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Islamiyat IGCSEPDF 158

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PDF 158

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Administration: Hazrat Umar not only conquered a vast empire during the ten year of his Khilafat but also consolidated it by an effective system of administration. As an administrator, he remained a model for all rulers who followed him and his administrative reforms make his caliphate a golden period of early Islamic history. Despite being the ruler of a mighty empire he lived a very simple life. Once he said about his salary from Bait ul Maal, “Nothing in Halal for me and for my family from Allah’s money except a dress for summer and a dress for winter and a salary equal to the income of an average Quraishi. I am no more than an ordinary Muslim amongst you.” •Hazrat Umar framed the constitution of the state on the basis of democracy. He established the Majlis e Shura consisting of prominent companions of the holy Prophet from both Muhajirin and Ansars. Hazrat Umar consulted this body in all matters. He also constituted a larger body called the Majlis –e- Aam, consisting of Muhajirin and Ansar and representatives of various tribes. This was called into session on special occasions. • Judiciary was established under the Qazi. He separated executive from judiciary. In this way he assured the citizens swift and impartial justice. The judiciary was made completely independent and impartial. He was displeased when a judge showed some respect to him when he appeared in his court as a defendant. • He took steps to give the Islamic State a clean and efficient administration. The State was divided into Provinces and each province was placed under an efficient Governor called the Wali or Ameer. The wali was not only the ruler of the province but also the military and religious head. The provinces were furthers divided onto districts and placed under Amils. • The bait ul maal was created under Amils. After meeting the expenditure of the State, the surplus money used to be distributed among the Muslims based on three principles: relationship with the holy Prophet; priority of conversion to Islam and military services to Islam. In this way, all Muslim men, women, slaves and children had share in the bait- ul- Maal or the public treasury. He made the government finances save from misuse and kept corruption out of government. • All appointments were made in consultations with the Majlis e Shura. The appointee was given a regular order of appointment setting out his duties and emoluments. The person appointed to a high post was required to give a written undertaking to lead a simple Islamic life. He had to submit particulars of his property and assets, so that on his retirement, it may be seen whether he had amassed wealth by illegal means. Hazrat Umar kept a very strict watch on the activities of his officers. He used to receive secret reports from officers specially appointed for this purpose. • Hazrat Umar set up a department of finance the Diwan, which was in charge of the revenue of the centre and the provinces. The function of the Diwan was to regulate the receipt and disbursement of the caliphate’s revenues which were generated from jizya, zakat, kharaj(tax and representatives of various tribes. The state was divided into provinces and each province was placed under an efficient governor called the Wali or the Ameer. The Wali was not only the ruler of the province but also the military and religious head. Hazrat Umar entrusted the Qazis with judicial functions. The Qazi was completely independent of the provincial governor. He also established a department of finance under the name of Dewan. He made garrison towns in Basra and Kufa for his soldiers. Pension was given to the retired soldiers. For implementation of Quranic teachings special steps were taken such as regulation of Salat and fasting. He also started the Islamic Hijri calendar.