Download PDF: s-a-benefit-to-the-ummah

There is no doubt that one of the greatest causes of changes in a person life is the type of guidance and education a person receives. In other words, how he or she is brought up. This is one of the ways in which a human can remain on the straight path or deviate into a misguided path.

 

Before Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – became the leader of the Muslims, he had a small village in Yamamah which was called “Sahlah”. Plenty of crops used to come from this area and through this he used to take care of his family.

 

Many historians will tell you that in most cases when a person gains some important post or position, his life certainly changes. There might be some who, before they become rulers, will scream about the rights of others and how the weak and down-trodden should be cared for, but when they become powerful, all of these ideals are completely thrown out of the window. They forget about the poor and are so immersed in their own lives that worrying about the poor merely becomes a major burden for them.

 

However, the changes which occurred in the life of Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – were completely different. There was an internal revolution within him. Prior to becoming the Khalifah he was surrounded and trapped by wealth and pomp and a life of extreme pleasure and riches. However, when he became the leader of the Muslims all of this concern of his turned to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah. He sacrificed everything he had for the benefit of the Muslims.

 

One of his first concerns he had was to also take this village through which his family earned an income and hand this over to the Muslim community for the benefit of the Muslim community. He then decided to call his personal servant Mazaahim and discuss this issue with him. Obviously, Mazaahim was not keen and also knew that this was the only income for the leader’s family. Nevertheless, Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – made up his mind and the most amazing thing is that he was also encouraged by his own son to hand over this to the Baitul Maal for the benefit of the Muslims.

 

This clearly proves that the home environment also plays a major role in the behaviour of children and adults as well. Therefore, this is something which Muslims should concentrate on seriously. (Al Khulud)