The Night Walk of Justice

During the golden age of the Islamic Caliphate, when Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) was the leader of the Muslim world, the city of Madinah was known for its peace, discipline, and justice. Umar (RA) was not only a powerful ruler but also a humble servant of Allah who feared accountability more than authority.

Despite ruling over vast lands, Umar (RA) lived a simple life. His clothes were often patched, his food was plain, and his heart was always concerned for the poor. He believed that leadership was a trust from Allah, and every ruler would be questioned about even the smallest injustice on the Day of Judgment.

One quiet night, while the city slept under the calm desert sky, Umar (RA) decided to walk through the streets of Madinah. This was his habit. He wanted to see the condition of his people with his own eyes, without guards, titles, or announcements. He believed that true leadership meant understanding the suffering of the people directly.

As he walked along the outskirts of the city, he noticed a faint light coming from a small tent. From inside, he heard the cries of children. The sound pierced his heart. Umar (RA) stopped and listened carefully. The children were crying loudly, their voices filled with hunger and pain.

He approached the tent and greeted the woman inside. She was sitting near a fire with a pot placed on it. Umar (RA) asked gently, “Why are your children crying?”

The woman, not recognizing him, replied with frustration, “They are hungry. We have had nothing to eat all day.”

Umar (RA) looked at the pot and asked, “What are you cooking?”

The woman’s eyes filled with tears. She said, “There is nothing in it but water and stones. I placed it on the fire to make my children believe food is coming, so they may fall asleep.”

Then she added bitterly, “Allah will judge Umar for neglecting us.”

At these words, Umar (RA) felt as if his heart had shattered. Tears rolled down his face, though the woman did not notice in the darkness. He realized that even one hungry family under his rule was a failure of leadership.

Without saying another word, Umar (RA) rushed back to Madinah and went straight to the Bayt-ul-Mal (public treasury). He filled a sack with flour, oil, and dates. A servant offered to carry the load, but Umar (RA) refused firmly.

He said, “Will you carry my burden on the Day of Judgment?”

With the heavy sack on his back, Umar (RA) returned to the tent. His clothes were covered with dust, but his heart was determined. He himself prepared the food, lit the fire properly, and cooked the meal. The woman watched silently, unaware that the man cooking for her was the leader of the Muslim world.

Soon, the children ate until they were full. Their cries turned into laughter. Umar (RA) stood at a distance, smiling with tears in his eyes, watching them play. Only when he was sure they were happy did he prepare to leave.

Before departing, he advised the woman to come to Madinah the next day to receive regular support. She thanked him and prayed for him, still not knowing his identity.

Later, one of Umar’s companions who had followed him said, “O Ameer-ul-Mu’minin, why did you trouble yourself so much?”

Umar (RA) replied, “I saw children crying from hunger. How could I sleep peacefully knowing that I would be questioned about them by Allah?”

This incident spread throughout Madinah and beyond. It became a powerful example of justice, humility, and responsibility. Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) proved that true leadership is not about power or wealth, but about compassion, accountability, and fear of Allah.