Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Conformity of `Umar's رضي الله عنه statements with Divine Revelation

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

`Aaishah رضي الله عنها reported Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying: “There had been among the people before you inspired persons and if there were any such among my Umma `Umar Ibn al-Khattaab would be one of them.” Ibn Wahb explained the word Muhaddathoon as: “those who receive hint from the High (Mulhamun).” [Saheeh Muslim (5901)]

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Among the nation of Banee Israa’eel who lived before you, there were men who used to be inspired with guidance though they were not prophets, and if there is any of such persons amongst my followers, it is `Umar.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3689, 3469)]

Narrated Nafi` from Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Indeed Allaah has put the truth upon the tongue and in the heart of `Umar.”  And Ibn `Umar also said: “No affair occurred among the people, except that they said something about it, and `Umar said something about it except that the Qur’aan was revealed in line with what `Umar had said.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (3682) and the wordings are his, Sunan Abu Dawood (2962) and Sunan Ibn Maajah (108) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


[Note: Ahmad Ibn Muhammad al-Qastalaanee, in his commentary of Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, Irshaad al-Saaree, mentioned 15 instances where `Umar’s رضي الله عنه views conformed to Devine Revelation. Out of these 15 narrations, some are authentic and some otherwise. This excerpt from his book was already translated into English and is available over the internet. But what it lacks is the distinction between the authentic narrations from the unauthentic ones. The only purpose of translating it once again is for creating awareness among the readers of what is authentic and what is not; and also a few more narrations have been added which were not mentioned in Irshaad al-Saaree. And Allaah is the One who grants Success.]


From Irshaad al-Saaree:

There are 15 instances wherein the opinion of `Umar رضي الله عنه conformed to the Revelation. There are nine instances in which the verses were revealed exactly as `Umar رضي الله عنه had suggested. Then there are four Aayaat revealed which were similar to the views offered by `Umar رضي الله عنه. There were two opinions of `Umar رضي الله عنه which were confirmed to be in the Tawrah.


As for the similar wordings:

1) Maqaam (station of) Ibraaheem عليه السلام:

Wherein `Umar رضي الله عنه told the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم: “Why don’t you take the Maqaam Ibraaheem a prayer place?” Allaah تعالى revealed the Aayah:

﴿وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى﴾

{And take (O people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem [the stone on which Ibraaheem stood while he was building the Ka`bah] as a place of prayer.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 125]


2) Hijaab:

[Note: Narrated `Aaishah رضي الله عنها: The wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to go to Al-Manaasi`, a vast open place (near Baqee` at Madeenah) to answer the call of nature at night. `Umar رضي الله عنه used to say to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم: “Let your wives be veiled,” but Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم did not do so. One night Saudah bint Zam`a رضي الله عنها, the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, went out at `Ishaa’ time and she was a tall lady. `Umar addressed her and said: “I have recognized you, O Saudah.” He said so, as he desired eagerly that the verses of Al-Hijaab (the observing of veils by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So Allaah revealed the verses of “Al-Hijab”. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (146) and Saheeh Muslim (5397)]

Narrated `Aaishah رضي الله عنها: Once Saudah bint Zam`a رضي الله عنها went out at night for some need, and `Umar رضي الله عنه saw her, and recognizing her, he said (to her): “By Allaah, O Saudah! You cannot hide yourself from us.” So she returned to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and mentioned that to him while he was sitting in my dwelling taking his supper and holding a bone covered with meat in his hand. Then the Divine Inspiration was revealed to him and when that state was over, he صلى الله عليه وسلم was saying: “O women! You have been allowed by Allaah to go out for your needs.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5237)]]


3) Captives of Badr:

When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم inquired on what is to be done with the prisoners, `Umarرضي الله عنه said: “O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! These are the leaders of the disbelievers, so cut their necks.” But the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم went with the view of Abu Bakr and رضي الله عنه and took ransom in exchange of the prisoners. So the verse was revealed:

