Cruel Traditions and the 3 Tortures of Virgin Girls : Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) and the Nile Miracle.

Narrated Abu Sa'id:

The Prophet ﷺ said, "Do not abuse my companions, for if any one of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in Allah's Cause), it would not be equal to a Mud or even a half Mud spent by one of them."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 3673)

The Honor of Companionship

This Hadith proves the spiritual status, sacrifice, and honor of the companion to an extent beyond comprehension. Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُ shone through these attributes both at the level of public and government affairs and in the confronting world of oppression and ignorance.

"Known as Al-Farooq, the one who distinguished truth from falsehood, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) was the second Caliph of Islam and a symbol of justice, strength, and faith.”

The Roots of Cruel Traditions:

The Murder of Virgin Girls.

Long before Islam came into being, Egyptian society lived in darkness under the tenets of its own superstition and cruelty. The Nile, dry, meant a disastrous year for crops, livelihoods, and survival; then the expectation was that the young virgin who would restore the flow of the river would be sacrificed.

1. Ignorance and Superstition: People relied on human sacrifice rather than seeking Allah’s mercy.

2. Oppression of the Vulnerable: Innocent young girls were forced to bear the consequences of societal misguidance.

3. Spiritual Decay: Replacing justice with superstition eroded moral and ethical foundations.

Islamic teachings abolished such inhumane practices, promoting justice, compassion, and trust in Allah alone.

A Nation in Crisis

The Dried Nile During Hazrat Umar Farooq’s (RA) caliphate

The Nile dried up entirely. Families feared starvation, traders faced economic ruin, and crops failed. The people looked to their governor in desperation,

Hazrat Umar ibn al-As (RA)

“O Amir! In our tradition, whenever the Nile dried up, we offered a virgin girl as a sacrifice. What should we do now?”

The appeal was a combination of superstition and desperation.

The governor recognized the crisis's social and spiritual significance.

Leadership Anchored in Justice

Hazrat Umar ibn al-As (RA) renowned for wisdom and justice, refused to perpetuate cruelty.

He told the people:

"Allah, the Exalted, and the mercy-filled religion of His Messenger ﷺ does not permit such acts. Await the instructions of Amir al-Mu’minin, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). Follow his guidance."

The Letter to the Nile:

How Disbelievers Were Stunned and the History of Oppression Changed

A messenger was sent to Madinah, reporting the Nile’s situation to Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) could have offered simple prayers or directives. Instead, with unwavering faith, he wrote a historic letter to the Nile:

“If you flow by your own will, then we do not need you. But if you flow by the command of Allah, then flow in the name of Allah.”

(Izalat al-Khafa, Vol. 2, p. 166)

The letter of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was cast into the Nile, and miraculously, the river began to flow abundantly and steadily thereafter.

The Nile Miracle of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA)

This event is a timeless reminder that rivers, nature, and sustenance do not depend on human sacrifices or superstitions. The Nile flowed because it is under the command of Allah alone, not because of cruel rituals. Sacrificing innocent lives, especially young girls, is oppression and ignorance. In Islam, sacrifice is an act of worship that belongs solely to Allah, not to rivers, idols, or traditions.

By ending this custom, Hazrat Umar (RA) established that true faith liberates societies from cruelty and restores justice. The flowing Nile became a sign that when people abandon false beliefs and submit to Allah, He provides abundantly.

Amr ibn Hushaym's version has: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say

"If acts of disobedience are done among any people and do not change them though they are able to do so, Allah will soon punish them all"

(Sunan abi Dawud 4338

Book 39,hadith48)

Hazrat Umar Farooq’s (RA) Justice:

Another Hadith reflects his commitment to fairness:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar:

Hazrat Umar (RA) said, “If a judge delivers a ruling unjustly, it is as if he has wronged the servant of Allah.”

(Sunan Abu Dawood 3589)

Oppression and Its Consequences

The Nile miracle of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) highlights the spiritual and societal consequences of oppression:

Societal Corruption:

Exploiting vulnerable individuals erodes moral structures.

