After the demise of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu), the new khalifah Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) assumed the reigns of the khilaafate by the appointment of his predecessor. The reigns of both the worldly and spiritual leadership came into his hands. His appointment as the khalifah is indeed an interesting episode.

When Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s illness took a turn for the worse and his demise seemed imminent, he summoned Hadhrat Ali, Hadhrat Uthman, some Muhaajireen and Ansaar. He addressed them thus:

“You are observing my deteriorating condition. It has, therefore, become necessary to appoint someone to take care of your affairs after me. If you wish, you may by mutual consultation nominate a man or if you wish, I shall select a man.”

They requested him to appoint a successor.

Hadhrat Abu Bakr then instructed Hadhrat Uthman to prepare a document in which Hadhrat Umar was appointed the Khalifah. Hadhrat Umar said: “I cannot bear this responsibility.” Hadhrat Abu Bakr: ‘Bring my sword. He has disobeyed the order of Rasulullah’s Khalifah.’

He then severely reprimanded Hadhrat Umar who was compelled to accept the khilaafat against his wishes. Soon thereafter, Hadhrat Talhah entered and objected to this appointment. Hadhrat Abu Bakr said:

“By Allah! Umar is the best man for you and you are the worst for him.”

He then proceeded to severely rebuke Hadhrat Talhah and expelled him. He then ordered Hadhrat Uthman to write as follows:

“This directive is being written by Abu Bakr, the Khalifah of Rasulullah at the juncture of his departure from earth and the commencement of his sojourn to the Aakhirah. I appoint after me for you Umar Bin Khattaab as the Khalifah. If he remains pious and just, then this is exactly what I am convinced of (in regard to him). If he changes, then I (have to say that I) lack the knowledge of the unknown. In my opinion I have done the best for you (by this appointment). The burden of a sin is on the one committing it. (He then cited the following aayat).
‘And soon will the transgressors know the direction towards which they are turning.”

His name is Umar and his title is Farooq. His other lesser known title is Abu Hafs. Both these titles were conferred upon him by Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم). His genealogical tree is as follows: Umar the son of Khattaab, the son of Nufail, the son of Abdul Uzza, the son of Riyah, the son of Abdullah, the son of Qirt, the son of Razah, the son of Adi, the son of Ka’b, the son of Luway, the son of Ghalib Al-Qurshil Adawi. His lineage links up with Nabi-e-Akram (صلى الله عايه وسالم) in Ka’b Bin Luway.

Hadhrat Umar was born 13 years after the event of the Elephants (i.e. Abraha’s march into Makkah to destroy the Ka’bah). He embraced Islam at the age 27. Before him 40 men and 11 women had already entered the fold of Islam.