Short Islamic Story of Justice: Caliph Umar (RA) and the Jewish Beggar
This short Islamic story highlights the justice and compassion of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), a central figure in Islamic history known for his fairness and deep concern for the well-being of all people under his rule, whether they were Muslim or non-Muslim. The Islamic wakiyat centers around a touching incident where Caliph Umar (RA) encountered an elderly Jewish man begging in the streets of Medina. The man explained that in his youth, he had worked and paid the required jizya tax, but now, in old age, he was too weak to earn a living.
Upon hearing the man’s plight, Caliph Umar (RA) felt an immense sense of responsibility and empathy. He immediately ordered that the man be given financial support from the Bayt al-Mal (the state treasury), ensuring that he would not need to beg. Moreover, he declared that any elderly non-Muslim who was no longer able to work should be exempt from paying the jizya and would be provided with a stipend from the treasury.
This Islamic story beautifully illustrates the principles of justice and equality that are deeply rooted in Islam. Caliph Umar (RA) demonstrated that a just leader cares for all his subjects, regardless of their faith. His decision to support the elderly man reflects the values of compassion and responsibility that form the core of Islamic teachings.
Such Islamic wakiyat serve as timeless reminders of how Islamic leaders implemented justice and fairness, ensuring that no one under their care suffered needlessly. The story is not only a reflection of historical justice but also an inspiration for modern times, where empathy, fairness, and social welfare are crucial to building harmonious societies.
The Justice of Caliph Umar (RA)
The era of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) is filled with numerous examples of justice and fairness. One such event during his reign showcases his remarkable sense of equity and care for his subjects, irrespective of their faith.
The Incident:
One day, Caliph Umar (RA) was walking through the marketplace of Medina. It was his regular practice to roam the streets disguised as an ordinary man to stay informed about the condition of his people. As he walked, he noticed an elderly Jewish man sitting and begging for alms. Seeing this man, Caliph Umar (RA) felt a deep sense of sorrow, knowing that even non-Muslims were under his responsibility.
Caliph Umar (RA) approached the man and asked, “How are you, and why are you begging?”
The old man replied, “O Leader of the Believers! I have grown old and weak. In my youth, I used to pay the jizya (tax), but now I am no longer capable of working and earning a living.”
This response struck Caliph Umar (RA) deeply. He immediately recognized that it was unfair for the man to have paid taxes when he was young and able, but now in his old age, he was left without support.
The Just Decision:
Without hesitation, Caliph Umar (RA) ordered that the elderly Jewish man be given a pension from the state treasury (Bayt al-Mal) so that he would no longer need to beg. He also made an announcement that from that day forward, any non-Muslim subject who was old or unable to work would be exempt from paying jizya, and they too would receive a stipend from the Bayt al-Mal.
This event stands as a testament to the justice and care that Caliph Umar (RA) extended to every member of his community, regardless of their religion. His actions serve as an enduring example of true leadership and fairness, qualities that have made his reign memorable in Islamic history.
حضرت عمرؓ کا عدل و انصاف
حضرت عمر بن خطابؓ کا دورِ خلافت اسلام کی تاریخ میں عدل و انصاف کی مثالوں سے بھرا ہوا ہے۔ ان کے دور میں ایک مرتبہ ایک عجیب واقعہ پیش آیا جس نے ان کے عدل کو دنیا کے سامنے ایک نئی روشنی میں پیش کیا۔
واقعہ
ایک دن حضرت عمرؓ مدینہ کے بازار میں گشت کر رہے تھے۔ آپ کا یہ معمول تھا کہ اپنی رعایا کے حالات جاننے کے لئے عام آدمی کی طرح بازاروں اور گلیوں میں گھومتے تھے۔ اچانک، آپ نے ایک بوڑھے یہودی کو دیکھا جو بھیک مانگ رہا تھا۔ حضرت عمرؓ کو یہ منظر دیکھ کر افسوس ہوا کہ ایک غیر مسلم ہونے کے باوجود وہ اسلامی ریاست میں اس حال میں ہے۔
حضرت عمرؓ نے اس بوڑھے کے پاس جاکر پوچھا، “تمہارا کیا حال ہے؟ اور تم اس حال میں کیوں ہو؟”
بوڑھے نے جواب دیا، “اے امیر المؤمنین! میں بوڑھا ہو چکا ہوں اور اب کام کرنے کی طاقت نہیں رہی۔ میری ساری زندگی میں نے جزیہ (ٹیکس) ادا کیا، لیکن اب میری حالت ایسی ہے کہ کچھ بھی کمانے کے قابل نہیں ہوں۔”
حضرت عمرؓ نے فوراً اس بات پر غور کیا اور فیصلہ کیا کہ یہ ناانصافی ہے کہ جوانی میں اس شخص سے جزیہ لیا گیا، لیکن اب جب وہ ضعیف ہو گیا ہے، اس کا کوئی خیال نہ رکھا جائے۔
انصاف کا فیصلہ
حضرت عمرؓ نے فوراً حکم دیا کہ اس بوڑھے کو بیت المال (ریاستی خزانہ) سے وظیفہ دیا جائے تاکہ وہ بھیک مانگنے پر مجبور نہ ہو۔ حضرت عمرؓ نے یہ بھی اعلان کیا کہ آئندہ سے ایسے تمام غیر مسلموں کو، جو ضعیف ہو چکے ہیں یا کسی اور وجہ سے کام نہیں کر سکتے، جزیہ سے مستثنیٰ قرار دیا جائے گا اور ان کے لیے بیت المال سے وظیفہ مقرر کیا جائے گا۔
یہ واقعہ حضرت عمرؓ کے انصاف اور ان کی رعایا کے ہر فرد کے لیے فکر و محبت کا روشن ثبوت ہے، چاہے وہ مسلم ہو یا غیر مسلم۔ ان کا عدل و انصاف تاریخ میں ہمیشہ یاد رکھا جائے گا۔
