Main Topic
This lecture details the final moments in the life of Sayyiduna 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu), highlighting his deep fear of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala, profound humility, and his burial alongside the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu).
Key Lessons
- Profound Fear of Allah: Despite being among the Ten Promised Paradise (Ashara Mubashshara) and performing immense services for Islam, Sayyiduna 'Umar (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu) possessed extreme apprehension regarding the accountability after death.
- True Humility: Before his passing, 'Umar (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu) requested his son to place his cheek directly onto the bare earth as an act of utter self-effacement before the Majesty of Allah.
- Obedience Born of Love: Serving and obeying Allah out of deep love for Him is a higher spiritual station than doing so solely out of fear.
- Wisdom in Leadership: 'Umar (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu) appointed Sayyiduna Suhaib (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu) to lead his funeral prayer to prevent political bias or speculation regarding the appointment of the next Caliph.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Praise of Sayyiduna Suhaib (RA): Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) or 'Umar (RA) remarked regarding Suhaib (RA): "What an excellent servant is Suhaib; even if he did not fear Allah, he would not disobey Him."
- Accountability Before Allah: Sayyiduna 'Umar (Radhiyallahu 'Anhu) stated that if he possessed an earth full of gold, he would use it to ransom himself from the punishment of Allah before meeting Him.
Practical Advice
- Maintain a balanced state of deep fear and hope regarding the Hereafter, avoiding complacency in good deeds.
- Cultivate sincere humility (tawadhu'), recognizing that all righteous achievements are purely a favor and grace from Allah.
- Strive to elevate one's worship from mere fear of punishment to deep love for Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb