Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz “May Allah Have Mercy on Him” (Part One)
Keywords: Umar, Abdul Aziz, Bani Umayyad, caliph.
Summary
Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, was among the leaders and just rulers of Islam. His governance and political approach were exemplary and one of the rarities of his time. The manifestations of his justice and leadership have been recorded in history books, becoming a source of pride for the Islamic world. He hailed from the blessed lineage of Syedna Amir al-Mu’minin Umar bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, and was a descendant of Bani Umayyad. He was born in 61 AH and passed away in 101 AH, with his caliphate lasting a total of two years and five months.
Before delving into the biography of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, it is important to read the introduction regarding “reform and renewal and their necessity in Islamic history,” an essential consideration for understanding the significance and dignity of the Islamic system and its leaders. It is the Islamic system and Muslim leaders who can bring about genuine reform and effective education in society, as these elements are inherently interconnected.
Throughout history, when Muslim rulers have excelled in the political realm, it has been due to the blessings of their clear conscience and noble qualities. A defining characteristic that set them apart from other monarchs was their benevolence and focus on societal reform.
The Need for Reform and Renewal in Islamic History
Life is dynamic and ever-changing. Islam, as the final message from Allah Almighty, has reached the world in its complete form with the proclamation: « اليوم أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا » Translation: “Today, I have perfected your religion and completed all My blessings upon you, and I have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
On one hand, Allah’s religion is perfect. On the other, life is dynamic and subject to change; its freshness must be maintained continuously.
For the guidance of this dynamic life, Allah Almighty has sent a religion as His final message, based on unchanging truths and fixed beliefs, infusing special vitality into life with movement and dynamism present in every vein and root.
In this regard, Allah Almighty has granted the authority for His commands and guidance to lead humanity in any situation, keeping pace with the changing circumstances of societies throughout history. This religion is not merely a specific moral framework for a single period or a particular method of a century, preserved only in its time; rather, it is a living religion reflecting the craftsmanship of a scholarly and wise creator. « ذَٰلِكَ تَقدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ » Translation: “This is the destiny that Allah Almighty, the All-Knowing, has ordained for you.”
« صُنْعَ اللَّهِ الَّذِي أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ » Translation: “[The religion of Islam] is the work of Allah who has perfected all things.”
The history of the Islamic Ummah (nation) has been marked by changes and transformations. The religion of Islam, being universal and the final revelation from Allah, has produced a universal nation, and it is natural for this nation to engage with the history and conditions of people across various centuries and societies worldwide. This also inevitably leads to conflicts and complexities that have not been present in other nations throughout history.
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