AN EXAMPLE FROM
UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB

When Umar ibn al-Khattab was the Caliph, he would often say, “I am just like you, and one among you. Therefore, you are free to speak openly about anything you feel against me. There is no restriction on you in this matter.”

On one occasion, while standing on the pulpit in the mosque of Madinah and addressing the people, Umar said, “If you see any crookedness in me, what will you do at that time?” For a moment, there was silence. Then one man stood up and said, “If you deviate, we will straighten you—just as an arrow is straightened with a straightener.” The narrator reports that upon hearing this, Umar was pleased and said, “All praise is due to God, who has placed me among a people who will straighten me if I deviate. (Al-Zuhd wa al-Raqaiq by Ibn al-Mubarak: 512)

This example of the second Caliph of Islam shows that criticism and disagreement are not disliked things; rather, they are deeply valued. Even if an ordinary person speaks against the ruler of the time in an impolite tone, it should still be welcomed.

Islam teaches that at the time of criticism, one should not look at the critic, but at oneself. If the critic is pointing out a mistake, then he is doing a service to your betterment. Such a good act cannot be dismissed merely because it was expressed in an improper manner.

This incident from the life of the second Caliph also shows that those who are in leadership positions in society should encourage open expression of views—so much so that they should willingly present themselves for open criticism. And this presentation should be genuine, not superficial.