﴿ما كان لنبي أن يكون له أسرى﴾

{It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and frees them with ransom)…} [Surah al-Anfaal (8): 67] [Saheeh Muslim]

Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما reported `Umar as saying: “My lord concurred with (my judgments) on three occasions: In the case of the Maqaam (Station) of Ibraaheem, in case of the observance of veil and in case of the prisoners of Badr.” [Saheeh Muslim (5903)]

[Note: It has been narrated on the authority of `Umar bin al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه who said: When it was the day on which the Battle of Badr was fought, the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم cast a glance at the infidels, and they were one thousand while his own Companions were three hundred and nineteen. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم turned (his face) towards the Qiblah, then he stretched his hands and began his supplication to his Lord: “O Allaah, accomplish for me what You have promised to me. O Allaah, bring about what You have promised to me. O Allaah, if this small band of Muslims is destroyed. You will not be worshipped on this earth.” He continued his supplication to his Lord, stretching his hands, facing the Qiblah, until his mantle slipped down from his shoulders. So Abu Bakr came to him, picked up his mantle and put it on his shoulders. Then he embraced him from behind and said: “Prophet of Allaah! This prayer of yours to your Lord will suffice you, and He will fulfil for you what He has promised you.” So Allaah سبحانه وتعالى revealed (the Qur’aanic verse): {When you appealed to your Lord for help, He responded to your call (saying): I will help you with one thousand angels coming in succession.} So Allaah helped him with angels. Abu Zumail said that the Hadeeth was narrated to him by Ibn 'Abbaas who said: While on that day a Muslim was chasing a disbeliever who was going ahead of him, he heard over him the swishing of the whip and the voice of the rider saying: Go ahead! He glanced at the polytheist who had (now) fallen down on his back. When he looked at him (carefully he found that) there was a scar on his nose and his face was torn as if it had been lashed with a whip, and had turned green with its poison. An Ansari came to the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم and related this (event) to him. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “You have told the truth. This was the help from the third heaven.” The Muslims that day (i. e. the day of the Battle of Badr) killed seventy people and captured seventy. The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said to Abu Bakr and `Umar رضي الله عنهما: “What is your opinion about these captives?” Abu Bakr said: “They are our kith and kin. I think you should release them after getting from them a ransom. This will be a source of strength to us against the infidels. It is quite possible that Allaah may guide them to Islaam.” Then the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “What is your opinion, Ibn al-Khattaab?” He said: “Messenger of Allaah! I do not hold the same opinion as Abu Bakr. I am of the opinion that you should hand them over to us so that we may cut off their heads. Hand over `Aqeel to `Alee that he may cut off his head, and hand over such and such relative to me that I may cut off his head. They are leaders of the disbelievers and veterans among them.” The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم approved the opinion of Abu Bakr and did not approve what I said. The next day when I came to the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, I found that both he and Abu Bakr were sitting shedding tears. I said: “Messenger of Allaah! Why are you and your Companion shedding tears? Tell me the reason, for I too will weep, if not, I will at least pretend to weep in sympathy with you.” The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I weep for what has happened to your companions for taking ransom (from the prisoners). I was shown the torture to which they were subjected. It was brought to me as close as this tree. (He pointed to a tree close to him.)” Then Allaah تعالى revealed the verse: {It is not befitting for a Prophet that he should take prisoners until the force of the disbelievers has been crushed...} to the end of the verse {so eat ye the spoils of war, (it is) lawful and pure.} So Allaah made booty lawful for them.” [Saheeh Muslim (4360)]]


4) Ayatul-Takhyeer (The verse of “The Option”):

Ibn Abee Haatim recorded that Anas said that `Umar bin Al-Khattaab said: “I heard news that the Mothers of the Believers had a dispute with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. So I advised them, saying: “Either stop bothering Allaah’s Messenger or Allaah might provide him better wives than you.””

