05-22-2003, 05:25 AM
`Umar bin `Abdul-`Aziz
His Status:
- He belonged to the tabi`in (Followers: a generation that followed that of the Companions of the Prophet). As he was keen to follow the conduct of the Four Rightly-Guided Caliphs, he had the honorary title of “the Fifth Rightly-Guided Caliph”.
- He assumed caliphate after Sulaiman bin `Abdul-Malik. He was highly praised by Muhammad bin `Ali bin Al-Husain.
His Pursuit of Knowledge:
- Since his young age, `Umar bin `Abdul-`Aziz sought knowledge and attended the councils of notable jurists and scholars.
His Assume of Caliphate:
- He was paid homage to assume caliphate following the death of Sulaiman bin `Abdul-Malik. First, he gathered people and announced them that he did not accept the office of caliphate and that they should choose a caliph other than him. However, the people insisted on him. He then yielded to their will and accepted the office of caliphate, saying to them: “Obey me so long as I obey Allah! If I happen to disobey Allah, I will not be entitled to demand your obedience to me.”
His Justice:
- `Umar once gathered a group of jurists and scholars and said to them: “I have called you to discuss the iniquities made by my predecessors.” They replied: “Commander of Believers! You have nothing to do with these iniquities committed before your rulership. None should bear them but those who made them.” However, `Umar was not convinced with this opinion. He rather adopted the opinion of another group, among whom was his son `Abdul-Malik, who viewed that iniquities made by former rulers should be investigated and the wronged people should be paid back their rights.
His Death:
- His short tenure lasted no more than two years and half, after which he died.[/color:72f5d715e8]