Book Description

The Rightly-Guided Caliph and Great Reviver ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Indicators of Renewal & Guided Reformation on the Prophetic Path by Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallabi is a comprehensive and detailed biography of ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz, who was a prominent figure in Islamic history, known for his virtues, righteousness, and dedication to the reformation of his State and the restoration of Islamic principles in all aspects of his life.

This book is a detailed account of ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz’s life from birth to the end of his reign as Caliph. The author provides a wide range of content matter, including religious treatises, political manifestos, and poems, to give readers a complete picture of the Great Reviver’s life and works. As a result, the book covers a wide range of topics related to Islamic history, governance, and spirituality.

The book begins with an introduction by the translator and a foreword by the author. In the introduction, the translator shares her experience of translating the book, while the foreword provides background information about the author and the importance of the book’s subject matter.

The book is divided into three parts. Part one covers the era of the Amir al-Mu’minin, ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz, his name, title, and family, his upbringing, early dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, and contribution of his social environment to his character. Part two covers ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz’s role during the caliphate of Al-Walĩd bin ‘Abd al-Malik and his approach to administering the State. Finally, Part three covers the Great Reviver’s most important traits and characteristics of revival and the indicators of ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz’s revival.

The author provides extensive details and in-depth analysis of the subject matter of each part and examines the historical, religious, and political context in which ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz lived and worked. Readers can gain an understanding of the challenges he faced, his struggles, and how he overcame them. The book also explores how ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz made the principles of the Qur’an and the Sunnah the basis of his administration and implemented justice, equality, and human rights in his State, thus serving as an excellent model of Islamic governance.

The book addresses various Islamic concepts, such as Zakat (Prescribed Alms) revenues, non-Muslims living under Muslim rule, and freedom of commerce and trade. The book also delves into the criteria and qualities of a Mujaddid or Renewer of the Islamic faith, a title that ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz has been awarded.