[The origin of this narration is in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree as mentioned below:
Narrated `Umar (bin Al-Khattab) رضي الله عنه: “My Lord agreed with me in three things: 1) I said: “O Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, I wish we took the Maqaam (station) of Ibraaheem as our praying place (for some of our prayers). So came the Divine Inspiration: {And take you (people) the station of Ibraaheem as a place of prayer}. [Surah al-Baqarah (2):125] 2) And as regards the (verse of) the veiling of the women, I said: “O Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم! I wish you ordered your wives to cover themselves from the men because good and bad ones talk to them.” So the verse of the veiling of the women was revealed. 3) I came to know that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had blamed some of his wives so I entered upon them and said: “You should either stop (troubling the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) or else Allaah will give His Messenger better wives than you.” When I came to one of his wives, she said to me: “O `Umar! Does Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم don’t have what he could advise his wives with, that you try to advise them?” Thereupon Allaah revealed: {It may be, if he divorced you (all) his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you, Muslims (who submit to Allaah) (till the end of the verse)} [Surah al-Tahreem (66):5]. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (402, 4483)]]


5) Support of Allaah for His Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم:

When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم separated himself from his wife in the upper room, `Umar said: “O Messenger of Allaah! If you have divorced your wives, verily, Allaah is with you, His angels, Jibreel, I, Abu Bakr and the rest of believers are with you.” So Allaah تعالى revealed:

﴿وَإِن تَظَاهَرَا عَلَيْهِ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ مَوْلَـهُ وَجِبْرِيلُ وَصَـلِحُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمَلَـئِكَةُ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ ظَهِيرٌ﴾

{But if you help one another against him, then verily, Allaah is his Protector, and Jibreel, and the righteous among the believers; and after that the angels are his helpers.} [Surah al-Tahreem (66): 4]

[Note: See Tafseer Ibn Katheer for more details.]


6) Prohibition of seeking forgiveness for the Hypocrites and Kuffaar:

When `Abdullaah ibn Ubai (the leader of the hypocrites) passed away, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم wanted to offer Salaah al-Janaazah (funeral prayer) for him. `Umar Ibn al-Khattaab grabbed the Thobe (dress) of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and asked him not to offer the prayers for him. So Allaah تعالى revealed:

﴿وَلَا تُصَلِّ عَلَىٰ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُم مَّاتَ أَبَدًا وَلَا تَقُمْ عَلَىٰ قَبْرِهِ﴾


{And never (O Muhammad) pray (funeral prayer) for any of them (hypocrites) who dies, nor stand at his grave.} [Surah al-Tawbah (9): 84]

[Note: Narrated Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما: When `Abdullaah bin Ubai (the chief of hypocrites) died, his son came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said: O Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم! Please give me your shirt to shroud him in it, offer his funeral prayer and ask for Allaah’s forgiveness for him. So Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم gave his shirt to him and said: “Inform me (When the funeral is ready) so that I may offer the funeral prayer.” So, he informed him and when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم intended to offer the funeral prayer, `Umar took hold of his hand and said: “Has Allaah not forbidden you to offer the funeral prayer for the hypocrites?” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I have been given the choice for Allaah says: {(It does not avail) Whether you (O Muhammad) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites), or do not ask for forgiveness for them. Even though you ask for their forgiveness seventy times, Allaah will not forgive them.}[Surah al-Tawbah (9):80] So the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم offered the funeral prayer and on that the revelation came: {And never (O Muhammad) pray (funeral prayer) for any of them (hypocrites) who dies, nor stand at his grave.} [Surah al-Tawbah (9):84] [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1269, 1366, 4670, 4671, 4672, 5796) and Saheeh Muslim (5904, 6680)]]


7) No forgiveness for those who die outside of Islaam:

When the verse following verse was revealed:

﴿إِن تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً فَلَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّـهُ لَهُمْ﴾

{(and even) if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness Allaah will not forgive them} [Surah al-Tawbah (9): 80]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I will make an addition to the seventy”, and he prayed for their forgiveness. `Umar said: O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! “By Allaah! Allaah will never forgive them, whether you pray for their forgiveness or not.” So the following verse was revealed:

