earth, the entire world would become fragrant. He will then be seated on a luminous camel, and 70,000 flags will be waving in front of him. A voice will be heard, “O people of the assembly! This is ꜤUmar; familiarise yourselves with him.”^[1]

O devotees of the Companions and Ahl al-Bayt! For as long as Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was present in the world:

*   He strived for the elevation of Islam.

*   He participated in battles alongside the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

*   He presented his life fighting for Islam on numerous occasions.

*   He put himself in difficulty for the sake of propagating Islam.

*   He established a system of justice and equality for all and even remained hungry for this purpose.

*   Despite being the awe-inspiring caliph of almost half the world, he wore patched clothing.

*   He made sacrifices, battled through hardships and surrendered his own wishes for the purpose of elevating Islam.

There are many lessons for us in the life of Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. We have no concern for serving Islam due to our desires and need for rest. Non-Muslims observe our character and develop hatred towards Islam. We will lie, argue, fight, deceive, and even kill for the wealth of this world. Which sin is there that the Muslims are not embroiled in today? Remember! A negative character is not only harmful to us, but it is also detrimental to Islam as people form an image of Islam in their minds through observing us.