WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 00:00:04.349 --> 00:00:10.480 Mawaddah Association presents: The Ten Promised Paradise. 00:00:14.009 --> 00:00:17.010 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:00:18.010 --> 00:00:22.010 Love for the Companions and the Prophet’s kin is an established Sunnah, 00:00:23.010 --> 00:00:27.489 With which I hope to meet my Lord when He brings me to life. 00:00:28.489 --> 00:00:33.030 Who is the owner of that magnificent palace in Paradise? 00:00:34.030 --> 00:00:36.060 Who is this fortunate person, 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:39.060 Who is given glad tidings of all this eternal bliss, 00:00:40.060 --> 00:00:43.060 While his feet are still walking upon the earth? 00:00:44.060 --> 00:00:46.060 Who was the recipient of this good news, and who was the bearer of it? 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:49.100 It is a wonder beyond imagination! 00:00:51.539 --> 00:00:55.539 On the night of the Prophet’s Ascension (Mi'raj) to the heavens, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:00:56.539 --> 00:00:57.539 He entered Paradise 00:00:57.539 --> 00:00:59.539 And saw a palace made of gold, 00:01:00.539 --> 00:01:02.539 Reaching the utmost pinnacle of beauty and perfection, 00:01:03.539 --> 00:01:05.540 With maidens of the fair houris all around it. 00:01:06.540 --> 00:01:08.540 The Prophet, peace be upon him, asked, 00:01:09.540 --> 00:01:11.540 "Whose palace is this?" 00:01:12.540 --> 00:01:13.540 The accompanying angel replied, 00:01:14.540 --> 00:01:15.540 "It belongs to a young man from Quraysh." 00:01:16.540 --> 00:01:18.540 The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, thought 00:01:19.540 --> 00:01:21.540 That this palace was his own, 00:01:22.540 --> 00:01:25.540 Due to its sheer magnificence, grandeur, and breathtaking beauty. 00:01:25.540 --> 00:01:27.540 But he asked, 00:01:28.540 --> 00:01:30.540 "Who is this fortunate Qurayshite young man?" 00:01:31.540 --> 00:01:32.540 The angel said, 00:01:33.540 --> 00:01:34.540 "It belongs to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab." 00:01:35.540 --> 00:01:37.760 The Prophet, peace be upon him, returned 00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:40.760 To Mecca after the journey of the Isra' and Mi'raj— 00:01:41.760 --> 00:01:43.760 That miraculous and wondrous journey— 00:01:44.760 --> 00:01:46.760 Bearing with him great news, 00:01:47.760 --> 00:01:49.760 Among which was these glad tidings for 'Umar. 00:01:50.760 --> 00:01:51.760 He said, 00:01:52.760 --> 00:01:53.760 "O Abu Hafs, 00:01:53.760 --> 00:01:55.760 Were it not for what I know of your protective jealousy (ghayrah), 00:01:56.760 --> 00:01:57.760 I would have entered that palace." 00:01:58.760 --> 00:01:59.760 'Umar wept and said, 00:02:00.760 --> 00:02:03.760 "Could I ever feel protective jealousy against you, O Messenger of Allah?" 00:02:04.760 --> 00:02:07.019 Who is this 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, 00:02:08.020 --> 00:02:09.020 The owner of that palace? 00:02:10.020 --> 00:02:11.020 What was his life like? 00:02:12.020 --> 00:02:14.020 How did he grow up before Islam, and how was he after embracing it? 00:02:15.020 --> 00:02:17.020 How did he attain such extraordinary bliss in Paradise? 00:02:18.020 --> 00:02:20.020 These are questions that cross our minds 00:02:21.020 --> 00:02:22.020 And require answers. 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:25.020 So join us as we turn the pages of history 00:02:26.020 --> 00:02:29.020 To explore the biography of this great man, 00:02:30.020 --> 00:02:33.020 Who was promised Paradise through the words of the Noble Messenger, 00:02:34.020 --> 00:02:36.020 Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:39.460 Yes, my dear listeners, 00:02:40.460 --> 00:02:42.460 He is 'Umar ibn al-Khattab ibn Nufayl 00:02:43.460 --> 00:02:46.460 Ibn 'Abd al-'Uzza al-'Adawi al-Qurashi. 00:02:47.460 --> 00:02:49.460 He was born in Mecca after the Year of the Elephant— 00:02:49.460 --> 00:02:51.460 Thirteen years after the Year of the Elephant. 00:02:52.460 --> 00:02:54.460 'Umar's home in the pre-Islamic era of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) 00:02:55.460 --> 00:02:58.460 Was at the foot of the mountain known today as Mount 'Umar, 00:02:59.460 --> 00:03:02.460 Which was called al-'Aqir during the Jahiliyyah, 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:05.460 Where the dwellings of Banu 'Adi ibn Ka'b were situated. 00:03:06.460 --> 00:03:07.460 He grew up among Quraysh, 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:10.460 Raised in a pagan environment 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:12.460 Under the guardianship of his father, al-Khattab, 00:03:13.460 --> 00:03:16.460 Who was harsh with him, burdening him with strenuous labor 00:03:16.460 --> 00:03:20.460 And beating him severely whenever he fell short in his tasks. 