How Did Umar Ibn Al-Khattab Died?

The Assassination of Umar by Abu Lu'lu'a Feroz

It is reported in the story of Umar ibn Al Khattab's assassination - may Allah be pleased with him - that he had called for the Fajr prayer and was leading it. He began with the first rak'ah of the Sunnah prayer, reciting Surah Yusuf in it, and some say Surah An-Nahl, until the congregation gathered. When he entered as the Imam for the Fajr prayer, Abu Lu'lu'a fled after he had stabbed Umar ibn Al-Khattab and went on to stab every Muslim he encountered on his way through the rows of the mosque. Umar ibn Al-Khattab managed the situation by having Abdur Rahman ibn Awf continue leading the prayer.

After the prayer ended, Umar ordered Abdullah ibn Abbas to find out who had killed him, and it turned out to be Mughira's slave, Abu Lu'lu'ah Feroz. Umar then thanked Allah for not having his death caused by a Muslim's hand.

Why Abu Lu'lu'a Killed Umar?

Umar - may Allah be pleased with him - used to prevent the mawali (non-Arab Muslims) from entering Medina. Mughira wrote to Umar requesting permission for one of his skilled slaves who would be beneficial for the people of the city. Umar granted this permission. After Abu Lu'lu'a arrived, he complained to Umar about the small amount of money he was receiving and described his work. Umar replied justly to the compensation he received for the work he provided.

Abu Lu'lu'a was angered by Umar's response and, after a few days, made a double-bladed dagger with which he stabbed him. He had promised to make Umar a mill that would be talked about by people, implying his plan to assassinate Umar ibn Al-Khattab - may Allah be pleased with him.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab's Will Before His Death

He advised the Caliph after him with comprehensive instructions covering various aspects as follows:

Religious Aspect He advised to fear Allah in private and public, and commanded not to neglect the limits set by Allah.

Military Aspect He stressed the importance of keeping the Islamic army strong and ready to face enemies, cautioned about extending the fighters' time away from their families to prevent weakening their resolve, and to prevent their lineage from discontinuing, enriching them with the state's wealth and the gains of the state to keep them focused on defending their homeland.

Political Aspect He urged fairness among the subjects, noting that his adherence to justice increased his stature in their eyes, and advised good treatment of the Muhajirin and the Ansar who had laid the foundation of the Islamic political system with their efforts.

Economic Aspect He advised fair distribution of the state's wealth among the people and warned against imposing unaffordable financial obligations on non-Muslim citizens.

Social Aspect He emphasized the importance of personally inspecting the conditions of the subjects, meeting their needs, showing humility towards them, avoiding bias in meeting people's needs, and warned against injustice among the subjects or against non-Muslim citizens.

Martyrdom and Burial of Umar

Umar ibn Al-Khattab sent his son Abdullah to Aisha - may Allah be pleased with them - to seek permission for him to be buried alongside his two companions, the Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - and Abu Bakr. Aisha initially intended these places for herself to be buried next to her husband and father, but she prioritized Umar ibn Al-Khattab over herself and consented to his request, allowing him to be buried next to his companions.