ḤAẒRAT UMAR RA AS A ROLE MODEL FOR MODERN MUSLIM RULERS

Abstract

The present paper is the study of Ḥaẓrat Umar (RA), the second Caliph in Islamic history, as a role model regarding the rights and responsibilities of a successful Ruler. For this purpose, only this aspect of the period of Caliphate of Ḥaẓrat Umar (RA) comprising ten and a half year has been studied through the primary sources. The historical record and traditions bring to the fore that Ḥaẓrat Umar (RA) was very responsible Muslim Ruler who left a great model behind him for the Muslim Rulers to come. He strictly fulfilled his responsibilities as a Ruler towards the public together with introducing reforms in the state to face new challenges of the time. He was the first Muslim Ruler who started patrolling in the streets of the Capital Madinah to get firsthand knowledge of his subjects to resolve their issues and problems. To fulfil his duties and responsibilities as a Muslim Ruler, he went beyond the traditional line of thinking and used ijtihad so that modern challenges would be faced successfully. This paper argues that Ḥaẓrat Umar (RA) is proved to be the best model for modern Muslim Rulers in fulfilment of state responsibilities towards the rights of the subjects.