﴿سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَسْتَغْفَرْتَ لَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ لَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّـهُ لَهُمْ﴾

{It is all the same for them whether you ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them; never will Allaah forgive them.} [Surah al-Munaafiqoon (63): 6]

[Note: The statement of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم:  “I will make an addition to the seventy”, is also mentioned in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4672) and Saheeh Muslim, but nothing has been mentioned about the verse from Surah al-Munaafiqoon.  In a narration reported by al-Tabaranee in al-Awsat (5662) and al-Kabeer (12244), the verse from Surah al-Tawbah is mentioned along from this verse from Surah al-Munafiqoon. But I do not know the authenticity of its chain.]


8) The verses about the creation of man:

When Allaah تعالى revealed:

﴿وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن سُلَالَةٍ مِّن طِينٍ * ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُطْفَةً فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ * ثُمَّ خَلَقْنَا النُّطْفَةَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقْنَا الْعَلَقَةَ مُضْغَةً فَخَلَقْنَا الْمُضْغَةَ عِظَامًا فَكَسَوْنَا الْعِظَامَ لَحْمًا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَاهُ خَلْقًا آخَرَ﴾

{And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation.} [Surah al-Mu’minoon (23): 12-14]

`Umar said: “So blessed be Allaah, the Best of creators.” So Allaah تعالى revealed:

﴿فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّـهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ﴾

{So blessed be Allaah, the Best of creators.} [Surah al-Mu’minoon (23): 14]

This was reported by al-Waahidee in al-Asbaab al-Nuzool. [Imaam Ibn Katheer also reported this from Ibn Abee Haatim. Also reported by Abu Dawood al-Tayaalsee in his Musnad (41). But this narration is “Dha`eef” (weak) due to `Alee bin Zaid bin Jud`aan, whom the scholars have graded as weak.]

[Note: It is also part of narration reported by al-Tabaranee in al-Awsat (5662) and al-Kabeer (12244), but as stated earlier, I do not know the authenticity of its chain.]

And in another narration: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is supposed to have said: “Do you want to make additions in the Qur’aan, O `Umar?” So Jibreel came with the remaining verse and said: “This is the completion of the verse.” This is reported by al-Sukhaawandee in his Tafseer. [Could not find the authenticity for this narration.]

[Note: Al-Tabaraanee also reported in “al-Awsat” (4657) that it was Mu`aadh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه who said this instead of `Umar رضي الله عنه. And Allaah knows best]


9) In defense of the Mother of the Believers:

When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم consulted (the Companions) regarding the `Aaishah رضي الله عنها when the rumormongers slandered her (of committing adultery), `Umar رضي الله عنه said: “Who married you to her O Messenger of Allaah?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Allaah تعالى.” `Umar said: “Do you think that your Lord has deceived you regarding her? Glory be to You (O Allaah!), this is a great lie.” So Allaah تعالى revealed the following:

﴿سُبْحَانَكَ هَـٰذَا بُهْتَانٌ عَظِيمٌ﴾

{Glory be to You (O Allaah!), this is a great lie.} [Surah al-Noor (24): 16]

[Note: the author of “al-Riyaadh al-Nadhrah”, Mohiyuddeen al-Tabaree (d. 694 H.) after mentioning these 9 points said: all are famous except for the last 3 points: (7), (8) & (9). (These last three points were narrated by a person who is Majhool (unknown)) [al-Riyaadh al-Nadhrah (2/295)]

In Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (7370), it is mentioned that it was a person from the Ansaar who said this instead of `Umar رضي الله عنه. Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baaree that it was Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaaree رضي الله عنه who said this.]


