Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz: The Righteous Umayyad Caliph

Abstract

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz was the eighth Umayyad Caliph and the center of their chain. His justice and redress of injustices elevated him to the title of the fifth Rightly-Guided Caliph, 60 years after the end of the Rightly-Guided Caliphate. He pursued knowledge under the guidance of the companions and the senior followers, becoming one of the greatest scholars of his time. He was born in Medina in 61 AH (61 AH). Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz was raised by his maternal uncles from the household of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, and was greatly influenced by them. Caliph al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik appointed him governor of Medina. He was deeply devoted to learning, and later became governor of the Hijaz. His reign was characterized by justice and reformation. He restored the principle of Shura (consultation). This eighth Umayyad Caliph was guided by the Qur'an and Sunnah in his governance, focused on Islamic studies, and ordered the recording of the noble hadiths. He served as a minister under Caliph Suleiman ibn Abd al-Malik before he was appointed Caliph. He was known for searching day and night for the poor and needy in Medina, meeting their needs and restoring their dignity. He closed down houses of drinking and debauchery, and one of the most important things he did during his reign was expand the Prophet's Mosque. When he became Caliph of the Muslims, he ascended to the pulpit and said, "I have never asked God for this matter." He appointed governors and set three conditions for their appointment: that they act with justice and fairness among people, that they do not oppress anyone, and that they do not take from the public treasury of the Muslims and give only to those who are entitled to it. He moved the Muslims from a state of poverty to economic prosperity and achieved social harmony, bringing peace to all segments of society. Among his most notable achievements were maintaining security, eliminating sedition, redistributing wealth and income, increasing spending on the poor and deprived, promoting cultural reform, and spreading knowledge among the people. He died of poisoning in the year 101 AH near Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, at the age of thirty-nine.