Section Five: ‘Ali’s offspring with the Name ‘Umar

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Section Five

‘Ali’s offspring with the Name ‘Umar

 

This is final section of chapter five. Hereunder, we wish to enlighten the readers that Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu named his children ‘Umar. Sayyidina Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu also named one of his sons ‘Umar. Similarly, the Shia have listed one of the sons of Sayyidina Hussain radiya Llahu ‘anhu as ‘Umar. Likewise, Zayn al ‘abidin named one of his children after ‘Umar.

Sayyidina ‘Umar’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu name featuring among the children of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, generation after generation, is nothing accidental or coincidental, nor a once off happening. This was an authentic reality and practice which remained among the Imams.

This proves with certainty that there existed love, compassion, friendship, unity, etc., between Sayyidina ‘Ali and Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma. There was no type of personal, religious, or political hatred; neither animosity, distaste, opposition, or enmity.

To prove this matter, the upcoming narrations are strong evidences. We will present quotations verbatim from books regarded reliable by the Shia seniors.

This aspect was discussed with detail in the seventh section of chapter five of the Siddiqi section and citations from both Sunni and Shia books were reproduced. We will suffice here on reproducing from Shia books for purposes of brevity.

 

1. ‘Umar’s Blessed Name among the Offspring of ‘Ali

a. The famous Shia historian Ahmed ibn Abi Ya’qub ibn Jafar al Katib (d. 258/259 A.H.) in his Tarikh Ya’qubi while enumerating the sons of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu lists ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali as number eleven. The text reads:

 

و كان له من الولد الذكور أربعة عشر ذكرا الحسن و الحسين و محسن مات صغيرا أمهم فاطمة بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم … و عمر أمه أم حبيب بنت ربيعة البكرية إلخ

He had 14 sons viz. Hassan, Hussain, Muhassin who passed away in infancy―their mother is Fatimah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam… and ‘Umar whose mother is Umm Habib bint Rabi’ah al Bakriyyah.^[1]

 

b. The renowned Shia scholar, al Mufid (Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al Nu’man) (d. 413 A.H.) in his al Irshad, in the chapter of Amir al Mu’minin’s offspring, enumerates 27 children of his with their names. Beginning with Hassan and Hussain, he lists ‘Umar and Ruqayyah at number 6 and 7, considering them as twins. He writes:

و عمر و رقية كانا توأمين

‘Umar and Ruqayyah were twins.^[2]

 

c. The prominent gatherer of virtues and genealogist of the Shia ‘Ali ibn ‘Isa Arbili lists 14 sons and 19 daughters of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu in his book Kashf al Ghummah fi Ma’rifat al A’immah. ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali features number 13 on his list:

 

الذكور الحسن و الحسين و محمد الأكبر عبيد الله و أبو بكر و العباس و عثمان و جعفر و عبد الله و محمد الأصغر و يحيى و عون و عمر و محمد الأوسط عليهم السلام

Sons: Hassan, Hussain, Muhammad al Akbar, ‘Ubaid Allah, Abu Bakr, ‘Abbas, ‘Uthman, Jafar, ‘Abdullah, Muhammad al Asghar, Yahya, ‘Awn, ‘Umar, and Muhammad al Awsat―may peace be upon them.^[3]

 

d. Sayed Jamal al Din Ahmed ibn ‘Ali commonly known as Ibn ‘Inabah (d. 828 A.H.) mentions in section five of ‘Umdat al Talib fi Ansab Al Abi Talib:

 

ذكر عقب عمر الأطرف بن أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام أمه الصهباء الثعلبية

Discussion on the children of ‘Umar al Atraf ibn Amir al Mu’minin radiya Llahu ‘anhu. His mother is al Sahba’ al Tha’labiyyah from the captives of Yamamah.^[4]

 

e. Mulla Al Baqir Majlisi (d. 1110/1111) the legendary Shia mujtahid of the 11^th century begins a chapter on the number of martyrs of the Ahlul Bayt (who were martyred on the Day of ‘Ashura’) in Jila’ al ‘Uyun (Persian). He writes:

 

نز نفر از فرزندان امیر المؤمنین حضرت سید الشہدا و عباس و پسر او محمد و عمر و عثمان و جعفر و ابراہیم و عبد اللہ اصغر و محمد اصغر پسران امیر المومنین علیہ السلام

Nine of the children of Amir al Mu’minin: Sayed al Shuhada’ (Hussain), ‘Abbas, his grandson Muhammad, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, Jafar, Ibrahim, and ‘Abdullah Asghar and Muhammad Asghar―the grandsons of Amir al Mu’minin.^[5]

 

f. Section six of Muntaha al Amal of ‘Abbas al Qummi of the 14^th century has a list of the issue of Sayyidina ‘Ali Amir al Mu’minin radiya Llahu ‘anhu:

 

عمر و رقیہ کبری ست کہ ہر دو تن تو ام از مادر متولد شدند و مادر ایشاں ام حبیب دختر ربیعہ است

‘Umar and Ruqayyah the eldest both were born to an umm walad[6], Umm Habib bint Rabi’ah.^[7]

(Umm Habib is also called al Sahba’ al Tha’labiyyah.)

 

g. ‘Abbas Qummi writes the biography of this son in Tuhfat al Ahbab:

 

عمر بن علی بن ابی طالب کنیت اش ابو القاسم مادرش صہباء است و با رقیہ توأم بدنیا آمدہ و آنجناب بفصاحت زبان و سماحت طبع معروف بود … و او آخر کس ست از پسران امیر المومنین کہ وفات کردہ إلخ

‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib: His agnomen was Abu al Qasim. His mother was Sahba’. He entered the world as a twin with his sister Ruqayyah. He was famous for his eloquence and magnanimity. And he is the last son of Amir al Mu’minin to pass away.^[8]

 

The summary of these narrations:

• Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu had a son by the name ‘Umar.
• His agnomen was Abu al Qasim and his title was al Atraf.
• He was born as a twin with his sister Ruqayyah bint ‘Ali.
• Their mother’s name was al Sahba’ al Tha’labiyyah al Bakriyyah who was captured from the Banu Taghlib tribe during the Siddiqi khilafah. Her agnomen was Umm Habib. She is the daughter of Rabi’ah. She was gifted to Sayyidina ‘Ali by Sayyidina Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhuma.
• ‘Umar was very eloquent and magnanimous.
• He was the last son of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu to leave this world.

 

2. ‘Umar’s Name among the Children of Hassan

a. Ahmed ibn Ya’qub ibn Jafar states that Sayyidina Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu had 8 sons. His third son was ‘Umar.

 

و كان للحسن من الولد ثمانية ذكور و هم الحسن بن الحسن (المثنى) و أمه خولة بنت منظور الفزارية و زيد بن الحسن و أمه أم بشر بنت أبي مسعود الأنصاري الخزرجي و عمر و القاسم و أبو بكر و عبد الرحمن لأمهات أولاد شتى و طلحة و عبيد الله

Hassan had eight sons. They are: Hassan ibn al Hassan (al Muthanna) whose mother is Khawlah bint Manzur al Fazariyyah; Zaid ibn al Hassan whose mother is Umm Bishr bint Abi Mas’ud al Ansari al Khazraji; ‘Umar, Qasim, Abu Bakr, and ‘Abdul Rahman―from various umm walads; Talhah and ‘Ubaid Allah.^[9]

 

b. Mufid as well as al Irbili have dedicated a section to the biography of Hassan (al Muthanna) ibn al Imam al Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu wherein he lists ‘Umar ibn al Hassan as one of Hassan al Muthanna’s sons as well as Abu Bakr ibn al Hassan.^[10]

 

c. Ibn ‘Inabah has enumerated Zaid, Hassan al Muthanna, ‘Abdullah (whose agnomen is Abu Bakr), ‘Umar, etc. as the sons of Sayyidina Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu.^[11]

 

d. Mulla Al Baqir Majlisi lists the martyrs of Karbala’ in Jila’ al ‘Uyun:

 

و چہار نفر از فرزندان امام حسن ابو بکر و عبد اللہ و قاسم و بشر و بعضے بجاۓ بشر عمر گفتہ اند و از فرزندان امام حسین آنچہ مشہور ست علی اکبر و عبد اللہ کہ در کنار حضرت شہید شد و بعضی ابراہیم و محمد و حمزہ و علی دیگر و جعفر و عمر و زید گفتہ اند

Four from the sons of Imam Hassan, viz. Abu Bakr, ‘Abdullah, Qasim, and Bishr. Some have substituted Bishr with ‘Umar. And from the sons of Imam Hussain, these are the famous figures ‘Ali Akbar, ‘Abdullah who was martyred alongside him, Ibrahim, Muhammad, Hamzah, ‘Ali the second, Jafar, ‘Umar, and Zaid.^[12]

 

e. ‘Abbas al Qummi states while discussing the children of Imam Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu:

 

عمر بن الحسن و دو برادر اعیانی او قاسم و عبد اللہ و مادر ایشاں ام ولد ست

‘Umar ibn al Hassan and two full brothers Qasim and ‘Abdullah. Their mother was an Umm Walad.^[13]

 

Summary

• Imam Hassan Mujtaba ibn ‘Ali al Murtada radiya Llahu ‘anhuma had eight sons, with difference of some narrations.
• ‘Umar ibn al Hassan is one son by consensus.
• His mother was an Umm Walad.
• According to some scholars he was killed with his uncle Sayyidina Hussain radiya Llahu ‘anhu on the plains of Karbala’.

 

3. ‘Umar’s Name in the Progeny of Zayn al ‘abidin

a. In Usul al Kafi, book on proof, chapter on the decision taken between the claim of truth and falsehood in the matter of Imamah, Muhammad ibn Ya’qub al Kulayni records an incident of condolence which makes mention of ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn al Hussain. The text is:

 

عن عبد الله بن إبراهيم بن محمد الجعفري قال أتينا خديجة بنت عمر بن علي بن الحسين بن علي بن أبي طالب عليهم السلام نعزيها بابن بنتها فوجدنا عندها موسى بن عبد الله بن الحسن فإذا هي في ناحية قريبا من النساء فعزيناها

‘Abdullah ibn Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al Jafari reports:

We came to Khadijah bint ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn al Hussain ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhum to give her condolence over the death of her nephew. We found Musa ibn ‘Abdullah ibn al Hassan by her. She was in the corner close to the women. We conveyed our condolences to her.^[14]

 

b. In the chapter of the children of ‘Ali ibn al Hussain, Mufid lists 15 of his children, viz. Muhammad al Baqir, ‘Abdullah, Hassan, Hussain, Zaid, ‘Umar, Hussain al Asghar, ‘Abdul Rahman, Sulaiman, ‘Ali, etc. ‘Umar’s name appears sixth on the list. After the 10 sons, the daughters were listed.^[15]

 

c. ‘Ali ibn ‘Isa al Irbili lists the names of Zayn al ‘Abidin’s children. He lists Muhammad al Baqir first, Zaid second, and ‘Umar third. (Zaid and ‘Umar’s mother was an Umm Walad.)^[16]

 

d. There is mention of ‘Umar ibn Zayn al ‘Abidin in ‘Umdat al Talib.^[17]

 

e. ‘Abbas al Qummi has written in Muntaha al Amal while discussing the children of Zayn al ‘Abidin:

 

… زید و عمر از ام ولد دیگر إلخ

Zaid and ‘Umar from another Umm Walad.^[18]

 

f. The same author lists Zayn al ‘Abidin’s son ‘Umar al Ashraf while enumerating all individuals with the name ‘Umar in Tuhfat al Ahbab. He praises and compliments him extensively. He says:

 

عمر از فضلاۓ تابعین و جلیل القدر صاحب ورع و والی صدقات پیغمبر و امیر المؤمنین بودہ إلخ

‘Umar was among the distinguished Tabi’in, a man of dignity, abstinence, and administrator of the charity of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and Amir al Mu’minin.^[19]

 

Concluding Words

This brings the Faruqi section of Ruhama’ Baynahum to a close. This is the second volume of this book.

We would just like to present to the honoured readers a brief summary of the main aspects highlighted in this volume. This volume was divided into five chapters and each chapter was sub-divided into 2, 4, or 5 sections. All in all, there were 17 sections which covered and encompassed a myriad of focusses and themes.

The amiable relationship Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu enjoyed with Sayyidina ‘Ali, his noble wife, and his children has been discussed thoroughly. Our objective was not to encompass all the beautiful moments they shared, nor is this possible. This aspect is extremely vast and all the books are not at my disposal. Moreover, it is a mammoth task to encompass all the books that are available. I have gathered whatever I could according to my limited ability. May Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala accept our humble efforts.

This was only an academic discussion of the manifestation of the Glorious Lord’s declaration: They are merciful among themselves. This is a humble service in front of the great services the seniors of religion and legends of our Ummah have rendered. May Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala accept it and resurrect us in their noble company and grant us their companionship in the hereafter. This will be an illustration of His vast Benevolence and all Encompassing Magnanimity.

After this, the third volume, the ‘Uthmani section, will follow. If Allah’s subhanahu wa ta ‘ala special assistance is our attendant, then it will be brought to a conclusion. And help is sought only from Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, and reliance is placed solely upon Him. May Allah send His salutations and peace upon the choicest of His creation, the crème de la crème, and upon his family, and Companions.

 

This humble servant: Muhammad Nafi’ (May Allah forgive him)

Jami’ah Muhammadi Sharif, Jhang, Pakistan.

 

NEXT⇒ Volume 3 – Uthmani Section

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[1] Tarikh Ya’qubi, vol. 2 pg. 213, biography of ‘Ali al Murtada, new Beirut print.

[2] Al Irshad, pg. 167 – 168, new Tehran print.

[3] Kashf al Ghummah fi Ma’rifat al A’immah, vol. 1 pg. 590, with Tarjamat al Manaqib, new print, Tabrez Tehran.

[4] ‘Umdat al Talib, pg. 361, Najaf Ashraf print, Iraq, latest edition of Haydariyyah publishers.

[5] Jila’ al ‘Uyun, pg. 464 – 465, Tehran print, 1334 edition.

[6] A slave girl who gives birth to the children of her Master, and will be freed on the death of her owner.

[7] Muntaha al Amal, vol. 1 pg. 187 – 192.

[8] Tuhfat al Ahbab, pg. 251 – 252, ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali.

[9] Tarikh Ya’qubi, vol. 2 pg. 228, list of the children of Imam Hassan ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, new Beirut print.

[10] Al Irshad, pg. 176, chapter on discussion on the children of Hassan ibn ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu; Kashf al Ghummah, vol. 2 pg. 158, Tabrez print, Iran, with Tarjamat al Manaqib Farisi.

[11] ‘Umdat al Talib, pg. 81, discussion on Imam Hassan’s offspring, Haydariyyah Publishers print, Najaf Ashraf, Iraq.

[12] Jila’ al ‘Uyun, pg. 464 – 465, chapter on the number of he martyrs of the Ahlul Bayt martyred on the day of ‘Ashura’.

[13] Muntaha al Amal, vol. 1 pg. 240, Tehran print.

[14] Usul al Kafi, pg. 225, Nawl Kashawr print, Lucknow.

[15] Al Irshad, pg. 244, new Tehran print, 1377 edition.

[16] Kashf al Ghummah, vol. 2 pg. 284, chapter on the children of ‘Ali ibn al Hussain rahimahu Llah.

[17] ‘Umdat al Talib, pg. 194, section two, pg. 305, maqsad four, Haydariyyah print, Najaf Ashraf, Iraq.

[18] Muntaha al Amal, vol. 2 pg. 43, 45, 46, the children of Zayn al ‘abidin.

[19] Tuhfat al Ahbab, pg. 257, under the names ‘Umar, Tehran print.