Abd Allah Ibn Umar – 10 Classic Qualities

Ever been inspired by a Muslim Youth?

He was none other than the son of a great man – Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).

Abd Allah Ibn Umar was devoted to the pure message of Islam from a young age and went on to live a life which showed this unique devotion in every sense of the way.

His life story highlights those classic qualities he learned from the greatest of mentors. And this outstanding nature led him to become a distinguished mentor in the society.

Every Muslim Youth seeking for excellence should study and understand Ibn Umar’s life. Have a taster with these short snippets below before you immerse yourself in the complete story.

1. Mature in Thoughts and Action

Wise Muslim: Are You Patient and Grateful?


Abd Allah Ibn Umar was a 13 year old boy, when he accompanied his father on a great mission. He wished to have a place among believers partaking in the battle of Badr, but the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent him back by virtue of his young age.

His age, skills and experience did not make him feel less able or deter him from putting himself forward for a noble cause.

Would you do the same?

2. Adherence to Sunnah


He took pleasure in observing and drinking in all of the actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). As such it took no effort for him to imitate such actions with accuracy.

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said in observation:

No one followed the footsteps of the Prophet more closely than lbn Umar did.

How attached are you to the Sunnah?

3. Meticulous with Knowledge Sharing

How Knowledge Can Make Us More Spiritual


It was a well known fact that Ibn Umar was the most cautious of all companions when it came to relating a hadith. He was ever so careful as not to add or remove any details. And he would never relate a hadith unless he remembered it correctly.

Now isn’t that remarkable?

4. Devotion to Night Prayers


Abd Allah Ibn Umar had a dream when he was a youth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the dream:

What an excellent man Abd Allah is. If he is praying at night, then let him pray more.

He easily embraced the night prayers thereafter; and for the rest of his life.

Have you tried the night prayers?

5. Firm on Pledge


He spent his life never breaking the oath of allegiance which he had sworn. And in a similar way, he was known never to break a pledge he had made.

The Greatest Name of God by Which He Answers Dua


The Greatest Name of God by Which He Answers Dua


Are you equally firm on your pledges?

6. Humility


In the same way he was known to be detailed in every aspect of his life, Ibn Umar was very guarded in giving legal opinions. It is related how someone went to him to ask for a fatwa. When asked, lbn Umar answered:

I have no knowledge concerning what you are asking about.

After the questioner left, Ibn Umar rubbed his hands happily saying to himself:

Ibn Umar has been asked about what he doesn’t know, so he said, ‘I don’t know!’

Will you happily say, I don’t know?

7. Generosity


Ibn ‘Umar was 100% tuned to the needs of the poor. He was comfortable in their midst and made himself available to them.

His service to the needy was notable and a lesson for present times when the Ummah needs our generosity. This great man never got distracted from helping the poor even during a period wealth became easily accessible in the society.

Do you often spend time with the poor and needy?

8. Attachment to Worship and Quran


Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) had a heart that was attached to the Quran; and would often recite as well as visibly react to its wordings. He prioritized with various acts of worship in his lifetime from prayers to praising Allah.

Is daily worship your priority?

9. Material Success

What Happens When We Rely on God?


lbn Umar was a successful merchant and equally had a high income. As such he had easy access to money and could be classed as a wealthy person.

Nevertheless, his humility shone through material success and he remained attached to his mission of service rather than accumulation.

Does your cash and bling drive you towards success in the hereafter?

10. Outstanding Mentee


From his principles down to his actions, it can be clearly seen who Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) looked up to and learned from.

With the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his father, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab’s (may Allah be pleased with him) close presence in his life, it is no surprise how this young boy’s personality was shaped. Is it hard to imagine?

Now think, who are your mentors?

Are you inspired? Share your classic inspiration below…

Get Inspired with further reading: Men Around the Messenger (Sal Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) by Khalid Muhammad Khalid

(From Discovering Islam archive)