As for the Aayaat which were revealed, being similar to the views offered by `Umar رضي الله عنه:

10) Description of the Prophet in the Tawrah:

Ibn al-Samaan reported in “al-Muwaafaqah bain Ahl al-Bait was-Sahaabah” that `Umar رضي الله عنه said to the Jews: I adjure you in the Name of Allaah! Do you find the description of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم in your books? They replied: Yes. He said: So what is preventing you from following him? They said: Verily Allaah does not send a Messenger except that there is an angel appointed for him. Verily, Jibreel عليه السلام is the one who has been appointed for Muhammad and he is our enemy from the angels, and Meekaa’eel is our friend. So had he (Meekaa’eel) been the one to bring (the revelations), we would have followed him (Muhammad). `Umar said: Verily, I bear witness that Meekaa’eel does not have animosity for the friends of Jibreel, and Jibreel does not befriend the enemies of Meekaa’eel. So the Aayah was revealed:

﴿قُلْ مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ * مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّلَّـهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَدُوٌّ لِّلْكَافِرِينَ﴾

{Say (O Muhammad): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibreel (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur’aan) down to your heart by Allaah’s Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurat and the Injeel] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers. Whoever is an enemy to Allaah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibreel and Meekaa’eel, then verily, Allaah is an enemy to the disbelievers.”} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 97-98]

[Note: al-Waahidee also reported this in “Asbaab al-Nuzool” from his chain to al-Sha`bee who said that `Umar said: and the rest of the narration is as above. But Ibn Katheer said that this chain is broken (and hence weak) as al-Sha`bee did not see `Umar رضي الله عنه. Ibn Katheer also mentioned other chains but all are broken.]


11) On the prohibition of intoxicants and gambling:

Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه: When the prohibition of wine (was yet to be) declared, `Umar said: O Allaah, give us a satisfactory explanation about wine. So the following verse was revealed:

﴿يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ﴾

{They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 219]

`Umar was then called and it was recited to him. He said: O Allaah, give us a clear ruling about wine. Then the following verse was revealed:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَارَىٰ﴾

{O you who believe! Approach not As-Salaah (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 43]

And when the Iqaamah for prayer was said, the caller of the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم would cry out: O you who believe! Approach not al-Salaah (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state. `Umar was again called and it was recited to him. He still said: O Allaah, give us a satisfactory explanation about wine. This verse was revealed:

﴿فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَ﴾

{…So, will you not then abstain?} [Surah al-Maaidah (5): 90-91]

`Umar said: We have abstained, we have abstained. [Sunan Abu Dawood (3670), Sunan al-Tirmidhee (3049) and Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (5540) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


12) On seeking permission before entering the house:

`Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما narrates that once the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم sent a young boy from the Ansaar to `Umar رضي الله عنه during the afternoon to call him. When he came to `Umar, he found `Umar in a state in which `Umar disliked anybody to see him in. `Umar said: O Messenge4r of Allaah, I earnestly hope that Allaah تعالى commands us and directs us regarding the aspect of seeking permission to enter. Thereafter the following AayaHh was revealed:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِيَسْتَأْذِنكُمُ الَّذِينَ مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ﴾

{O you who Believe! Let your legal slaves and slave-girls, and those among you who have not come to the age of puberty ask your permission…} [Surah al-Noor (24): 58]

[Asbaab al-Nuzool of al-Waahidee without a chain. Ibn Mandah mentioned its chain of narration in al-Isaabah (3/395) but it is a “Baatil” (Baseless) narration as its chain is filled with unknown narrators.]


13) Regarding the number of people who will enter the Jannah:

﴿ثُلَّةٌ مِّنَ الاٌّوَّلِينَ * وَقَلِيلٌ مِّنَ الاٌّخِرِينَ﴾

{A multitude of those will be from the first ones * And a few of those will be from the later ones.} [Surah al-Waaqi`ah (56): 13-14]

`Umar رضي الله عنه began to cry and said: O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! Multitude from the first ones and only little from amongst us?! We believe in the Messenger of Allaah and testify in him and which little (group) from us will be saved? Then Allaah تعالى revealed the Aayah:

﴿ثُلَّةٌ مِّنَ الاٌّوَّلِينَ * وَثُلَّةٌ مِّنَ الْآخِرِينَ﴾

{A multitude of those will be from the first ones * And a multitude of those will be from the later ones.} [Surah al-Waaqi`ah (56): 39-40]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then called him and told him that Allaah تعالى has revealed regarding what you had said. [Ibn Katheer also mentioned this in his Tafseer and said that there is weakness in its chain.]


