While Omar Ibn El Khatab was on one of his night walks in Madina, he heard a woman telling her daughter to mix the milk with water before they sell it.  He daughter told her that Omar the Khalifah has forbidden mixing milk with water.  He mother said to her: “But where is Omar now?” (meaning he does not see them).  The Girl said : “If Omar does not see us, Omar’s Lord sees us”.

Omar did not interfere with them but went home and called all his sons.  He asked them if any one of them wishes to marry, and his son Asem told his that he wants to get married.  Omar told his son Asem that he found him a good wife, and Asem married her.

Asem lived happily with his wife and had a daughter from her which Abd El-Aziz the son of the Abd El-Malik the Amawy Khalifa married.   They had a son they called Omar. Who is Omar Ibn Abd El-Aziz, who was titled the Fifth Righteous Khalifa when he became Khalifa.  He was very fair and just, in the mean time righteous and God-fearing.

His era was time of prosperity, peace and justice.  The unjust inside and the enemies outside feared him.  He is very well known in Islamic History although he ruled for less than 2.5 years.  Yet they had their mark in history and on the people at the time.

This is how to choose a good wife, on the basis or her righteousness and character not her wealth and beauty.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “People marry women for 4 reasons, her wealth, her bread (family), her beauty and her Faith, win the one with the faith and you will have plenty in your hands”.   (Bukhari;Nikah,15)

Dr.Ahmed Saafan

Consultant Psychiatrist, El-Zohour Hospital

31 St. no. 9, Mokatum, Cairo

5084881 – 5084882

aamsaafan@yahoo.co.uk