We are living in tumultuous times, but they are no less tumultuous than the era of Caliph `Omar Ibn al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him), whose life began in Jahiliyah and ended in the Golden Age of Islam. We can learn much from the history of this second caliph of Islam, who was faced with unprecedented challenges but met them successfully within the framework of shari`a and in accordance with the true spirit of Islam. For those who would be leaders, this book offers the model of an ideal Muslim leader, one who felt responsible before Allah for the well-being of all those under his rile, including his troops, women, infants, non-Muslims, and even animals. Caliph Omar was a `hands-on` leader who kept himself informed and consulted scholars and experts before every major decision. For the rest of us, this book offers a window into an exciting and important period of Islamic history, and it also reminds of an important lesson, that our strength comes not from wealth or money or status, but from our submission to Allah and our commitment to the path of Islam.
