Caliph Umar Al-Khattab R.A

Once Hadhrat Umar Al-Khattab r.a, during his caliphate, was going on his usual rounds towards 
Harrah (a suburb of Madinah) with his slave Aslam, when he saw a distant fire in the desert. 


He said, "There seems to be a camp. Perhaps, it is a caravan that could not enter the town due to night fall. Let's go and look after them and arrange for their protection during the night."


When he reached there, he found a woman and some children. The children were crying. The woman had a pan of water over the fire. Hadhrat Umar r.a greeted her with salaam and, with her permission, went near her. The woman however didn't recognize that it was Umar, their Caliph.


Umar asked, "Why are these children crying?"


The woman sadly replied to him, "Because they are hungry."


Umar asked further, "What is in the pan?"


The woman said, "Only water to soothe the children, so that they may go to sleep in the belief that food is being prepared for them. Oh ! Allah S.W.T will judge between Umar r.a and me, on the Day of Judgment, for neglecting me in my distress."


Umar started to cry, "May Allah have mercy on you! How can Umar know of your distress?"


The woman, "When he is our Amir (Leader) , he must keep himself informed about us."


Hadhrat Umar r.a returned to the town and straight away went to the BaitulMal (House of Charity) to fill a sack with flour, dates, fat, and clothes, and also drew some money. When the sack was ready, he said to Aslam, "Now put this sack on my back, Aslam."


Aslam, "No please, Amirulmu'mineen! I shall carry this sack."


Umar refused to listen to Aslam, even on his persistent requests to allow him to carry the sack, and remarked, "What! Will you carry my load (sins and deeds) on the Day of Judgment? I must carry this bag, because it is I who would be questioned (in the Hereafter) about this woman."


Aslam most reluctantly placed the bag on Umar's r.a back, who carried it with a swift pace right to the woman's tent. Aslam followed at his heels. He put a little flour and some dates and fat in the pan and began to stir. He blew (with his mouth) into the fire to kindle it.


Aslam said, "I saw the smoke passing through his thick beard."


After some time, the pottage was ready. He himself served it to the family. When they had eaten until they were full, he made over to them the little that was left for their next meal. The children were very happy after their meal and began to play about merrily.


The woman felt very grateful and remarked, "May Allah reward you for your kindness! In fact you deserve to take the place of Khalifah instead of Umar."


Umar consoled her and said, "When you come to see the Khalifah, you will find me there."


He sat for a while at a place close by and kept on watching the children. He then returned to Madinah. On his way back, he said to Aslam, "Do you know why I sat there, Aslam? I had seen them weeping in distress. I liked to see them laughing and happy for some time."