Umar ibn Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه was strong, wise, and fearless. Before Islam, he was known to be powerful, rich and brave but very stubborn! Knowing little about Islam, he troubled the Muslims and did not let them pray in peace!

Before he accepted Islam, Umar was one of the extreme enemies of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and all Muslims! One day, when Umar found that the Prophet and Muslims are gathered in Dar Al-Arqam, he set out with the intention to kill the Prophet. He wanted to relieve Quraysh and restore respect for the gods! On his way, Umar was stopped, however, by Nuaym bin Abdullah, one of the Sahaba, who knew of his intentions. Nuaym told him that Umar’s sister (Fatima) has accepted Islam.

He furiously decided to go to his sister’s house. As soon as he arrived, he heard the recitation of the Quran. Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt was also at their house. His sister quickly hid the Quran pages. Umar who was furious and questioned and struck his sister. He also hit his brother-in-law. “Have you two become Muslim?” he asked. They admitted, “Yes. We are Muslims. We believe in Allah and his Prophet. Do what you please.”

Umar was moved to see that he hurt his sister and asked to see the Quran. When challenged by his worried sister, Umar reassures her he does not want to destroy them, but to read them. Fatima makes him clean up, before handing Umar pages of the Quran (Surah Taha).

Quran changes the heart

As soon as he read the verses, he said: “These words are truly beautiful. Lead me to Muhammad. I want to accept Islam too.” Umar went to meet the Prophet and said to Him: “O Messenger of God, I have come for no reason except to say I believe in God and his Messenger”. Since then, Muslims have became stronger with Umar accepting Islam. For the first time, they were were now able to pray near the Ka’ba.

Umar رضي الله عنه’s leadership and bravery made him one of the greatest figures in Islamic history. He teaches us fairness, working hard, and how to be a firm but caring leader.