Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Umar bin Abdul Aziz ‘May Allah Have Mercy on Him’ (Part 14)
Circulars and Letters
From the circulars that Umar bin Abdul Aziz wrote to an army commander when he was sent to the war front, we can conclude that his thoughts and mindset were profoundly shaped by the Quran. His perspective and approach to governance were markedly different from those of other kings and political rulers. In a letter he sent to Mansur bin Ghalib, he writes: “This is a letter from the servant of Allah, Amir al-Mu’minin Umar bin Abdul Aziz to Mansur bin Ghalib. When Amir al-Mu’minin sent him to fight against the people of war and the people of peace, he ordered him to adopt piety in all cases; because piety is the best means, the most effective strategy, and the truest power. Amir al-Mu’minin advised him to fear sin more for himself and his companions than for the enemy, because sin is more dangerous to man than the enemy’s schemes. We may confront our enemies, but it is due to their sins that we gain victory over them. Without this piety, we would lack the strength to confront them, because neither our numbers nor our means of war are equal to theirs. If we become equal to them in sinning, do not believe that our enemies are weaker than us. Even if we are sinners, we cannot expect to defeat them; for many nations have been dominated by the worst people because of their sins. Therefore, seek help from Allah against your own shortcomings, just as you seek help against your enemies. I ask Allah Almighty for success for myself and for all of you.”
Amir al-Mu’minin specifically instructed Mansur bin Ghalib to treat his companions well during the journey and not to stop in places where the soldiers could not find complete comfort. He stressed avoiding halts that would cause them hardship and to face the enemy only when they are not weakened by the fatigue of the journey; since they are traveling towards the enemy while the latter are comfortably situated in their homes, and their equipment and mounts are resting. If you do not show gentleness during your journey with your companions and animals, then the enemy is stronger than you, for they and their mounts have not traveled.
Although Allah’s help is sought at all times, on Fridays you should stop your journey and rest so that both you and your animals can recover from fatigue. On this day, prepare your travel equipment and weapons. Do not rebel in the villages and towns that have surrendered peacefully, and do not let any of your companions enter the settlements, nor attend their markets or gatherings; a person can only act in this manner if he is fully confident in his religion and faith. Do not oppress the inhabitants of these areas, nor accumulate sin in this matter, and do not cause them harm, except in cases where it concerns the collection of taxes or if someone has committed a crime. They have rights and responsibilities that you are obliged to fulfill, just as they are obliged to obey your government. As long as they are steadfast in fulfilling their duties, you should respect their rights and not treat the inhabitants of peaceful areas as if they were in war zones.
By Allah, you have taken enough of their property. There is no further need or permission beyond that. We have removed your lack of means and have left no weakness in your force; every necessary provision has been supplied to you, and a chosen army has been entrusted to you. We have sent you to confront the polytheists, freeing you from concern about the peaceful areas, and we have provided you with the best possible facilities necessary for a mujahid. We have spared no effort in equipping you, and indeed, trust is in Allah; there is no power nor strength except with Him.
You are strictly ordered that your intelligence officer should be from the native population and from those whose sincerity and honesty you trust. Information obtained from a deceitful agent is useless, even if they occasionally speak the truth. A deceptive agent is, in fact, a spy for the enemy, not your intelligence officer. Peace be upon you.
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) also wrote a general circular to the officials of the kingdom, stating: “But then! Truly, this responsibility that Allah Almighty has entrusted to me—I recognize that if my goal is to seek good food, fine clothing, horses, marriages, or to amass wealth, then Allah Almighty had given me these things even before I assumed this responsibility, while people cannot do so easily. I accepted this responsibility with great apprehension and awareness, understanding that it is heavy and that its consequences are dire. When all opponents and claimants gather on the Day of Judgment, many complaints will be raised regarding this matter, unless Allah Almighty forgives, pardons, and shows mercy.
This government duty that I have entrusted to you and the powers I have assigned to you remind you of caution and fear of Allah. I emphasize the fulfillment of your duties, obedience to Allah’s commands, and avoidance of what He has prohibited. Anything contrary to this is not your concern; you should focus only on your actions and strive for that which leads you to Allah. Always be vigilant in correcting your behavior with your subjects. Preservation and salvation only come by achieving the right path through obedience to Allah, preparing for that promised day by doing what is significant in the sight of Allah. You know well the lessons to be learned from the events of others in the past, against which our preaching and advice may not be very effective. Peace be upon you.”
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