As for `Umar’s two opinions conforming to what is in al-Tawrah:

14) The creation of Paradise and Hell:

Taariq ibn Shihaab said: A Jew came to `Umar رضي الله عنه and asked him: Do you see the saying of Allaah in the Qur’aan:

﴿وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ﴾

{And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqoon} [Surah aal-`Imraan (3): 133]

So where is the Hellfire? (i.e. If the Paradise in its vastness covers the space between the heavens and the earth, in that case where is the space for the Hellfire?)

`Umar رضي الله عنه told the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم that were present there to reply to the Jew, but none of them could answer. `Umar then said: “Do you notice the day when it comes, doesn’t it fill the heavens and earth?” The Jew replied: Yes, indeed. So `Umar then asked him: “Then where is the night? [And when the night comes, where is the day?]” The Jew replied: To wherever Allaah تعالى wishes. `Umar رضي الله عنه then said to him: “(in the same way) the fire is also wherever He تعالى wishes it to be.” The Jew said: By the One in whose Hand is your soul O Ameer al-Mu’mineen! Verily it has been revealed in the Book of Allaah (Tawrah) in the same way as you have said. Reported by Ibn al-Samaan in “al-Muwaafaqah”

[Note: This was also reported by Ibn Katheer in his Tafseer and Shaikh al-Albaanee graded it as “Saheeh” in al-Saheehah (6/926). This has authentically been reported from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. See al-Saheehah (2892)]


15) Saved is the one who takes himself into account:

It has been narrated that Ka`ab al-Ahbaar (a famous Jewish rabbi, who later embraced Islaam during the caliphate of `Umar) once said to `Umar: Destruction to the king of the world from the King of the sky. `Umar رضي الله عنه said: With the exception of that person who restrains himself. Ka`ab then said: By the One in whose Hand is my soul! Verily I have found it in the book of Allaah. `Umar رضي الله عنه then fell into prostration for Allaah.

Some have also added about Verse 187 of Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 223 of Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 65 of Surah al-Nisaa’.

[Irshaad al-Saaree li Sharh Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (7/300-301)]



Some more narrations which were not mentioned in Irshaad al-Saaree:

16) On not prolonging the stay after food:

Al-Tabaraanee also mentioned a narration in which points: (3), (6), (7) & (8) are also mentioned along with the following addition:

(Ibn `Abbaas) said: A man entered (the house) of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and sat there for a long time. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم went out three times so that the person may get up and follow him. But the man did not do so. When `Umar entered, he saw the man and he saw the dislike on the face of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم because of the man’s (prolonged) sitting. `Umar said (to the man): Maybe you have troubled the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. The man realized it and got up. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I went out thrice so that you may follow me, but you did not.” `Umar said: O Messenger of Allaah! Only if you would implement (the rule of) Hijaab, as your wives are not like other women and this will be greater for their heart. Later Allaah تعالى revealed:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتَ النَّبِيِّ إِلَّا أَن يُؤْذَنَ لَكُمْ إِلَىٰ طَعَامٍ غَيْرَ نَاظِرِينَ إِنَاهُ﴾

{O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation...} [Surah al-Ahzaab (33): 53]

Then the Prophet called for `Umar and informed him about the verse.

