Administration of Hazrat

Umar RA:
1. Introduction:

 Hazrat Umar RA became the second caliph of Islam after the demise of
Hazrat Abu Bakar RA. All the eminent companions of Prophet PBUH
pledged allegiance to him. On assuming the caliphate, he came to be
known as ‘Ameer ul Momineen.’

 He is considered as the real founder of Islamic empire and Islamic

administration. He introduced a no. of admin. Reforms and presented the
real concept of admin. In theory and practice.

 Whenever, he appointed any administrator or governor, he directed him to

see to welcome the people with open arms and address their issues.
 Hazrat Umar RA used to make accountable all the civil servants. His
method of accountability was very unique. If anyone had any complaint
against bureaucracy, he was welcomed and his grievances were
redressed immediately.

 In his book, ‘History of the Arabs’, Professor P.K. Hitti. Has said: In fact, Umar,
whose name according to Muslim tradition is the greatest in early islam
after that of Muhammad has been idolized by Muslim writers for his piety,
justice, patriarchal simplicity and treated as personification (ideal/symbol)
of all the virtues, a caliph ought to possess.”
 In brevity, the administration under Hazrat Umar RA is called golden period
of Islam as it became role model for successive regimes.
2. Characteristics of Hazrat Umar RA
Administration:
 1. The Caliph was the religious head as well as administrative head of the state:

 2. Establishment of the institution of Majlis e Shura: Majlis e Shura Aam and Majlis
e shura khaas. This was aimed at mutual consultation and agreement before
making any decision.

 3. Revenue administration and the Bait ul Mal: sources of revenue were Jizya
(Defense tax); Zakat (poor tax); Khiraj (Land tax); Ushr (Special land
tax/Agriculture tax); Booty (Income from conquered places); Tax on non-Muslim
merchants or traders.
Revenue generation is indispensable for a welfare state.
 4. Provincial Administration:
Concept of devolution of powers.
Walis and Governors were appointed to ensure good governance.

5. Concept of District Administration:

Provinces were further divided into districts to redress the needs and problems
of people. ‘Amirs’ were appointed for this purpose.
 6. Independence of Judiciary: Separation of Powers.
It was Hazrat Umar RA, not Montesquieu, who for the first time gave the
concept of separation of powers between the different organs of the state.
He made the judiciary independent of the executive and appointed potent
and independent Qazis and Judges.
Judges were paid highly so that they could not be distracted while dispensing
justice.

7. Across the board accountability:

No one was immune to the system of accountability. Hazrat Umar RA made
himself answerable and accountable to the people.
Also, civil servants were held accountable for their deeds.
 8. Land policy:
Abolished the feudal system and land were distributed among poor peasants.
The land mafia of the time was defeated.

9. Special care for Agriculture:

Since agriculture was the main source of income, canals were built for
irrigation purpose.

10. Meritocracy:
During his regime, appointments and recruitments were made entirely on
merit.
Nepotism and bribery were unknown in his administration.
 11. Institutions for education:
Schools and institutions were built for Quran Hiffaz and acquisitional
knowledge.

12. Police department and institution of prisons:

This was unprecedented. In order to maintain law and order, Hazrat Umar RA
ordered the building of prison houses and police force.

13. Personal care for the public and special stipends for disabled persons and
the poor.
 14. Introduction of Islamic calendar: Hijri calendar.

 15. Regular Army was made: Hazrat Umar RA was a great military warrior
unto himself. He built cantonments and well equipped and spirited Army.

 16. Formation of office of Mohtasib (Ombudsman): Aimed at addressing

the petty issues and needs of the citizens. Complaints of the people were
redressed.

Concept of PM citizen portal today.

3. Conclusion:

 Hazrat Umar RA remains the greatest administrator in the history of Islam as

well as in the history of human civilization.

 In administration, he set examples par excellence.

 Prof. Arshad: “As an administrator, he remained a role model for all great
Muslim rulers during the whole Islamic history.”