Letter of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA): The Daughters of the Nile

Daughters, like delicate butterflies, once suffered under brutal traditions before the conquest of Egypt.

The second Caliph, Hazrat Umar Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him), wrote a letter that ended oppression, but what did he write?

Read this complete historical story of the Miracle of the Nile.

The Nile Dried Up: Desperation at Its Peak

Authentic sources, citing trustworthy narrators, report that when Egypt was conquered, Hazrat Umar ibn al-As (RA) was appointed governor. One day, the Egyptians approached him and said:

“O Amir! From ancient times, the Nile has claimed a young virgin every year. Until this submission is made, the river does not flow. Each year, on the 11th night of the lunar month, a young girl, with her parents’ consent, is dressed in fine clothes and adorned with jewelry, then thrown into the river. If this is not done, the river dries up, causing famine in cities and villages.”

Hazrat Amr ibn al-As (RA) replied:

“This is a meaningless and false ritual. Islam does not allow such superstitions, so I cannot permit it.”

That year, the cruel ritual was stopped, but the Nile had completely dried, and people even considered leaving Egypt.

Hazrat Umar’s Letter to the River Nile: A Miracle That Stunned Disbelievers

Hazrat Umar ibn al-As (RA) sent a detailed report of the situation to Amir al-Mu’minin, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). After reviewing it, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) praised him for refusing to continue the barbaric custom:

“You did exactly right by not allowing this practice. Islam abolishes such cruel traditions. I am sending a letter to the Nile, cast it into the river.”

The letter read:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. From the servant of Allah, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Amir al-Mu’minin, to the River Nile. Praise and blessings upon Allah. O Nile! If you flow by your own will and strength, I have nothing to command you. But if you flow by the command and will of Allah, then I order you, in the name of Allah, the One, the All-Powerful, to flow and rise.”

Umar ibn al-As (RA), the governor of Egypt, cast the letter into the part of the Nile where the water had stopped or was at its lowest level.

The next morning, the people were astonished: overnight, the river had risen 16 cubits (approximately 16 hands) and flowed with full force.

From that day on, it continued to rise slightly every year, and the sacrifice of young girls was ended forever.

Sources & Hadith References

1. Al-‘Azamah, Abu al-Shaykh al-Asbahani, p. 318, Hadith 940)

2. Mishkat al-Masabih – Hazrat Umar’s Virtues and Miracles – Hadith No. 6004

• Rivers drying, natural disasters, and our daily provision are all in Allah’s hands.

  
  

• When persecution grows, trials appear; this story is a reminder of His Supreme presence, just like the spinning of animals or sudden cloudbursts 👉 Learn more about divine signs in nature.

  
  

• The Nile flowed simply because Allah willed it, not because of rituals, human sacrifices, or old superstitions.

  
  

• In Islam, sacrifice belongs to Allah alone, never to rivers, idols, or cultural traditions.

  
  

• By ending this cruel practice, Hazrat Umar (RA) showed how true faith can protect the vulnerable, free societies from oppression, and bring justice.

  
  

• The flowing Nile became a powerful sign: when people lift the veil of ignorance and sincerely turn to Allah, He provides abundantly.

  The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Avoid the seven destructive sins." They said, "O Messenger of Allah, what are they?" He said: associating partners with Allah, magic, killing a soul unjustly, consuming riba (interest), consuming the wealth of orphans, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste women."➡️ Hazrat Aisha (RA) and the Ifk Incident

Sahih al‑Bukhari, Hadith No. 2766

The Impact of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA): Faith Above Disbelief

There is such power in the words of Allah’s righteous servants that Allah Himself supports them.

Even in Hazrat Umar (RA)’s letter to the Nile, this was evident Allah did not withhold the response to his dua and belief.

Virtues of Hazrat Umar (RA) – Hadiths Proof

The second Caliph, Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), is also known by the kunya “Abu Hafs” and the title “Al-Farooq Al-Azam”.

He accepted Islam in the sixth year of Prophethood, after 39 men had embraced Islam.

Upon his conversion, the Prophet ﷺ rejoiced along with the Muslims of Makkah and Madinah.

The Prophet ﷺ praised Hazrat Umar (RA) in many ways:

• "He granted him knowledge directly."(Bukhari, 2/525, Hadith: 3681)

  
  

• "He spoke of the power and strength of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) during his caliphate". (Bukhari, 2/525, Hadith: 3682)

  
  

• "He said that even Satan changes his path when he sees Umar (RA)." (Bukhari, 2/526, Hadith: 3683)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ remarked that,"Umar (RA) speaks with the eloquence of the Prophets, even though he is not a Prophet." (Bukhari, 2/528, Hadith: 3689)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ said that, "he prayed for the acceptance of Umar (RA)’s Islam." (Tirmidhi, 5/383, Hadith: 3703)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ said that, "heavenly beings celebrated Umar’s acceptance of Islam."(Ibn Majah, 1/76, Hadith: 103)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ said that, “If there were a Prophet after me, it would have been Umar.” (Tirmidhi, 5/385, Hadith: 3706)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ said that, “After me, the truth will always be with Umar wherever he is.” (Musnad Bazzar, 6/98, Hadith: 2154)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Loving Al-Farooq Al-Azam is a guarantee of faith.” (Kanz al-Ummal, 7/8, Hadith: 3611)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ gave the glad tidings of Paradise to Umar (RA). (Bukhari, 2/529, Hadith: 3693)

  
  

• The Prophet ﷺ said that, “Whomsoever Umar is displeased with, Allah too becomes displeased with them.” (Jami’ al-Jawami’, 1/83, Hadith: 434)

  
  

Daughters are a true blessing from Allah full of love, compassion, and light. Just as Hazrat Umar Farooq (may Allah be pleased him) stood against cruelty and superstition to protect the vulnerable.

💙 Honor your daughters, embrace faith, and let justice flow just like the miracle of the Nile! Read, comment, and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if inspired!