Hazrat Umar Farooq — Page 16
FALL OF MAKKAH Two years after signing the Treaty of Hudaibyah, the Makkans broke the treaty. The Holy Prophet therefore mobilised a force of ten thousand men from Madinah and marched to Makkah. It was the month of Ramadhan in the year 630 A. D (8 AH). As the city was approached, it was evident that there would be no opposition. No Makkan warrior appeared in sight. In token of his gratitude the Holy Prophet bowed his head low upon his camel and praised God Almighty and thanked Him for this great victory. He proceeded to the Ka ‘ bah and performed the circuits of the House seven times. There were three hundred and sixty idols placed inside as well as outside the Ka ‘ bah. The Holy Prophet hit them with his stick. As each idol fell, he recited the verse, ‘Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood does indeed vanish fast’. (17:82). This verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet before he migrated from Makkah to Madinah. The Holy Prophet then directed that the Ka ‘ bah be cleared of the idols. There were some pictures drawn on the walls of the Ka ‘ bah. The Holy Prophet called Hadhrat Umar and entrusted him the duty of wiping out these drawings. Thus the Ka ‘ bah was restored to its true purpose, the worship of the One God, for which it was originally designed. He then asked Hadhrat Bilal to recite the Adhan and the Holy Prophet led the Prayer. Later on the Holy Prophet addressed the Makkans and said, “What punishment should you have for the cruelties you committed against those whose only fault was that they invited you to the worship of one God?” They replied, “We expect you to treat us as Joseph treated his erring brothers. ” Hearing the plea of the Makkans the Holy Prophet said, “No blame shall lie on you this day. ” He told them that they were free as he has forgiven them. HADHRAT UMAR’S FINANCIAL SACRIFICE IN THE BATTLE OF TABOK Hadhrat Umar was not only willing to make sacrifice in the cause of Allah on each occasion but also wanted to excel others. At the time of the battle of Tabok, when the Holy Prophet asked for contributions, Hadhrat Umar brought half of what he owned. The Holy Prophet was much pleased and asked him, “Umar! Did you leave anything at home for your family?” “Yes, Messenger of Allah, I have left at home exactly half of what I possess. ” In the meantime Hadhrat Abu Bakr also arrived with his contributions. The Holy Prophet asked him, “Abu Bakr, what have you left at home?” He answered, “The name of Allah and His Messenger. ” Hadhrat Umar, who was looking for a chance to excel Hadhrat Abu Bakr that day with his contributions, realised that Hadhrat Abu Bakr had excelled him on this occasion too. HADHRAT UMAR’S GRIEF AT THE DEATH OF THE HOLY PROPHET The Companions loved the Holy Prophet very much and when he died, they were very grieved. Hadhrat Umar was full of grief too. He could not believe that the Prophet had died. He, therefore, took out his sword and said, “I will kill anyone who says that the Holy Prophet has died. ” After a while Hadhrat Abu Bakr arrived in the mosque and addressing the people he recited the verse: “Muhammad is only a Messenger. Verily, all Messengers before him have passed away. If then he dies or be slain, will you turn back on your heels?” (3:145) 16