WHEN truth is obscured by misleading and unjust propaganda, the perception of people's heritage often changes. As a result, some may label this heritage as backward, while others distort it for personal gain. Some even seek to erase it altogether, as seen with the values established by certain Arab and Muslim caliphs.
One such forgotten truth, particularly among Arabs and Muslims, is that the concept of retirement, or what is known today as the social insurance system in Kuwait, was first established by the Rightly Guided Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to various historical sources, it is narrated that one day while walking through the streets of Madinah, Caliph Umar saw an elderly man begging.
He asked him, "What is the matter, old man?"
The man replied, "I am a Jew, and I am begging to pay the jizya (tax) and to feed my children."
Umar responded, "By Allah, we have not been just with you. We took your youth and now we are abandoning you in your old age. I swear, I will give you from the funds of the Muslims."
Caliph Umar then ordered a salary to be provided to the man, which would continue until his death.
In another example of the solidarity exhibited by the Rightly Guided Caliphs, Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (Al-Farouq), accompanied by his servant Aslam, once went out at night to check on the conditions of the people. As they passed by a tent near the city, they heard the sound of groaning. Caliph Umar called out to the people inside the tent and found a frail and exhausted woman. He asked her about the groaning sound, and she replied, without knowing who he was, that it was the sound of her children crying.
She then explained that she was a widow with several children and had nothing to give them, so she would pretend that she was cooking until they fell asleep while waiting.
Deeply moved by her situation, Umar immediately went to the state treasury, and carried supplies and a bag of flour on his own back. When Aslam offered to carry the supplies for him, Umar refused, saying, "Will you bear my sin on my behalf on the Day of Judgment?"
Umar spent the night personally serving the woman and her children, cooking the food and ensuring that she had enough supplies to meet their needs.
This story illustrates why Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) famously said, "If a camel, sheep, or lamb were to perish on the banks of the Euphrates, I would fear that Allah would question me about why I did not make the way for it." This reflects the immense responsibility a ruler bears to ensure the welfare of the people under their care.
Since that time, the concept of social security or insurance has been an integral part of Muslim governance. It represents the true essence of their religion and the solidarity between people. As a result, the legacies of these caliphs have remained deeply ingrained in the memories of the people and preserved in history. Among these revered figures is the fifth Rightly Guided Caliph, Umar Ibn Abd al-Aziz, whose legacy continues to inspire today.
Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz once ordered, "Sprinkle wheat on the tops of the mountains so that it will not be said that a bird in the lands of Muslims has gone hungry."
This phrase was not merely a slogan but it reflected the extent of mercy and fairness exhibited by that Caliph, who saw himself as the guardian of the Muslims' welfare. He spoke these words after ensuring that every individual in his realm lived with dignity and that no one was in need.
This is an example of rulers immortalized by history, as they lived close to their people rather than in isolated palaces, unlike some caliphs who distanced themselves from the masses, which ultimately led to the decline of their empires.
When an official, regardless of their position, remains among the people, they are more attuned to the affairs of the country. This proximity protects the nation from potential sources of destruction.
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) did not inquire about the Jew’s race or identity but treated him as a fellow human being. As Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran, "And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea, and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference." This administration was built on honesty, ethics, and justice. The Caliph was entrusted with the nation and sought to ensure its well-being so that his conscience would remain at ease.
How valuable it is to draw lessons from history to guide us toward a better future.
There are countries that were established and then perished, yet some of their leaders have remained as everlasting icons, and continue to live on in the memories of the people.
In modern times, there are examples of rulers, even those who are not Muslim, who have led with integrity and dedication. We often mention such figures, like Lee Kuan Yew and the leaders of Rwanda. In the mid-nineties, Rwanda was tragically known for its genocide, but today it has transformed into an example of development and prosperity, thanks to the efforts of its honest leaders.
