Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Umar bin Abdul Aziz ‘May Allah have mercy on him’ (Part 9)
Life of Umar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) After the Caliphate
As soon as Umar bin Abdul Aziz took over the reins of government, he immediately purged several cruel rulers and reclaimed the royal splendor and wealth that had been appropriated from the treasury. From the very first moment, his behavior transformed completely. He was no longer merely the successor of Suleiman; he had become the successor of Umar bin Al-Khattab.
After thorough investigation, he returned all the slave girls to their families, addressed the injustices present in the system, and transformed his court—once akin to those of Khosrow (the Persian king) and Caesar—into one that reflected the simple method of the rightly guided caliphate and honored the Sunnah of the Prophet of Islam (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He returned royal properties to the Muslims, handed over his wife’s jewelry to the treasury, and adopted an ascetic lifestyle. His level of devotion was so remarkable that it was rare not only among the dervishes but also among villagers and the poor.
He wore such simple clothing that he would sometimes arrive late for Friday prayers because he was drying his garments. The Umayyads, who had treated royal property and the treasury as their personal possessions, now accepted a modest and equal share alongside others. Even his family experienced hardship; it is said that once, while talking to his daughters, they covered their mouths with their hands. When asked why, they replied, “Because we have only eaten lentils and onions, so our mouths stink.” Omar tearfully responded, “Are you satisfied with delicious and varied foods while your father goes to hell?” Upon hearing this, everyone began to cry.
Despite ruling the greatest empire on earth, Umar bin Abdul Aziz’s personal wealth was so modest that, despite his deep love for performing Hajj, he lacked the funds to make the pilgrimage. One day, he asked his servant, a loyal companion, how much money he had, to which the servant replied, “Ten to twelve dinars.” Umar expressed his disbelief: “How is it possible to perform Hajj with this amount?” Later, when the substantial taxes previously spent on the royal family were redirected to the treasury, the servant approached him to congratulate him and announced that the funds for Hajj had been secured. Umar bin Abdul Aziz replied, “We’ve used this money for ourselves for long enough; now it is rightfully for the Muslims,” and he handed the entire amount over to the treasury.
The cost of two daily meals for his family did not exceed two dirhams. He was so cautious that if the government lamp was lit, and someone came to greet him and began speaking privately, he would immediately extinguish the government lamp and light one from his home. He would avoid using the heated water prepared in the treasury’s kitchen for ablution, and he disliked any scent from the treasury, such as musk, reaching him.
This caution was not limited to his personal conduct; he expected all family members and government employees to practice moderation as well. Abu Bakr ibn Hazm, the governor of Medina, had previously requested government candles and lanterns from Suleiman ibn Abdul Malik. This letter reached Umar ibn Abdul Aziz after Suleiman’s death. Umar responded: “I remember that before you reached this position, you used to go out on dark winter nights without lights and candles, and that was better than this; I think you have enough candles and lamps in your house, so use them.”
Similarly, when government officials requested more paper, he advised: “Sharpen the pen thinner and write letters small and close together, utilizing a small sheet of paper; Muslims do not need long speeches that burden the treasury.”
Continues…
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