حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ عنہ کےشخصی وانفرادی اجتہادات کا ایک تحقیقی جائزہ

A Research Review of the Personal and Individual Ijtihads of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA)

Abstract

Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second caliph of Islam, stands out as one of the most influential figures in the history of Islamic jurisprudence and governance. His contributions to the development of Islamic law are immense, especially through his personal and individual ijtihads (independent legal judgments), which shaped not only the legal framework of the early Islamic state but also its social and administrative structures. Hazrat Umar (RA) was known for his deep understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, along with a sharp intellect and a sense of practicality, which enabled him to make decisions in situations where there was no explicit guidance from the Qur'an or Hadith. One of Hazrat Umar’s key contributions was his use of qiyas (analogical reasoning) to address new issues that arose in the rapidly expanding Muslim state. He believed that if a ruling was not directly available from the Qur’an or Hadith, one could infer a solution by drawing analogies with established principles. His ijtihads were instrumental in introducing legal reforms, such as the regulation of the welfare state, the implementation of land taxes (kharaaj), and the establishment of a formal judicial system. Additionally, Hazrat Umar’s (RA) governance was marked by significant administrative reforms. He reorganized the state, dividing it into provinces, and ensured the fair and just distribution of resources. His commitment to justice was reflected in his decisions regarding the rights of women, non-Muslims, and the treatment of prisoners of war. Hazrat Umar (RA) also placed great emphasis on accountability and transparency, holding his officials to high standards and ensuring they upheld the rights of the people. The ijtihads of Hazrat Umar (RA) were not only grounded in legal theory but also took into account the practical realities of governance. His rulings continue to have a lasting impact on Islamic law and are studied by scholars for their insight into the application of Islamic principles in contemporary settings. His legacy remains central to Islamic legal thought and continues to inspire Islamic scholars today.