ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz (r. 717–720 CE)—often called the fifth rightly guided Khalif —was an early 8th‑century Muslim leader known for humility, justice, and moral leadership.
When the Umayyad caliph Sulaymān ibn ʿAbd al‑Malik died in 717 CE, ʿUmar was unexpectedly chosen as his successor.
After the burial, royal horses were brought to him. He refused them and said,
“Bring me my mule. I am only one man among the Muslims.”
When a guard walked before him with a spear, he said,
“Step aside. I don't need this. I am just one of the people.”
He then addressed the community from the mosque pulpit:
“O people, I did not seek this office, nor was I consulted about it. I release you from your pledge—choose for yourselves.”
The people answered together:
“We choose you, and we are pleased with you.”
He continued:
“Be in awe of God, for nothing replaces God's consciousness.
Work for the Hereafter, and God will take care of your worldly needs.
Set right what is hidden within you, and God will set right what is seen.
Remember death—it destroys false pleasures.
This community does not disagree about God, nor His Prophet, nor His Book, but about money and power. By God, I will not give anyone what is unjust, nor deny anyone what is right.”
Then he concluded with words that still echo across centuries:
“Obey me as long as I obey God. If I disobey God, then you owe me no obedience.”
A leadership model grounded in humility, accountability, and moral courage—over 1,300 years ago.
