The Leadership Traits of Hazrat Umar: A Beacon of Light for Contemporary Era

Abstract

Hazrat Umar (RA) is counted as one of the Righteous Caliphs. His personality was characterized by courage and bravery as well as understanding of matters and leadership skills. After assuming the position of Khilafah, he established a regular and central government. The main feature of his caliphate is the establishment of Majlis-e-Shura, i.e., the formal establishment of Parliament occurred in his era of caliphate. He used to take stock of himself and patrol the nights to know the living conditions of his subjects. Protection of the nation's morals and habits, supervision of the authorities, establishment of justice and fairness, system of treasury, formation of judiciary, development of agriculture, observance of army department, establishment of education and training department and launching of guest houses, all these characteristics distinguish his era of Khilafah and mode of leadership from others and it is definitely a beacon of light for the rulers of every age. This article describes the salient features of the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA). Analytical methodology will be adopted in the article and it will conclude that adoption of traits of Umar's caliphate can establish a moderate and strong state.

Key Words: Umar, Leadership, Parliament, Justice, Beacon of light.