Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (R.A) was born around 585 AD in Mecca to the Banu Adi clan. His father, Khattab ibn Nufayl, was rigorous and raised him with strict discipline. He was often made to look after the cattle, which was a hard job in those days.

He had a tall stature, was physically powerful, and was a renowned wrestler. And despite literacy being uncommon back then in Arabia, he was educated, well-spoken, and eloquent.

However, despite being well-educated, Umar was a strong opponent of Islam in its early days. He had a negative impression of Islam and wanted to go as far as killing its prophet (PBUH).

An incident with his family was a catapult for his conversion to Islam. On this occasion, he had a frown on his face, a sword in his hand, and was riding his horse furiously when he saw one of his friends. When he stopped his horse, his friend asked him where he was going in this angry state, to which Umar Ibn Khattab replied that he was on his way to kill the prophet of Islam, who, in his opinion, was sowing discord between his people.

His friend, who was secretly also a Muslim, asked Umar to sort his own families affairs first before thinking about such an act and told him that his sister was following Islam at that point.

Surprised by this revelation, he turned around and went straight to his sister's house. He was about to go inside when he heard her and her husband reciting the Quran. He finally went in, and during the quarrel between him and his brother-in-law, he hit his sister while she was trying to intervene. According to the story, he struck her with such force that she fell back and had blood coming out of her mouth.

He felt guilty about what had happened right away and calmed down. He asked his sister to give him what they were reading, to which she refused and asked him to cleanse himself first (perform ablution). He finally reluctantly did what she was asking and washed his body. He then began to read the verses that were:

Touched by this verse of the Quran, Umar embraced Islam on the spot, overjoying his brother-in-law and his sister.

Umar Ibn Khattab (R.A) went on to become the second Caliph of Islam.

He was known for his just rule and piety. Under his leadership, Islam expanded to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Armenia, Eastern Anatolia, and the Roman Empire. Despite being the ruler of such a vast empire, he used to sleep on the ground. His clothes often had patches. He used to eat what the people ate, not having more than two dishes on his table at a time.

He had such humility that he entered the city on foot instead of a throne when he conquered Jerusalem.

He was an expert jurist with the title of Farooq - meaning the one who can distinguish between right and wrong. Regardless of anyone's race or social status, their due rights were guaranteed. He was especially keen on protecting the poor and the minorities. Until his last breath, he devoted himself to justice. He refused to declare his son as the next caliph, favoring that Muslims should have the right to choose their leader.

A Persian slave assassinated Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (R.A) in 644 AD.