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:24.460 This harsh treatment left a deep impact on his personality. 00:03:25.460 --> 00:03:27.460 He mastered horsemanship and combat 00:03:28.460 --> 00:03:31.460 Until he became one of the foremost champions of Quraysh in the Jahiliyyah, 00:03:32.460 --> 00:03:34.460 Possessing an awe-inspiring presence and an intimidating demeanor, 00:03:35.460 --> 00:03:37.460 Fiercely defending the worship of idols. 00:03:38.460 --> 00:03:41.460 He excelled in writing, oratory, and tribal debates; 00:03:42.460 --> 00:03:43.460 He had a refined taste for poetry and recited it extensively, 00:03:43.460 --> 00:03:47.460 Attaining an elevated status among the Quraysh in the Jahiliyyah. 00:03:48.460 --> 00:03:52.460 Thus, he was entrusted as their envoy and champion in tribal contests of honor. 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:54.460 Among the accounts illustrating his remarkable horsemanship 00:03:55.460 --> 00:03:58.460 Is that he would grab his left ear with his right hand 00:03:59.460 --> 00:04:02.460 And leap directly onto the horse's back, seating himself firmly. 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:08.590 In the Jahiliyyah, 'Umar was a fierce defender of the paganism he adhered to, 00:04:09.590 --> 00:04:12.590 Ruthlessly persecuting those who believed in the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:04:13.590 --> 00:04:15.590 From his own clan of Banu 'Adi ibn Ka'b. 00:04:16.589 --> 00:04:21.589 Among those who endured 'Umar's persecution for accepting Islam were his closest kin: 00:04:22.589 --> 00:04:26.589 His sister Fatimah and her husband, Sa'id ibn Zayd ibn 'Amr ibn Nufayl. 00:04:27.589 --> 00:04:30.589 Sa'id, who was also 'Umar's cousin, said: 00:04:31.589 --> 00:04:32.589 "By Allah, I remember the time 00:04:33.589 --> 00:04:37.589 When 'Umar would bind me firmly for embracing Islam before he himself accepted it." 00:04:38.589 --> 00:04:42.589 It is also related that 'Umar severely tortured the slave-girl of Banu Mu'ammil, 00:04:43.589 --> 00:04:45.589 A clan of Banu 'Adi ibn Ka'b. 00:04:46.589 --> 00:04:50.589 'Umar would beat her relentlessly until he grew exhausted, then say: 00:04:51.589 --> 00:04:52.589 "I make no excuse to you 00:04:53.589 --> 00:04:55.589 Except that I have only stopped beating you out of weariness." 00:04:56.589 --> 00:05:00.589 Thereupon, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, purchased and emancipated her. 00:05:01.850 --> 00:05:06.850 Among the vices of the Jahiliyyah attributed to 'Umar during that period, 00:05:07.850 --> 00:05:09.850 Like many other people of Mecca, 00:05:10.850 --> 00:05:12.850 Was indulging in and drinking alcohol. 00:05:13.850 --> 00:05:14.850 He is reported to have said: 00:05:15.850 --> 00:05:18.850 "I was among the heaviest drinkers of wine in the Jahiliyyah." 00:05:19.850 --> 00:05:21.850 But when he embraced Islam and Allah revealed the prohibition of wine, 00:05:22.850 --> 00:06:14.829 Upon hearing it, 'Umar declared: 00:06:15.829 --> 00:06:16.829 "We have ceased! We have ceased!" 00:06:17.829 --> 00:06:20.959 Later in his youth, 'Umar worked as a camel shepherd. 00:06:21.959 --> 00:06:26.959 It is recorded that after becoming caliph, he passed by one of the mountain passes of Mecca; 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:29.959 He halted, and the people halted with him. 00:06:29.959 --> 00:06:35.959 He said, "I used to be in this very valley tending the camels of al-Khattab, 00:06:36.959 --> 00:06:37.959 And he was a harsh, stern man; 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:41.959 I would gather leaves for them at times and gather firewood at others. 00:06:42.959 --> 00:06:48.959 Yet today, I walk with people on every side and none above me except Allah." 00:06:49.959 --> 00:06:50.959 Then he recited this line of poetry: 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:54.959 "Nothing you behold retains its pleasant delight; 00:06:55.959 --> 00:06:58.959 Allah alone remains, while wealth and children vanish." 00:06:59.959 --> 00:07:02.990 Later, he engaged in trade and earned a livelihood, 00:07:03.990 --> 00:07:05.990 Becoming one of the wealthy men of Mecca. 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:13.180 Despite his initial adherence to paganism, his opposition to monotheism and its followers, 00:07:14.180 --> 00:07:15.180 And his reported consumption of wine 00:07:16.180 --> 00:07:19.180 Alongside other prevalent vices of the Jahiliyyah, 00:07:20.180 --> 00:07:23.180 He was nevertheless among those who revered the sacred rites of Allah 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:25.180 And recognized their intrinsic sanctity. 