Umar’s Caliphate: An Optimal Model of Good Government Throughout Islamic History

الخلافة العمرية: النموذج الأمثل للحكومة الرشيدة عبر التاريخ الإسلامي

Abstract

The Muslim ummah lived their golden era during ʻUmar’s Caliphate because it achieved security, stability, justice and equality. Caliph ʻUmar bin al-Khaṭṭāb‎ was distinguished by characteristics that are rarely found in any ruler throughout human history. He was known by his clarity and transparency with the people. He was known by his honesty, fairness, humility, and mingling with his subjects. This research aims to highlight the standards that played a prominent role in building a good government during ʻUmar’s caliphate. These standards can be considered as the optimal model in achieving justice, security, stability, improved economic conditions and elimination of terrorism in contemporary Muslim countries. Additionally, this research highlights the false claim that ʻUmar’s Caliphate is not commensurate with the modern era and that it is not possible for Muslims to pursue ʻUmar’s methodology in leading the Muslim ummah and developing it according to the requirements of this era. Using the inductive methodology, the researcher will explore the history books which are considered to be the sources of credibility and objectivity. He then will analyze the related information to deduce the important standards that contributed to building a good government in ʻUmar’s caliphate, which can be considered as an optimal model of government for the present Muslim ummah.

Keywords: ʻUmar’s Caliphate, Good Government, ʻUmar bin al-Khaṭṭāb, Standards, Modern Era, Islamic History