Hazrat Umar Farooq — Page 30
Once a dispute arose between Hadhrat Umar and a Muslim called Ubayy bin Ka`ab over some money. The case came before Qadhi Zaid for hearing. Qadhi Zaid ordered Hadhrat Umar to appear before him to plead his case. As the parties arrived in court, Zaid, out of respect for the Khalifah, invited Hadhrat Umar to sit with him, but Hadhrat Umar declined by saying, “This is your first injustice. All are equal before the court of law. ” He then went and sat along side Ubayy bin Ka`ab. During the hearing Ubayy was asked to produce any evidence for his claim but he failed to do so. Hadhrat Umar totally denied that Obayy had any claim over him. At this Obayy requested the court to get a statement on oath from Hadhrat Umar. Qadhi Zaid hesitated by saying that it was not proper for the Khalifah to sign such a statement but Hadhrat Umar reprimanded the judge by saying, “You can administer justice only if you remain impartial”. When Jablah, chief of a tribe, became Muslim, his followers numbering five hundred also joined the fold of Islam. Soon after Jablah decided to visit Madinah, Hadhrat Umar greeted him with great honour and respect. When Hadhrat Umar went for Hajj, Jablah went with him too. During the Tawaaf, a poor person who was also performing the circuits of the Ka`bah stepped accidentally on the sheet of cloth, Jablah was wearing. Jablah was very annoyed. He turned round and punched the person. Someone reported the whole incident to Hadhrat Umar. Hadhrat Umar called Jablah and asked him what had happened. Jablah admitted his mistake. Hadhrat Umar told him to seek an apology from the man. Jablah said, Ameer-ul-Momineen! I am the chief of my tribe. How can I apologise to an ordinary person?” Hadhrat Umar explained to him, “All are equal before Law. There is no distinction between rich and poor in Islam. ” Jablah retorted, “This is very strange. I thought that by accepting Islam I will earn more respect, instead I am being humiliated. ” Hadhrat Umar said, “In Islam the most honoured person is he who is the most righteous. Allah demands from us that we should do justice on earth. ” Once Hadhrat Umar decided to buy a horse. Before bargaining, Hadhrat Umar rode it to try it. During the trial the horse fell down and was injured. Hadhrat Umar returned the horse to its owner, but he refused to take it back saying that the horse got injured because of Umar’s mistake and demanded money. The matter was referred to an arbiter, who decided in favour of the owner of the horse and against Hadhrat Umar. Hadhrat Umar acknowledged the decision and paid money to the owner of the horse. Hadhrat Umar was very impressed by the arbiter’s decision and later made him the Qadhi of the town of Koofah. THE SYSTEM OF HADHRAT UMAR’S GOVERNMENT Hadhrat Umar set up different departments for the smooth running of the country. He established the Police Department, Tax and Revenue Department, Accounts Department, a Department to look after the mail, and the Department of Justice. The Government officials were paid high salaries so that they were not tempted to accept bribes. Hadhrat Umar was very particular about the finances of the community. He always made sure that the officials misappropriated no money. When Hadhrat Abu Hurairah, the Governor of Bahrain, returned to Madinah, he brought a lot of wealth with him. Hadhrat Umar came to know of this. He called Hadhrat Abu Hurairah and asked him to 30