The Caliph Who Walked at Night: Leadership Lessons from Hazrat Umar (RA)

by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal

Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), the second Caliph of Islam, remains one of the most formidable and inspiring figures in the annals of human history. His life was a tapestry of courage, justice, humility, and unwavering devotion to the cause of Islam. Known for his fearless nature, sharp intellect, and immense sense of responsibility, Hazrat Umar (RA) rose to become a statesman and ruler whose legacy still echoes in the corridors of power and faith. He was not merely a successor to the Caliphate; he was a towering embodiment of the values espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose companionship and trust he held in highest honour.

The Prophet (PBUH) had once said, “If there were to be a Prophet after me, it would have been Umar.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 3686)—a testimony to the stature he commanded in the early Muslim community. He was also among the ten blessed companions—Ashra Mubashra—whom the Prophet (PBUH) gave glad tidings of Paradise during their lifetimes.

As a companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was among those whose conversion to Islam brought strength and confidence to the persecuted believers in Mecca. His acceptance of Islam marked a turning point, so much so that Muslims could, for the first time, openly offer prayers at the Kaaba. His faith was strong, unshakable, and pure—grounded in the love of Allah and His Messenger. This devotion only deepened with time, guiding his every action and decision.

The Holy Qur’an itself affirms the righteous standing of such companions:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are strong against the disbelievers, and merciful among themselves…” (Surah Al-Fath, 48:29)

This verse reflected the qualities of Umar (RA), who was fierce against falsehood yet tender-hearted toward the believers.

After the passing of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), the mantle of leadership fell upon the shoulders of Hazrat Umar (RA). His rule, though marked by great conquests and expansion of the Islamic empire, was never driven by the mere lust for territory. Rather, it was underpinned by justice, equity, and the welfare of the people. From Persia to Byzantium, his military leadership saw the defeat of empires, but what truly set him apart was not the sword he wielded but the principles he upheld. Even in victory, there was humility; even in power, a profound sense of accountability before God.

He would walk the streets of Medina at night, disguised, to observe the conditions of his people and ensure justice reached the doorstep of the lowest in society. His administrative genius laid the foundations of governance that would influence generations to come. He introduced the Hijri calendar, established the Diwan (state register), created a system for pensions, built roads and canals, appointed judges across regions, and formed the public treasury (Bait-ul-Mal). He ensured the fair treatment of non-Muslims, granting them protection and the freedom to practice their faith.

His governance was so exemplary that the Prophet (PBUH) once said,

“Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar’s tongue and heart.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith 106)

On several occasions, the revelations of the Qur’an came in accord with Umar’s opinions. For example, regarding the prisoners of Badr, the hijab, and the prohibition of wine, the Prophet (PBUH) confirmed, “Allah and His Messenger are in agreement with Umar.” (Bukhari, Hadith 402)

Despite his stature and achievements, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) lived an ascetic life. He wore coarse clothes, ate simple food, and was never distant from the common man. On one occasion, when a subject questioned him about the length of his robe, the Caliph addressed the issue publicly, showing the transparent and accountable nature of his rule. He was not just a ruler; he was a servant of the people, constantly fearing that he might be asked on the Day of Judgment why even a single soul under his care went to bed hungry.

He ruled with the essence of the Qur’anic instruction:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)

Hazrat Umar (RA) lived by this verse, embodying the role of the righteous trustee of a vast and diverse empire.

As we observe his life through the lens of history, one cannot help but reflect on the state of the Muslim world today. Surrounded by internal conflicts, external pressures, economic challenges, and political fragmentation, the Muslim Ummah stands at a crossroad. In such times, the leaders of Islamic countries must look towards Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) not merely as a historical figure, but as a model of divine-guided leadership. They must imitate his understanding, practice his prudence, embody his courage, and above all, place their trust in Allah as he did. These qualities are not abstract ideals but necessary tools to liberate their nations from the suffocating grip of division, dependency, and defeatism.

If Muslim leaders adopt even a fraction of Hazrat Umar’s qualities, they will find renewed strength and purpose. His trust in Allah was not passive—it was dynamic and bold, paired with action, consultation (shura), and justice. His courage was not arrogance—it was principled and restrained by accountability. His foresight was not manipulation—it was rooted in sincerity and selflessness. Only through such character can today’s leaders hope to meet the demands of this age and reclaim the dignity that once defined the Islamic world.

His martyrdom came on the 1st of Muharram while he led the morning prayer in the mosque of the Prophet (PBUH). Even in those final moments, his thoughts were not of revenge or anger but of justice and the smooth succession of leadership. His burial beside the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) in the sacred chamber of Masjid-e-Nabawi is a sign of his closeness in both life and death to the Prophet (PBUH).

Hazrat Umar (RA) was not only the architect of a vast and just Islamic state, but also the manifestation of the principles that Islam holds dear—justice, humility, piety, discipline, and service. As the world grows increasingly complex, remembering and reviving his values in leadership is not just a matter of reverence but a need of the hour. In his life and death lies a timeless lesson for rulers and the ruled alike; that true power lies not in dominion over lands, but in the service of humanity under the gaze of Allah.

(The writer can be reached at [email protected])