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 2-volume set of books is far more than a biography, as it discusses major issues that have their origins in the early decades of Islam, the repercussions of which are still felt today. In this biography, Dr. Sallâbi guides the reader through a myriad of hadiths and reports, peeling away the centuries-old layer of fabrications and distortions through which hostile elements both in the Muslim world and beyond sought to conceal the truth. What emerges is a clear picture of the first great turmoil that engulfed the Muslim world and how the noble Companions of the Prophet and the members of his family (may Allah be pleased with them) worked together to resolve these momentous issues, following the guidance and teaching brought by the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him). The true battle for hearts and minds is that which is raging in the Muslim world today, where many vested interests are seeking to distort the very self-image of the Muslims. It is high time for us to reclaim our history and to stop letting others tell it for us. This work is of great importance as it sets the record straight on a period of our history that is of major significance. Every Muslim who cares about the big issues faced by Islam and Muslims should read this book. This biography is sold only as set of two volumes (704 & 766 pages).

This book is about the life stories of the Mothers of the Believers and 16 other Sahabyat who had been given the good news of the paradise in this world by Prophet Muhammad (S). There are good examples in the lifestyle of the Mothers of the believers and women Companions especially for the Muslim women. It is necessary for all of us to study the Seerah of these noble and fortunate women. Besides the Mothers of the believers, the compiler of the book has included the description of those sixteen women who had been given the good News of the Paradise in this world by the Prophet Muhammad (S). Although the original book is in the Urdu language but the efforts of the translator had made it more beneficial for the readers.