Tuesday, August 13, 2013

The Sayings of Omar Ibn El Khattab

Omar Ibn El Khattab was a Companion of the Prophet, conqueror of Persia, the second Caliph after Abu Bakr, and an expert jurist. He was also a man known for his justice as well as for his many sayings. Here is a short selection:


To eat less is healthy, to speak less is wisdom, and to sleep less is worship
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To earn a suspicious living is worse than begging.
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The person who calls himself learned, indeed he is ignorant, and the one who calls himself from the dwellers of Paradise surely he is from the dwellers of Hell.   
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There are three types of people:
  •  Successful: he who listens to the advice of people and ponders over it.
  • Lazy or Lethargic: he who does what he wants without consultation or advice of people.
  • Corpse: who neither gives nor listens to advice and consolation.
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The sound of music and that of a mourner are two of the worst sounds.
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Do not forget about yourself whilst being concerned for others.
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During his Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, Umar ibn Al-Khattab heard one of the camel drivers singing. People asked Umar ibn Al-Khattab as to why he did not stop the camel driver from singing. Umar ibn Al-Khattab replied, "Music was the camel driver's provision for a journey."