Umar's Conversion to Islam

Before his conversion, Umar ibn al-Khattab was one of the fiercest opponents of Islam in Makkah. He was known for his strength, his temper, and his hostility toward the Muslims. He had participated in persecuting the early believers and was determined to protect the religion of his ancestors.

One day, Umar made a fateful decision. He strapped on his sword and set out to kill the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, believing this would end the division Islam had caused in Makkan society.

As he walked through the streets, a man named Nu'aym ibn Abdullah noticed him. Nu'aym was secretly a Muslim, and sensing Umar's intention, he tried to redirect him.

"Where are you going, O Umar?"

"I am going to kill Muhammad, who has caused division among the Quraysh and criticized our way of life."

Nu'aym, thinking quickly, said, "Do you think the tribe of Banu Hashim will let you walk the earth after you kill Muhammad? Why don't you first take care of your own family? Your sister Fatimah and her husband Sa'id have followed Muhammad."

Umar was shocked and furious. He immediately changed direction and stormed toward his sister's house. As he approached, he could hear someone inside reciting something. It was Khabbab ibn al-Aratt, teaching them from Surah Ta-Ha.

Umar burst through the door, demanding to know what they were reciting. They tried to hide the parchment containing the Quranic verses. In his anger, Umar struck his brother-in-law Sa'id and slapped his sister Fatimah, who was bleeding from the blow.

Seeing his sister's blood, something shifted in Umar. Fatimah stood firm and said, "O Umar! We have believed in Allah and His Messenger. Do what you will."

Something in her courage and conviction touched his heart. Umar asked to see what they were reading. Fatimah told him he must first purify himself, as only the pure could touch the Quran. He washed and took the parchment.

He read the opening of Surah Ta-Ha:

"Ta-Ha. We have not sent down the Quran to you that you may be distressed, but only as a reminder for those who fear [Allah]. A revelation from He who created the earth and the highest heavens. The Most Merciful established on the Throne. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on the earth and what is between them and what is under the soil." (Quran 20:1-6)

As Umar read these words, tears began to flow from his eyes. The same hands that had gripped a sword to kill the Prophet now trembled holding the words of Allah. He said, "How beautiful and noble this speech is!"

Khabbab emerged from hiding and said, "O Umar! I hope that Allah has answered the prayer of the Prophet, for just yesterday I heard him pray: 'O Allah! Strengthen Islam with either Abu Jahl ibn Hisham or Umar ibn al-Khattab.'"

Umar asked where the Prophet was. He went directly to the house where the Muslims were gathered. When they heard Umar at the door, fear gripped them. But Hamza, the Prophet's uncle, said, "Let him in. If he comes with good intention, we will treat him well. If he comes with bad intention, we will kill him with his own sword."

The Prophet ﷺ took hold of Umar's collar and said, "What brings you, O son of Khattab?"

Umar replied with words that changed his life forever: "I have come to believe in Allah and His Messenger and what has been revealed to him."

The Prophet ﷺ exclaimed "Allahu Akbar!" so loudly that all the companions heard and knew Umar had embraced Islam.

With Umar's conversion, Islam gained one of its greatest champions. Where Muslims had previously prayed in secret, Umar insisted they pray openly at the Kaaba. He accompanied the Prophet ﷺ on the public announcement of Islam, with Hamza on the other side. The Prophet ﷺ gave him the title "Al-Faruq" - the one who distinguishes between truth and falsehood.

Umar would go on to become the second Caliph, expanding the Islamic state to include Persia, Egypt, and beyond, while establishing systems of justice that are admired to this day.