[al-Tabaranee in al-Awsat (5662) and al-Kabeer (12244), but as said earlier, I don’t know the status of this Hadeeth. See Tafseer Ibn Katheer for more details]


17) On how to approach the wives:

Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما said: `Umar Ibn al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه came to the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم and said: “I am doomed!” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “What has doomed you?” `Umar said: “I had intercourse (with my wive in the vagine) from behind yesterday.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم did not reply, then Allaah تعالى revealed this verse:

﴿نِسَاؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُوا حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ﴾

{Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth when or how you will...} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 223]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “From the front or from the behind, but avoid the back passage (anus) and the time of nestruation.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2980) and Musnad Ahmad (2703) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


18) Sign of Imaan is to submit to the Messenger’s decisions:

﴿فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ﴾

{But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them.} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 65]

Imaam Ibn Katheer mentioned in his Tafseer that Ibn Abee Haatim narrated: Two men took their dispute to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, so the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم judged between them. The one who lost the dispute said: Allow us to go to `Umar Ibn al-Khattaab. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Affirmative.” They both went to `Umar and when they met him, the person (who won the dispute) said: O Ibn al-Khattaab, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم made the decision in my favor, but he said (to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) to allow us to go to `Umar Ibn al-Khattaab, so we came to you. `Umar asked (the other person): “Is this so?” He said: Yes. `Umar said: “Be in your place till I come out and settle the dispute between the two of you.” He came out carrying a sword in his hand and struck the one who said: ‘Allow us to go to `Umar’, and killed him. The second person fled and came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said: O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! `Umar has killed my companion, and had I not run from there, he would have killed me too. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I did not think that `Umar would be so swift in killing a believer.” So Allaah تعالى revealed:

﴿فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ﴾

{But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them.} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 65]

till the end of the verse. So the blood of the man was made to go waste and `Umar was absolved from the blame of killing that person. And Allaah تعالى hated that such an incident be repeated again so He تعالى revealed:

﴿وَلَوْ أَنَّا كَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَنِ اقْتُلُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ﴾

{And if We had ordered them (saying), "Kill yourselves (i.e. the innnocent ones kill the guilty ones)...} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 66]

Ibn Katheer said: This is how Ibn Mardawaih also reported from Ibn Luhai`ah on the authority of Abee al-Aswad, but this is a Ghareeb (strange), Mursal (broken) narration, and Ibn Luhai`ah is Dha`eef (weak), and Allaah knows best.

Imaam Ibn Katheer also mentioned in his Tafseer that Al-Haafidh Abu Is-haaq Ibraaheem bin `Abdur-Rahmaan bin Ibraaheem bin Duhaym recorded in his Tafseer that Damrah narrated that two men took their dispute to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he صلى الله عليه وسلم gave a judgment to the benefit of whoever among them had the right. The person who lost the dispute said: I do not agree. The other person asked him: What do you want then? He said: Let us go to Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه. They went to Abu Bakr and the person who won the dispute said: We went to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم with our dispute and he issued a decision in my favor. Abu Bakr said: “Then the decision is that which the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم issued.” The person who lost the dispute still rejected the decision and said: Let us go to `Umar bin Al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه. When they went to `Umar, the person who won the dispute said: We took our dispute to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he decided in my favor, but this man refused to submit to the decision. `Umar bin Al-Khattaab asked the second man and he concurred. `Umar went to his house and emerged from it holding aloft his sword. He struck the head of the man who rejected the Prophet's decision with the sword and killed him. Consequently, Allaah revealed,

﴿فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ﴾

{But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith}

[Note: The authentic in this is that it was revealed about the dispute that took place between al-Zubair and his neighbor regarding a stream:


Narrated `Urwah: When a man from the Ansaar quarreled with al-Zubair, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Zubair! Irrigate (your land) first and then let the water flow (to the land of the others).” On that the Ansaari said: (to the Prophet): It is because he is your paternal aunt’s son. On that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Zubair! Irrigate till the water reaches the walls between the pits around the trees and then stop (i.e. let the water go to the other's land).” (Urwah said): I think the following verse was revealed concerning this event: {But no, by your Lord They can have No faith Until they make you judge In all disputes between them.} [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2359, 2361, 2362, 2708, 4585) and Saheeh Muslim (5817)]]

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