar made it a point to pay high salaries to the staff. made it a point to pay high salaries to the staff.

Provincial governor received as much as five to seven thousand Provincial governor received as much as five to seven thousand dirhams annually dirhams annually

besides their shares of the spoils of war (besides their shares of the spoils of war ( if they were also if they were also the commander-in-chief of the army of their sectorthe commander-in-chief of the army of their sector). ).

The Government of Omar, ContinuedThe Government of Omar, Continued

Under Omar the empire was divided into the following provinces.Under Omar the empire was divided into the following provinces.Arabia was divided into two provinces,Arabia was divided into two provinces,

Mecca and Medina; Mecca and Medina; Iraq was divided into two provinces, Iraq was divided into two provinces,

Basra and Kufa; Basra and Kufa; In the upper reaches of the Tigris and the Euphrates, In the upper reaches of the Tigris and the Euphrates,

Jazira was a province; Jazira was a province; Syria was a province; and Omar divided Palestine in two provinces Syria was a province; and Omar divided Palestine in two provinces

Aylya and Ramlah; Aylya and Ramlah; Egypt was divided into two provinces, Egypt was divided into two provinces,

Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt; Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt; Persia was divided into three provinces, Persia was divided into three provinces,

Khorasan; Azarbaijan and Fars. Khorasan; Azarbaijan and Fars.

Land RevenueLand Revenue

To assess land revenue, Omar again had to retain the Persian and To assess land revenue, Omar again had to retain the Persian and the Roman systems. the Roman systems. But in Iraq it was found necessary to survey the arable lands and to But in Iraq it was found necessary to survey the arable lands and to assess tax on them. assess tax on them. Arabs knew hardly anything about assessing land revenue. Arabs knew hardly anything about assessing land revenue. There was, however, one exception in Uthman Ibn Hunaif of There was, however, one exception in Uthman Ibn Hunaif of Medina:Medina:

He had outstanding ability as a revenue expert. He had outstanding ability as a revenue expert. Though Omar's policy was to not appoint citizens of Medina Though Omar's policy was to not appoint citizens of Medina (Ansaar) to any outside positions, (Ansaar) to any outside positions, In this case Omar had no choice. Uthman Ibn Hunaif was In this case Omar had no choice. Uthman Ibn Hunaif was appointed, since he was an authority on taxation, assessment of appointed, since he was an authority on taxation, assessment of land revenue, and land reclamation.land revenue, and land reclamation.

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Department for Investigation Department for Investigation

Omar was first to establish a special department for the investigation of Omar was first to establish a special department for the investigation of complaints against the officers of the State. complaints against the officers of the State. This department acted as Administrative court, where the legal This department acted as Administrative court, where the legal proceedings were personally led by Omar.proceedings were personally led by Omar.The Department was under the charge of Muhammad ibn Maslamah, The Department was under the charge of Muhammad ibn Maslamah, one of Omar's most trusted men. one of Omar's most trusted men. In important cases Muhammad ibn Maslamah was In important cases Muhammad ibn Maslamah was

deputed by Omar to proceed to the spot, investigate the charge and deputed by Omar to proceed to the spot, investigate the charge and take action. take action.

Sometimes an Inquiry Commission was assembled to investigate the Sometimes an Inquiry Commission was assembled to investigate the charge. charge. On occasions the officers against whom complaints were received On occasions the officers against whom complaints were received were summoned to Medina, were summoned to Medina,

and charged in Omar's administrative court. and charged in Omar's administrative court.

The Intelligence DepartmentThe Intelligence Department

One of Omar's most powerful department was One of Omar's most powerful department was his intelligence department of secret services. his intelligence department of secret services. Omar's iron fist rule on his empire, is often Omar's iron fist rule on his empire, is often credited to this institution. credited to this institution. His agents were everywhere, His agents were everywhere,

in the army, in the army, in the bureaucracy in the bureaucracy and in the enemy land. and in the enemy land.

For the officials of Omar it was said to be the For the officials of Omar it was said to be the most fearsome department.most fearsome department.

Omar’s Rule Omar’s Rule

BenignBenign

AustereAustereResponsibleResponsible

ConsultativeConsultative

Autocratic Autocratic

StrategyStrategy

Omar as a PioneerOmar as a Pioneer

Omar was a pioneer in some affairs:Omar was a pioneer in some affairs:Omar was the first to introduce the public Omar was the first to introduce the public ministry system, ministry system,

where the records of officials and soldiers were kept.where the records of officials and soldiers were kept.He also kept a record system that had the messages He also kept a record system that had the messages he sent to Governors and heads of states. he sent to Governors and heads of states.

