By Athar Mudasir
The cold winds sweeping across the hills of Jerusalem as the city stood in silent anticipation. For months, the siege had dragged on—food supplies dwindling, the once-proud Byzantine banners now fluttering weakly against the fortress walls. Soldiers, weary from the long defense, patrolled the gates with hollow eyes, knowing that no reinforcements were coming.
Beyond the walls, the Muslim army stood firm, their ranks disciplined, their banners unwavering. Tents stretched across the surrounding plains, fires flickering as warriors prepared for the inevitable. Their leader, Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, had ordered restraint, ensuring that no unnecessary bloodshed occurred. The strategy was one of patience, not destruction.
Then, one morning, the gates creaked open. A delegation of priests and officials, their robes weighed down by resignation, stepped forward. At their head, the aged Patriarch Sophronius clutched the keys of the city. His face bore the sorrow of surrender, yet his eyes carried hope. He had requested the presence of Umar ibn Khattab, and word had arrived—Umar was coming.
The year was 637 CE. After months of siege by the Muslim army under the command of Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, the great city of Jerusalem—held by the Byzantine Romans—stood at the brink of surrender. The city's Christian leaders, realizing that further resistance was futile, sought terms of peace. Their condition was unusual: they would only hand over the city to the leader of the Muslims himself, Caliph Umar ibn Khattab.
Upon hearing the request, Umar ibn Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, set out from Medina. Unlike the grandeur of Byzantine rulers, he traveled with utmost simplicity. Dressed in a coarse robe, with only a single servant and a camel, Umar alternated with his servant in riding the camel, ensuring fairness.
Days later, from the eastern road, a lone camel appeared on the horizon. As they neared Jerusalem, it happened that the servant was riding while the Caliph walked, leading the camel by its reins. The people of Jerusalem, accustomed to the regal display of emperors, were astonished at this sight.
Atop it sat a man in a simple, dust-covered robe, his posture straight but unassuming. Beside him walked another man—his servant—who took turns riding the camel. The people of Jerusalem, accustomed to the lavish processions of Roman emperors, stared in disbelief. This was the ruler of the Muslims?
As Umar reached the city gates, he stepped down, his feet touching the earth like any ordinary traveler. He looked upon the ancient city, his expression solemn, understanding the weight of the moment. Then, he turned to the Patriarch, who hesitated for a brief second before stepping forward. the Patriarch Sophronius, the city's bishop, awaited with his clergy. As Umar approached, he greeted the bishop with humility. Sophronius, a man of deep learning and faith, looked at the man before him—the ruler of a vast empire, yet without soldiers parading before him, without banners or jewels. He marveled at the contrast between Umar and the emperors of Rome.
Without arrogance, without demands, Umar spoke: “I have come in peace.”
Sophronius: "Are you truly Umar ibn Khattab, the leader of the Muslims?"
Umar: "Indeed, I am Umar, servant of God and leader of the believers. I have come in peace, as you requested."
Sophronius: "Your simplicity and humility are unlike any ruler we have known. The prophecies have spoken of a leader who would come humbly and justly. Perhaps you are he."
Umar did not respond to the mention of prophecy but looked upon the city with solemnity. Sophronius, seeing his sincerity, presented him with the keys of Jerusalem.
Sophronius: "By the will of God, we surrender this city to you. We ask only for the safety of its people, our places of worship, and the freedom to practice our faith."
Umar: "By Allah, you have my word. The lives, property, and churches of Christians will be protected. No one shall be forced in matters of faith. Justice and fairness will prevail under Islamic rule."
Sophronius, assured of Umar’s sincerity, led him through the city. When they reached the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, it was time for Umar’s prayer. Sophronius invited him to pray inside the church, but Umar refused.
Umar: "If I pray inside, I fear that future Muslims might take this as a reason to convert it into a mosque. It must remain a church for you and your people."
Instead, Umar prayed outside the church, a site where later the Mosque of Umar was built to honor his decision.
After their discussion, a formal agreement, later known as the Pact of Umar, was written to guarantee the rights of Christians in the city. It ensured that no church would be harmed, no crosses removed, and that Christians would not be oppressed under Muslim rule. The people of Jerusalem found in Umar a ruler unlike any they had known—one who honored his word and ruled with justice.
As Umar departed the city, Sophronius looked upon him and remarked:
Sophronius: "Truly, this is the kind of ruler who brings peace, not war. If all conquerors were like Umar, there would be no need for walls."
The conquest of Jerusalem by Umar ibn Khattab remains one of the most remarkable events in history, not for its bloodshed, but for its justice and magnanimity. It was a conquest of hearts as much as of land, setting an example for future generations.
After the conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE, Umar ibn Khattab implemented several key policies to ensure peace, stability, and religious harmony. His immediate actions reflected justice, tolerance, and strong governance. Here are the most notable policies he enforced:
1. Religious Tolerance & Protection of Christians
Umar guaranteed the safety of all Christian inhabitants and their places of worship through the Pact of Umar. This agreement ensured that:
Christian churches, crosses, and religious practices would not be harmed.
No Christian would be forced to convert to Islam.
Clergy and worshippers would not be disturbed in their religious affairs.
Muslim prayers would not be held inside churches to prevent future claims of conversion into mosques.
2. Establishment of Islamic Administration
While allowing local governance to continue in some aspects, Umar implemented key Islamic administrative policies:
He appointed a Muslim governor but retained local Christian officials in certain roles.
A fair taxation system was established, replacing the heavy Byzantine taxes. Non-Muslims (Christians and Jews) paid jizya (a tax in exchange for protection), but it was moderate compared to the previous Roman taxation.
Muslims paid zakat (charitable tax) as part of their religious obligation.
3. Freedom for the Jewish Community
Before Islamic rule, the Byzantines had banned Jews from living in Jerusalem. Umar reversed this policy, allowing Jews to return and settle in the city peacefully. This move restored the Jewish presence in Jerusalem for the first time in centuries.
4. Urban and Social Reforms
Umar ordered the cleaning and restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which had been neglected under Byzantine rule.
He personally identified the location of Al-Aqsa and led prayers there, marking its significance in Islam.
Infrastructure improvements began, ensuring fair access to water, markets, and public spaces for all citizens.
5. Military Restraint and Ethical Conduct
Unlike other conquests of the time, Jerusalem was taken without bloodshed. Umar strictly forbade looting, destruction, or forced displacement. He instructed his army to respect civilians, regardless of their faith.
These policies helped establish Jerusalem as a peaceful, multi-religious city under Islamic rule, setting a precedent for governance based on justice and tolerance.
The legacy of Umar ibn khattab laid the significant impact over world over governance and justice.
