Download PDF: [S] Governor Live a Life of Poverty (Islamic story)

It is reported that Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu was in the habit of checking on his officials and those to whom he had given special positions. He also wanted to see for himself whether they were living a posh and luxury life or a life structured on Islam. Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu also wanted to see how much of care they displayed for the Muslims around them or whether they had forgotten about this important duty. They should spend their spare time doing this so that the officials of the government would always be on track and making sure that they are fulfilling their duties which they owe to the public. This is something that modern Muslim leaders should also practise upon.

 

Once, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu informed one of his Governors, the eminent companion Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, that he wanted to visit his house. The eminent companion replied, “I do not wish that because of me, your eyes should shed tears.”

 

At that moment, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu did not realise what he meant.

 

However, when Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu finally arrived at the house of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, who was also the Minister of Finance at that time, he was visibly shocked. As he entered the house, he saw nothing whatsoever. Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu asked, “O Abu Ubaidah, where is the possessions of your house? I can see nothing except one plate, a shawl and a small container, even though you are rich, you have grain in your possession and other wealth as well.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu then went to an old box and took out a few dried pieces of bread. In spite of he himself being someone who lived an extremely simple life, Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu began to weep when he looked at the room and the few belongings which were inside the room.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu declared, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! I did mention to you at the beginning that I did not want you to shed tears because of me. For me, this place is sufficient where during midday, I can rest awhile.”

 

As we said, even though Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu himself had given up the world, he mentioned, “O Abu Ubaidah! Besides you, the world has deceived all of us. By Allah! The world has captured us with its deceit.”

 

This was the condition of early Muslims. Even though they had power over wealth, yet they kept the barest minimum for themselves and spent the rest on others. This is the reason that people followed them with heart and soul. When they lived like this, the common Muslims also chose to live like this. If they were greedy and had love only for the world, then their subjects would have also been like this.

 

It is mentioned that when the spoils and wealth of war booty used to arrive in Madina Shareef, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu used to be shocked at the truthfulness and honesty of the Muslim Mujaahideen. In other words, every cent was accounted for. When he saw this shock on the face of the leader of the Muslims, Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu ‘Anhu declared, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! You yourself are clean and pure, therefore the subjects are also clean and pure. Your are free of deceit, therefore those under you, they are also free of deceit.” (Al Khulud)