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:30.180 This was part of the surviving legacy of the religion of the Intimate Friend, Ibrahim, peace be upon him, 00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:33.180 Even though the degree of respect varied among individuals. 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:38.180 For the Quraysh during the Jahiliyyah deeply venerated the Sacred House, 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:42.180 Performing circumambulation (Tawaf), Hajj, and 'Umrah, 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:46.180 Standing at 'Arafah and Muzdalifah, and offering sacrificial animals. 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:52.180 After embracing Islam, 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, asked the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:07:52.180 --> 00:07:55.180 Concerning a vow he had made during the Jahiliyyah 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:58.180 To perform spiritual retreat (I'tikaf) for a night in the Sacred Mosque. 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:03.180 The Prophet, peace be upon him, instructed him to fulfill his vow. 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:07.180 It is also narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:10.180 Said to 'Umar: 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:13.180 "You were fiercely hostile against us, O Abu Hafs, 00:08:14.180 --> 00:08:16.180 So I prayed to Allah to strengthen Islam through you." 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:22.500 Despite all that has been mentioned regarding 'Umar's sternness, intensity, and toughness, 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:25.500 There remained a seed of goodness within his soul 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:30.500 And a glimmer of light hidden deep within his heart. 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:35.700 His neighbor, Umm 'Abdullah bint Abi Hathmah, recounted: 00:08:36.700 --> 00:08:40.700 "By Allah, we were preparing to depart for the land of Abyssinia, 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:45.700 And my husband, 'Amir ibn Rabi'ah, had gone off on an errand, 00:08:46.700 --> 00:08:51.700 When 'Umar ibn al-Khattab approached and stood before me while still a polytheist— 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:54.700 And we used to suffer great hardship at his hands. 00:08:55.700 --> 00:08:59.700 He said, 'Are you departing, O Umm 'Abdullah?' 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:04.700 I replied, 'Yes, by Allah, we are surely setting out into Allah's earth, 00:09:05.700 --> 00:09:07.700 For you have harmed us and oppressed us, 00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:10.700 Until Allah grants us a way out.' 00:09:11.700 --> 00:09:13.700 He said, 'May Allah be your companion.' 00:09:13.700 --> 00:09:17.700 And I saw in him a gentleness that I had never seen before. 00:09:18.700 --> 00:09:22.700 Then he turned away, visibly saddened by our departure, as far as I could tell. 00:09:23.700 --> 00:09:25.700 When 'Amir returned from his errand, 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:28.700 I said to him, 'O Abu 'Abdullah, 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:33.700 If only you had seen 'Umar just now, and his gentleness and sorrow over us!' 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:36.700 He asked, 'Have you developed hope that he might embrace Islam?' 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:38.700 I said, 'Yes.' 00:09:38.700 --> 00:09:44.700 He replied, 'The one you saw will not accept Islam until the donkey of al-Khattab accepts Islam!' 00:09:45.700 --> 00:09:49.700 Despairing of him due to the harshness and severity he had always witnessed." 00:09:50.700 --> 00:09:53.950 This was a glimpse into 'Umar's life during the Jahiliyyah, 00:09:54.950 --> 00:09:56.950 Before Allah honored him with Islam. 00:09:57.950 --> 00:09:59.950 We may have elaborated on it slightly, 00:10:00.950 --> 00:10:04.950 But only to witness how Islam transformed this man 00:10:04.950 --> 00:10:09.950 And how he became a monumental turning point in our glorious history, 00:10:10.950 --> 00:10:13.950 To the extent that the Mother of the Believers, 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, 00:10:14.950 --> 00:10:19.950 Would say, "Whenever the righteous are mentioned, then welcome indeed to 'Umar!" 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:46.259 For they were the noble ones: Talhah, Ibn 'Awf, az-Zubayr, along with 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:54.259 Abu 'Ubaydah, the two Sa'ds, and the Rightly Guided Caliphs.