He was the first to appoint police forces to keep He was the first to appoint police forces to keep civil order. civil order. He was the first to discipline the people when He was the first to discipline the people when they became disordered.they became disordered.

ReformsReforms

Omar is regarded as a political genius.Omar is regarded as a political genius.Under his leadership the empire expanded at a quickening rateUnder his leadership the empire expanded at a quickening rateHe built a political structure that held together this vast empire.He built a political structure that held together this vast empire.He undertook administrative reforms and oversaw public policy. He undertook administrative reforms and oversaw public policy. He established good administration for the newly conquered lands, He established good administration for the newly conquered lands,

including several new ministries including several new ministries and new bureaus (administrative agencies), and new bureaus (administrative agencies), and ordered a census of all the Muslim territories. and ordered a census of all the Muslim territories.

During his rule, During his rule, the garrison of Basra and Kufa were founded, then these two the garrison of Basra and Kufa were founded, then these two garrisons were expanded into towns. garrisons were expanded into towns.

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Omar's Empire, 644Omar's Empire, 644

Omar's empire at its peak, 644.

Other Administrative DecisionsOther Administrative Decisions

In 638, Omar enlarged and renovated: In 638, Omar enlarged and renovated: 1.1. Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca 2.2. and al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina.and al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina.

Omar also ordered the expulsion of the Christian and Jewish Omar also ordered the expulsion of the Christian and Jewish communities of Najran and Khaybar, allowing them to reside in communities of Najran and Khaybar, allowing them to reside in Syria or Iraq. Syria or Iraq. He issued orders that these Christians and Jews should be He issued orders that these Christians and Jews should be treated well and allotted them the equivalent land in their new treated well and allotted them the equivalent land in their new settlements. settlements. Omar also forbade non-Muslims to reside in the Hijaz for longer Omar also forbade non-Muslims to reside in the Hijaz for longer than three days.than three days.He was first to establish army as a state department.He was first to establish army as a state department.

Other Administrative DecisionsOther Administrative Decisions

Omar is regarded by Sunni Muslims to be one of the Omar is regarded by Sunni Muslims to be one of the greatest Faqeehs. greatest Faqeehs. Omar as a jurist started the process of codifying Islamic Omar as a jurist started the process of codifying Islamic Law. Law. In 641, he established Bayt al-mal, In 641, he established Bayt al-mal,

a financial institution and a financial institution and started annual allowance for the Muslims. started annual allowance for the Muslims.

A year later he also started A year later he also started allowance for the poor, allowance for the poor, underprivileged and underprivileged and old non-Muslim citizens of the empire. old non-Muslim citizens of the empire.

As a LeaderAs a Leader

As a leader, Omar was known for his simple, As a leader, Omar was known for his simple, austere lifestyle. austere lifestyle. Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected Rather than adopt the pomp and display affected by the rulers of the time, by the rulers of the time,

he continued to live much as he had when Muslims he continued to live much as he had when Muslims were poor and persecuted. were poor and persecuted.

In 639, his fourth year as Khalifa, and as In 639, his fourth year as Khalifa, and as suggested by Ali: suggested by Ali:

he decreed that the Islamic calendar should be counted he decreed that the Islamic calendar should be counted from the year of the Hijrah of Muhammad from Mecca from the year of the Hijrah of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.to Medina.

In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Omar as the KhilaafahInaugural address

Omar and Majlis al-Shura

Omar and Fadak

The Government of Omar

Department for Investigation

Omar as a Pioneer

Omar and Reforms

Other Administrative Decisions

As a Leader

Finally we quote the Quran:Finally we quote the Quran:

By the Token of Time By the Token of Time

Verily Man is in loss,Verily Man is in loss,

Except those who Except those who believe and do good believe and do good works, and exhort one works, and exhort one another to Truth and another to Truth and exhort one another to exhort one another to patience.patience.

ح�من� الر الله� � م �س� ح�من� ب الر الله� � م �س� ب

� ح�يم �الر ح�يم الر

�ع�ص�ر� �ع�ص�ر�و�ال و�ال

� ا �ن � إ ا �ن ر� الالإ خ�س� �ف�ي ل ان� ر� نس� خ�س� �ف�ي ل ان� نس�

� �إ �وا الالإ و�ع�م�ل �وا آم�ن ذ�ين� �وا ال و�ع�م�ل �وا آم�ن ذ�ين� ال�و�اص�و�ا و�ت �ح�ات� �و�اص�و�ا الصال و�ت �ح�ات� الصال

�ر� �الصب ب �و�اص�و�ا و�ت �ح�ق* �ال �ر� ب �الصب ب �و�اص�و�ا و�ت �ح�ق* �ال ب

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim