TURNING POINT

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, a member of the Umayyad family and a widely respected Caliph, is unanimously regarded by scholars as one of the greatest figures in Islamic history. Among those who came after the companions of the Prophet, he is considered to hold the highest status in the Muslim community.

In his early life, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz was known as a cheerful and well-dressed man who lived a life of luxury and comfort. But in his later years, he underwent a complete transformation. The moment that marked the beginning of this change is recorded in the following incident:

Abdullah ibn Kathir once asked him, “What sparked your turn toward repentance?” Umar replied:

“I once intended to strike one of my servants. But he said to me, ‘Remember the night whose morning is the Day of Judgment.’” (Tarikh Dimashq, Vol. 45, p. 151)

When a person is spiritually alive, even a single sentence can lead to transformation. But when the soul has become lifeless—when one’s inner awareness is gone—no amount of truth or reasoning can make an impact. Such a person will not accept what is right, no matter how clearly it is presented.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz was about to punish someone who had wronged him. Yet he was moved by the very words of that same servant. This speaks to his profound humility. It takes a deeply refined character to accept meaningful advice from someone who has caused you frustration or hurt.

To a spiritually dead person, a complaint holds little to no significance. But for someone spiritually alive, it can become the beginning of a transformation.