Hazrath Umar RA Part 57

Main Topic

• The establishment of madaris (schools) and masajid across newly conquered regions such as Sham and Egypt during the Khilafat of Sayyidina Umar radiallahu anhu, along with Islamic guidance regarding poetry and nasheeds.

Key Lessons

• Sayyidina Umar radiallahu anhu prioritized teaching the Quran Sharif and deen to new Muslim populations by dispatching prominent Sahaba radiallahu anhum, including Mu'adh bin Jabal, Ubadah bin Samit, and Abu Darda radiallahu anhum, to key regions in Sham.
• In Damascus, Abu Darda radiallahu anhu taught massive circles of up to 1,600 students by structuring them into peer study groups of ten, fostering a spirit of mutual encouragement and dedicated learning.
• Over 12,000 central Jami' masajid were built during the Caliphate of Sayyidina Umar radiallahu anhu, serving as community bases for daily prayers, mashwara (consultation), and education.
• Monetary incentives were provided from the treasury to encourage students who excelled in learning and memorizing the Quran Sharif.
• Classical poetry in praise of Allah Ta'ala, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, or conveying moral advice is permissible, whereas listening to poetry purely for entertainment or with musical instruments leads towards haram.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Mention of Hassan bin Thabit radiallahu anhu being instructed by the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam to compose poetry in defense of Islam, even having a mimbar set up in the masjid for recitation.
• Reference to the Quranic description of Jahannam asking "Hal min mazeed" (Are there any more?), illustrating the insatiable, greedy nature of the human nafs.

Practical Advice

• Focus on the quality of worship and practical utility of masajid rather than being delayed or preoccupied with costly aesthetics and architectural grandeur.
• Engage with Islamic poetry and nasheeds intentionally to reflect on the meaning and gain spiritual lessons rather than using them as mindless entertainment.
• Refrain from listening to modern nasheeds that incorporate musical instruments or imitate worldly music production.