Divine Warning:

Natural disasters may serve as reminders to correct injustice.

Collective Responsibility:

Communities are accountable for cruelty and misguidance. By ending the cruel sacrifices, Hazrat Umar (RA) not only restored the Nile but healed the social fabric.

Spiritual Healing Through Faith

The story offers profound guidance for modern believers facing adversity:

1. Repentance: Abandon oppression, cruelty, and superstition.

2. Prayer and Supplication: Seek Allah’s mercy and guidance during crises.

3. Protecting the Vulnerable: Take concrete action to prevent injustice.

4. Inner Healing: Align your heart with Allah’s justice and mercy to experience peace.

Qur’anic Verse:

“And whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.”

(Surah Al-Maida, 5:32)

Leadership Lessons from Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA)

1. Faith in Action: True leadership combines spiritual insight with decisive measures.

2. Courage Against Injustice: Confront societal cruelty, even when entrenched in tradition.

3. Service to Humanity: Authority is righteous only when it protects the oppressed.

4. Alignment with Divine Will: Trust Allah’s guidance for miraculous outcomes.

Reflections for Today: The Importance of This Incident for Muslims

The Nile miracle reminds us that divine support accompanies those who act with faith, justice, and courage. Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) teaches us:

• To trust Allah in times of crisis

• To oppose cruelty and uphold justice

• To heal societies spiritually through righteous leadership

Reflections on Umar Farooq (RA): Faith, Justice, and Courage in Action.

Hazrat Umar (RA) ensured that the needs of the poor and vulnerable were prioritized, showing that true leadership balances strength with empathy and care for all members of society.

Understanding Women’s Rights in Islam

Through Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)

Many people mistakenly believe that Islam condones the oppression of women. In reality, Islamic teachings emphasize the dignity, rights, and equality of women. Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph, action for women oppression exemplified through his fair, just, and compassionate leadership. His actions demonstrate how Islamic principles protect and empower women in society.

Quranic Guidance on Women’s Dignity

The Quran explicitly affirms the rights and dignity of women.

For example:

“And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone compels them, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”

(Surah An-Nisa 4:25)

This verse underlines that women must never be coerced or exploited. Islam firmly prohibits oppression and guarantees women’s protection and respect. Hazrat Umar (RA), a model of justice for women, actively worked to safeguard women’s rights and ensure their fair treatment.

He entrusted capable women with important responsibilities, such as appointing Shifa bint Abdullah to oversee the marketplace in Madinah. This showed his belief in women’s competence and their essential role in society. On one occasion, a woman corrected Hazrat Umar (RA) regarding the dowry in line with Islamic teachings.

Humble and just, he acknowledged, “Indeed, a woman has disputed Umar and she has defeated him.” This illustrates his respect for women’s knowledge and rights.

Separating Cultural Practices from True Islamic Teachings

It’s important to differentiate between cultural norms and the teachings of Islam. In many cases, oppressive practices against women stem from societal customs rather than religious requirements. Islam, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and upheld by companions like Hazrat Umar (RA), consistently promotes justice, dignity, and equality for women.

Modern Relevance: Protecting Women Today

Unfortunately, oppression of women still occurs in some parts of the world, often justified by misinterpreted religious or cultural practices. For example, recent restrictions in Afghanistan, including bans on women’s education and books authored by women, directly violate Islamic principles of justice and equality. Hazrat Umar’s (RA) leadership offers guidance for modern societies, demonstrating how women’s rights should be respected, protected, and promoted.

Reference; Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, Izalat al-Khafa ‘an Khilafat al-Khulafa, Vol. 2, p. 166.

Conclusion: Lessons for Today The legacy of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) is timeless. His life illustrates that unwavering faith, steadfast justice, moral courage, spiritual awareness, and compassion can transform communities. By following his example, believers can navigate challenges, stand against oppression, and foster healing both personally and collectively.

Allahu Akbar!

Faith guided by courage and justice not only changes hearts but also strengthens societies and even influences the natural world itself.

جَزَاكُمُ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرًا

Jazākumullāhu Khayran

May Allah reward you all with goodness