The Justice of Hazrat Umar (RA)

Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph of Islam, is remembered as one of the most just rulers in human history. His legacy is filled with stories of deep piety, unwavering justice, and commitment to the welfare of his people. Among the many stories attributed to his life, one incident stands out as a powerful reflection of his leadership and moral integrity. This is the true story of how Hazrat Umar (RA), as the leader of a vast empire, held himself accountable before a humble citizen of his realm.

The Complaint of the Egyptian

During Hazrat Umar’s caliphate, the Islamic empire had expanded rapidly, stretching from the Arabian Peninsula into parts of the Byzantine and Persian empires. Egypt had been recently conquered and was governed by ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (RA), a respected companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

One day, a young Coptic Christian from Egypt arrived in Madinah with a plea for justice. He was tired, dusty, and clearly from a distant land. He sought an audience with the Caliph and was granted permission to present his case.

Standing in front of Hazrat Umar (RA), the young man recounted an incident that had left him humiliated. He explained that he had been racing with the son of the governor of Egypt, Muhammad ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As, and had won the race. Angered by his loss, the governor’s son struck the Coptic youth with a whip and arrogantly declared, “How dare you beat me? I am the son of a nobleman!”

The Coptic youth’s voice trembled as he concluded his account. He had traveled all the way from Egypt, through the deserts, not for revenge—but for justice. He believed, in the Islamic system, even a non-Muslim could expect fairness.

Hazrat Umar (RA), upon hearing the complaint, was deeply moved—and furious at the injustice. He immediately sent a letter to ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (RA), summoning both the governor and his son to Madinah. The message was clear: no one, not even the children of high-ranking officials, was above the law.

Justice in the Masjid

Within days, ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (RA) and his son arrived in Madinah. The people gathered in the Prophet’s Mosque, curious and eager to see how the Caliph would handle such a sensitive matter. Here was a non-Muslim accusing a Muslim official’s son in the heart of the Islamic state.

Hazrat Umar (RA) turned to the young Coptic man and said, “Here is the whip. Take it, and strike the one who struck you.”

The crowd gasped. It was unheard of—a Christian being given the right to strike a Muslim, and not just any Muslim, but the son of a powerful governor. Yet this was the justice of Islam.

The Coptic youth hesitated but then struck Muhammad ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As as he had been struck. Hazrat Umar (RA) then said, “Strike the father too, for it was his power and arrogance that allowed his son to behave like this.”

The Coptic youth declined. “O Commander of the Faithful,” he said, “I have received justice. I am satisfied. The one who hit me has been punished. I need no more.”

Hazrat Umar (RA) turned to ‘Amr ibn al-‘As and delivered words that would be echoed through history:
“Since when have you enslaved the people, when their mothers bore them free?”

A Lesson for the Ages

This incident became a landmark in the history of justice—not only in Islam but in the annals of human governance. Hazrat Umar (RA) made it clear that there was no place for classism, racism, or favoritism in an Islamic society. Regardless of faith, race, or social standing, every person was equal before the law.

It also displayed Hazrat Umar’s deep understanding of leadership. For him, being a Caliph did not mean ruling with an iron fist or accumulating wealth and luxury. Instead, it meant serving the people, being accessible to them, and upholding justice at all costs.

The Coptic youth returned to Egypt, not just with a sense of personal justice, but with a renewed admiration for the fairness of Islamic rule. His story spread among the people, enhancing their trust in the Islamic administration.

Humility of Hazrat Umar (RA)

This story also highlights the humility of Hazrat Umar (RA). Here was a man ruling over a territory stretching thousands of miles, yet he wore patched clothes, slept on a simple mat, and walked the streets at night to check on his people. He did not hide behind palaces or armies. He answered directly to the people—and, more importantly, to God.

In another narration, when a man once approached Hazrat Umar (RA) with a complaint about poverty, the Caliph offered to carry a sack of food on his own back to the man’s house. When his companions offered to help, Umar (RA) refused, saying, “Will you carry my burden on the Day of Judgment?”

His sense of responsibility was not confined to legal cases but extended to every aspect of his role as a leader. Whether it was feeding the poor, resolving disputes, or ensuring fairness for non-Muslims, Hazrat Umar (RA) saw himself as a shepherd accountable for every single one of his flock.

Conclusion

The story of Hazrat Umar (RA), the Coptic Christian, and the governor’s son is not just a tale from history. It is a timeless reminder of what true justice looks like—impartial, fearless, and rooted in accountability. In a world often plagued by tyranny and privilege, Hazrat Umar’s example continues to inspire leaders and individuals alike.

He was not just a ruler; he was a servant of his people, a guardian of justice, and a man who feared God more than he craved power. His legacy, preserved through stories like this, remains a beacon of moral leadership for generations to come.