Leader of My Dream and My Expectation

Oleh : Abdul Rahman (1122002012)

"I am harsh.  Oh Allah!  Allow me to be soft with the people I am responsible for!"

That statement’s Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), after being appointed as Khalifah. The people who has the leadership same as Umar ibn Al Khattab, is the leader of my dream and my expectation. A leader is some who recognizes his weaknesses and is not afraid to admit them.  His priority is the well-being of his people, not his ego.  Most importantly, he turns to Allah for help in fulfilling his responsibility and does not solely rely on himself. 

We frequently talk about the amazing leadership of Umar (RA), but rarely pay attention to the things that made him the leader he was.  We all have great potential, we simply have to follow the formula for success laid out by our illustrious predecessors.

Under the leadership of Umar ibn Al-Khattab Islam spread widely not by the sword but by virtue of its beauty, simplicity, transparency, openness and the leadership provided by him. Another reason for the rapid growth of Muslim community was the conversion of some high-placed religious personalities from among the Jewish and the Christian communities. These religious personalities saw Islam as a continuation and affirmation of the Abrahamic faith. Ardkun, the Bishop of Damascus, accepted Islam after the Islamic armies entered the city under Khalid bin Walid. The followers of Ardkun became attracted towards the new faith and became Muslim. The chief administrator of the city of Shata in Egypt, famous for its textiles manufacturing, left his town with two thousand men and went to city of Damietta where the Muslim army was camped and embraced Islam with his followers. 

During the time of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the non-Muslims enjoyed freedom of religion. They were free to perform their religious rites, ring bells to start their religious ceremonies, take out the Cross in procession and hold religious fairs. Even treaties were signed during the time of Umar ibn Al-Khattab with non-Muslims that guaranteed freedom of religion. The writ of Hudhaifa bin al-Yaman to people of the region of Mahdinar says, "They shall not be required to change their religion, nor shall any interference be made in their religious practices."  Umar ibn Al-Khattab followed the principle of equality very strictly and would not tolerate any kind of distinction.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab always favored individual freedom and self-respect. By word of mouth and through his writings he made it very clear that every human being was born free and no one should have to abase himself in front of others.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to end his speeches with following statement: "O God, let me not fall into an error, nor let me be called to account on unawares, nor let me fall into neglect." Umar ibn Al-Khattab's actions speak louder about his character, his integrity and his love for the people in the Muslim state. He made rounds at night to gauge and evaluate the condition of the people. His achievements are reflection of his life.