The story of Omar’s compassion is a powerful reminder of Islamic values and leadership. Caliph Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) regularly patrolled Medina at night to assess the well-being of its people, identifying needs and challenges. This account illustrates his deep concern for those less fortunate.
Omar’s Nightly Patrols and Compassion for Hungry Children
While on a nighttime patrol with Omar (may Allah be pleased with him), they noticed a woman in a tent surrounded by crying children. A pot of water boiled over the fire, but there was no food.
Omar inquired about the cause of the children’s distress. The woman replied:
“They are suffering from hunger!”
Learning that the woman was simply using the boiling water to soothe her children until they fell asleep, Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) was deeply moved and wept.
He immediately went to the storehouse of zakat (charity) funds. He carried a sack of flour and various food supplies on his back. His assistant, Eslem (may Allah be pleased with him), offered to help carry the load, but Omar replied:
“O Eslem! I will carry it myself! For their welfare will be questioned from me in the Hereafter!”
Upon arriving at the woman’s home, he took on the task of preparing the meal. He stirred the pot while simultaneously fanning the flames, and Eslem observed smoke billowing around his beard.
Omar personally began feeding the children until they were full. Then, he sat down opposite them, a figure as imposing as a lion. Eslem hesitated to speak until the children started playing and laughing.
Finally, Omar stood up and said:
“O Eslem! Do you know why I sat before them? When I saw them, they were crying. It did not feel right to leave until I saw them smile; my heart was at peace when they began to laugh…”
This story highlights the importance of empathy and action within the Muslim community.
A Valuable Lesson
Perfect believers prioritize the well-being and happiness of the entire Ummah (Muslim community). Having been raised on prophetic teachings, they have overcome self-centeredness and embraced selfless concern for others. They possess a heart that is distressed by the suffering of others and finds solace in their joy.
They understand that their own salvation lies in the salvation of those around them. They are souls who find happiness in bringing joy to their fellow Muslims, comfort those in mourning, and offer a helping hand to those who fall.
As Sheikh Sadi eloquently states:
“If you want to be free from sorrows, be a remedy for the sorrows of others…”