Umar ibn al-Khattâb: His Life and Times (2 Vols.) -IIPH

By Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallabi

In today’s crisis-ridden world, amidst the numerous internal and external forces striking at the roots of Islam, Muslims are truly hard pressed to find strong and competent leaders. This has not always been the case, though. Examples of first-rate leaders are plentiful in Islamic history.

The life and times of Uthmân ibn Affân, as detailed in this book by Dr. Ali M. Sallâbi, truly illustrate the characteristics of exemplary leaders along with the commendable qualities of those under them. This account of how Uthmân ibn Affân, the third Rightly-Guided Caliph, expanded the Islamic state, compiled the Qur’an into a single edition, and, finally, dealt with the turmoil that engulfed the Ummah, makes for a very enlightening read. The author has also given us insight into the life of Dhun-Noorayn (Uthmân, the ‘Possessor of the Two Lights’) before he became the caliph. Readers discover his attachment to the Prophet (sa), his relationship with the Qur’an and his generous financial contributions towards the founding of the Islamic state. All in all, this book will prove to be a valuable resource on Islamic history.

This book describes, among other things, the principles based upon which ‘Umar ibn al-khattab governed the Muslims during his caliphate; among those principles were mutual consultation, justice, equality among people, and honoring of freedoms.

With the turn of every page, the reader will come to appreciate the fact that Umar was exceptional in his faith, distinguished in his knowledge, profoundly wise in his thinking, remarkable in his eloquence, noble in his manners and great in the contributions he made to this nation.

This book is about the lives of those Noble Companions and Commanders who led the Islamic forces in the violent and strife-torn arenas of conflict against the kuffar. They struck terror in the hearts of the enemy, and the strong forts and palaces of Caesar and Chosroes trembled before their might. In this compilation there are not only stories of the battlefields but also the stories of bravery and courage, valour and piety, austerity and simplicity.