Islamic Justice: The incident of Caliph Umar’s night patrol

Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), Islam’s second Caliph, was renowned for his profound sense of Islamic Justice and unwavering commitment to his people’s well-being. Unlike palace-bound rulers, Umar often undertook midnight patrols. Indeed, he ventured out in disguise to personally observe his subjects’ conditions. These nocturnal excursions were a hallmark of his leadership, reflecting his deep empathy and desire to govern with genuine insight into ordinary citizens’ lives.

The Unwavering Honesty of a Young Girl and a Reflection of Islamic Justice

One particular night, as Medina lay silent in the pre-dawn hours, Umar was on patrol. Subsequently, his footsteps led him to a small, humble hut on the town’s outskirts. From within, he overheard a hushed conversation. A mother’s voice, weary with the approaching morning, instructed her daughter, “Mix water with the milk. Dawn is breaking.“

The daughter’s response, however, immediately resonated with Umar. With a clear, steadfast voice, she replied, “No, Mother, Umar (RA) has forbidden mixing water with milk. He will punish us if he finds out.“

The mother, perhaps driven by economic pressures or a momentary lapse, pressed on, “Umar won’t see us, will he?“

The daughter’s subsequent declaration truly exemplified her remarkable integrity and fear of Allah. Her voice, moreover, filled with conviction. She asserted, “How can I obey him openly and disobey him secretly? By Allah, that is absolutely impossible for me!” Another narration adds a profound dimension to her piety: she said, “Umar may not see us, but his Lord certainly does!” This young girl’s firm stand was a living embodiment of Islamic Justice principles – not just external compliance, but inner sincerity.

The Caliph’s Far-Sighted Decision Rooted in Islamic Justice

Umar, hidden in the shadows, listened to this exchange. Deeply moved, he recognized the young girl’s unwavering commitment to honesty and her profound awareness of Allah’s omnipresence. Consequently, he made a mental note of the dwelling, acknowledging the exceptional character displayed by its young inhabitant. This incident highlighted his rule’s deep impact and the permeation of Islamic Justice into his citizens’ daily lives.

Upon returning home, Umar’s thoughts remained with the principled young woman. He perceived in her not just rare honesty, but also a strong moral compass and deep faith. He believed she would ultimately be a blessing to his lineage. Therefore, he summoned his son, Asim ibn Umar, and recounted the entire incident. Impressed by the girl’s piety and integrity, which so perfectly aligned with the ideals of Islamic Justice, Umar proposed that Asim marry her.

A Blessed Union and a Noble Lineage

Asim understood and appreciated his father’s wisdom and the girl’s virtuous character. He agreed wholeheartedly. Their union was blessed, resulting in a daughter named Layla (Umm Asim).

This Layla became the mother of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz (RA). He would subsequently become one of the most righteous and just caliphs in Islamic history. Many historians and scholars often refer to him as the “Fifth Rightly Guided Caliph.” This remarkable lineage, stemming from the humble integrity of a milkmaid, stands as a powerful testament to righteousness’s enduring impact and Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s profound foresight in establishing a society founded on true Islamic Justice.