‘Umar ibn al Khattab and Hurmuzaan

‘Umar Ibn’l-Khaṭṭāb had a relationship with Hurmuzān, one of the Ministers of Persia. In the Battle of Qadisiyyah he was brought to Madīnah and he asked to see ‘Umar. They found him asleep, on his shoes under a tree behind the masjid. He was shocked that he had no bodyguards. He admired that and started crying and said, “You rule, and you rule with justice, so you became safe. Allāh gave you safety and you were able to sleep.” When it came time for his execution after he was captured, he said, “Ya amīr’l-mu’minīn, can I have a glass of water?” He was given a glass of water. He said, “Am I protected until I finish drinking this water?” ‘Umar said, “You are protected.” The emperor threw the glass on the ground and broke it. ‘Umar Ibn’l-Khaṭṭāb started consulting the ṣaḥābah to figure out what to do. He did not want to break his promise. He eventually decided not to break his promise so he went to Hurmuzān and told him that he was free to go. Hurmuzān then said the shahādah. ‘Umar Ibn’l-Khaṭṭāb said, “Why didn’t you save us the trouble and take shahādah first?” He said, “I didn’t want people to think that I was becoming Muslim because I was afraid. I wanted them to know I was sincere.” He knew ‘Umar Ibn’l-Khaṭṭāb wouldn’t break his promise. ‘Umar then embraced him.

 

Point of Benefit:

Look at the sincerity of Hurmuzaan and his bravery. It takes guts to say that to Amir al Mu’mineen ‘Umar ibn al Khattab, but Hurmuzaan knew that ‘Umar was a man who kept his promises so he felt safe doing this.

Our good character and morals are a testification to the truthfulness of this deen, although this deen does not need us to testify to its truthfulness.

‘Umar ibn al Khattab was respected and known for his justice and being true to his word.

No leader of any current day nation would be able to sleep under a tree, alone, without a single bodyguard. This says a lot about ‘Umar ibn al Khattab, radiallahu anhu. It also says a lot about the corruption of our times.

‘Umar embraced him after Hurmuzaan accepted Islam. Islam wipes away everything that came before it, and we should never hold someone’s past against them after they have accepted Islam.