Islamic Exemplary Stories

Umar and the Old Widow

Once upon a time, the Arab land was hit by famine. The dry season runs quite long, making the lands there barren.

Caliph Umar bin Khattab was leading Muslims in a year called the Year of Abu. One night, Caliph Umar invited a friend named Aslam to visit a remote village around Medina.

Caliph Umar's move came to a halt near a shabby tent. The crying voice of a little girl piqued his attention. Caliph Umar then invited Aslam to approach the tent and ascertain whether the inhabitants need help.

As he approached, Caliph Umar found a mature woman sitting in front of the fireplace. The woman was seen rummaging through the vessel.

After saying his greetings, Caliph Umar asked for permission to approach. After being allowed by the woman, Caliph Umar sat down and began to ask about what had happened.

"Who's crying in that?" ask Caliph Umar.

"My son," replied the woman somewhat curtly.

"Why are your children crying? Is he sick?" ask the next Caliph.

"No, they're hungry" the woman replied.

The answer left Caliph Umar and Aslam stunned. The two were still sitting in their original place for quite a while, while the girl in the tent was still crying and her mother kept stirring the vessel.

The actions of the woman made Caliph Umar curious. "What are you cooking, mom? Why not cook your cooking?" ask Caliph.

"You look at yourself!" answer the woman.

Caliphs Umar and Aslam immediately saw the contents of the vessel. Instantly they were shocked to see the contents of the vessel.

"Do you cook stones?" caliph Umar asked in astonishment.

"I cooked these stones to comfort my son. This is the crime of Caliph Umar bin Khattab. He does not want to look down, whether the needs of his people have been met or not" said the woman.

"Look at me. I'm a widow. Since this morning, my son and I have not eaten anything. So my son also told me to fast, with the hope when the time to break we got sustenance. But apparently not. After Maghrib arrived, there was no food. My son had to sleep on an empty stomach. I collected the small stones, put them in a pot and water quilts. Then the stones were to lie to my son in the hope that he would fall asleep until morning. Apparently not. Maybe because he was hungry, he would wake up and cry for food" she said.

"However what is my day? Umar bin Khattab did not deserve to be a leader. He is not able to guarantee the needs of his people" the woman continued.

The woman did not know who was in front of her was Caliph Umar bin Khattab. Aslam was about to rebuke the woman. But Caliph Umar prevented it. The Caliph shed tears and immediately rose from his seat.

Not caring about his tiredness, Caliph Umar lifted himself the sack of wheat on his back. Aslam immediately prevented.

"O Amirul Mukminin, let me carry the sack" said Aslam.

Aslam's words were unable to calm Umar down. His face was red upon hearing Aslam's words.

"Nature, don't throw me into hell. You will replace me with this burden, will you carry this burden on my shoulders in the day of vengeance?" ''' Umar said in a high tone.

Aslam bowed to the words of Caliph Umar. While stumbling, Caliph Umar lifted the sack and was delivered to the tent where the woman lived.

Once there, Caliph Umar told Aslam to help him prepare food. The Caliph himself cooked the food that the woman and her children would eat.

Caliph Umar immediately invited the poor family to eat after the cooking was cooked. Seeing that they could eat, Caliph Umar's heart was calm.

The food ran out and Caliph Umar said goodbye. He also asked the woman to see the Caliph the next day.

"Thank you all right. See Amirul Mukminin tomorrow and you can meet me there too. God willing he will have enough of you" Caliph Umar said.

The next day, the woman went to see Amirul Mukminin. How shocked the woman saw the figure of Amirul Mukminin, who was none other than the person who had cooked food for her and her child.

"I'm sorry. I have cursed with cruel words to you. I am ready to be punished" said the woman.

"Mother is innocent, I'm the guilty one. I sinned to let a mother and child starve in my territory. How do I answer this before God? Forgive me, mother," said Caliph Umar.

The next day, the woman went to see Amirul Mukminin. How shocked the woman saw the figure of Amirul Mukminin, who was none other than the person who had cooked food for her and her child.

"I'm sorry. I have cursed with cruel words to you. I am ready to be punished" said the woman.

"Mother is innocent, I'm the guilty one. I sinned to let a mother and child starve in my territory. How do I answer this before God? Forgive me, mother," said Caliph Umar.

Such was the behavior of the noble Caliph Umar. He is more concerned with his people than himself or his own family.