Caliph Umar's Renewal of Ramadan
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – As history often reveals, Umar bin Khattab was one of the few companions who possessed unique intellectual courage. We remember, for example, Umar’s comment about the tradition of kissing the Hajar Aswad at the corner of the Kaaba. “If the Prophet (peace be upon him) had not done this, I would not have done it,” said the figure known as al-Faruq.
Umar certainly thought long and hard before expressing his thoughts. He may have seen the irrational aspects of the practice of kissing the Hajar Aswad. However, he still did it sincerely, wanting to follow whatever the Prophet (peace be upon him) exemplified.
Throughout his life, Umar was known for his many instances of ijtihad (independent reasoning). When he was caliph, Umar once freed a thief for a very reasonable reason. The thief was known to be poor and desperate to meet his daily needs.
Even though, as a leader who always tried to be consistent with the law, Umar was known for being strict in giving sanctions to anyone who violated the teachings. But, Umar still gave very humane consideration.
Many of Umar’s fresh ideas later became guidelines in the practice of worship. Besides being intelligent and courageous, Umar was also known for being very critical of the Prophet’s sayings. Including about the performance of shalat tarawih (special night prayers) during Ramadan.
It was Umar who called for the performance of the shalat sunnah tarawih in congregation. Let every individual who is united in a theological bond come together to foster togetherness. It is only one month out of 12 months that we go through every day.
During this month, we revive the spirit of humanity that is rooted in the teachings of ukhuwah (brotherhood). Each of us feels the same atmosphere, as a symbol that togetherness is an important pillar of the building of ukhuwah taught by Allah and His Messenger.
Caliph Umar pioneered this tradition of togetherness by uniting the performance of shalat tarawih together. A creativity (tajdid) in worship by giving social consideration for humanity.
Missing a leader like him.
Umar bin Khattab is remembered as a companion who was very close to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In fact, before he became a Muslim, he was famous for opposing the Islamic da’wah (mission). He even announced his intention to kill the Prophet (peace be upon him) several times.
When the light of Islam illuminated his heart, Umar became a figure who loved the Prophet (peace be upon him) very much. When he heard the news of the Prophet’s death, he immediately came to the crowd of mourners and drew his sword. He loudly proclaimed, “Anyone who says that Muhammad has died, I will cut off his head!”