By Yūsuf Badāt
In the 23rd year after the prophetic migration to Madīnah, ʿOmar Bin Khaṭṭāb (may God be pleased with him) along with several believers were attacked in the Prophet’s mosque during congregational prayers. The non-Muslim intruder entered the mosque while prayer (salāh) was under way. He carried a concealed double bladed dagger and at the pre-meditated moment he unleashed it causing carnage and spillage at the congregation. The horrific moment led to several deaths and injury, including the death of head of state, ʿOmar Bin Khaṭṭāb (may God be pleased with him). People were mourning the loss of lives and also the blood spillage for days. The tragic situation was described as follows,
“Everyone [in the city] was painfully traumatized, weeping as if they had lost their own offspring.” (Al-Ṭabaqāt Al-Kubrā)
As ʿOmar Bin Khaṭṭāb (may God be pleased with him) was mercilessly stabbed several times, he collapsed in the midst of his prayer. While falling to the ground, he articulated the following Qur’ānic verse,
“And ever is the command of God a destiny decreed”. (Qurʾān 33:38)
When he was informed of his killer, moments after his stabbing, he said, “Thank God my death is not at the hands of another fellow believer.” which can be interpreted to mean a Muslim is not the cause of another Muslim’s death.
Following the attack, ʿOmar Bin Khaṭṭāb (may God be pleased with him) raised concerns of having better precautions for the safety of the public.
The last sermon, a few days before his murder (martyrdom), ʿOmar Bin Khaṭṭāb (may God be pleased with him) addressed the masses letting people know that if his death was to ever come suddenly, they should know that God will not diminish His religion nor the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him). Everyone must remain steadfast on the practice of religion.” (See: Musnad Ahmad)
His final advices and meaningful instructions before he breathed his last were profound. He emphasized unity, togetherness and mutual cooperation. He stressed punctuality of prayer (salāh). He instructed his son to ensure his outstanding debts are settled. He asked to be buried next to the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him).
As ʿOmar Bin Khaṭṭāb (may God be pleased with him) lay helpless, in his final moments, he hoped for mercy and forgiveness from the Almighty. His overwhelming concern was to depart this temporary abode earning God’s pleasure.
He said, “If I am not pardoned in God’s court for my shortcomings, I will be the greatest loser.” (Bukhārī)
When ‘Abd Allāh Ibn Abbās (may God be pleased with him) saw the state of ‘Omar as he was dying he said to him,
“O ‘Omar, you are on your way to Paradise, you embraced Islam when many rejected. You stood by the side of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) when it was not popular to do so, and the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) passed away in a state that he was pleased with you.” (Al-Tārīkh Al-Islāmiy)
In light of the above, and following the aftermath of the recent New Zealand mosque shootings, a heinous massacre, here are some action items for all of us:
- Understand that every challenge is a defined and decreed trial.
- Turn to God and stay consistent in prayers for hope, solace and positivity.
- Remain steadfast on dīn (religion) as much as possible.
- Be a source of unity, cooperation, upliftment and togetherness. Never be the opposite.
- Be prepared for death, by always doing good.
- Live a life that people can give testimony for your entry into Paradise.
- Take all precautions against threats of instability and potential danger, such as security apparatus and self defense training.
- Have trained counselors and therapists available to help the afflicted.
- Be available to support anyone who needs it through presence, volunteerism, donations and financial contributions.
- Join efforts to have responsible gun control.
- Address and have governments establish legislation for appropriate use of social media.
- Raise concern related to inappropriate violent video games.
- Call out islamaphobia. Report every small or big incident to authorities. Have politicians and leaders root out hate, terrorism and islamaphobia.
- Hold interfaith events and have people of other backgrounds get to know what Islam stands for and who Muslims are.
- Have Open Mosque Days to welcome neighbours and people of other faiths for dialogue, and let them also witness mosque activities.
