Sufi Quotes of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab in English and Arabic

Table of Contents

Hello! Are you looking for explanations of the Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab in English and Arabic? If your answer is “Yes,” congratulations! You are reading the right article. Why? Because that is what I will explain in this article. So, make sure to read it until the end!

Brief Biography of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab

Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab was one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad. He was the son of the second caliph in Islamic history: Umar bin Khattab. He was born ten years before the Hijra.

Abdullah bin Umar grew up in an environment rich with Islamic teachings. He emigrated to Medina with his father (some opinions suggest before his father). When Uthman bin Affan was killed by rebels, some people offered allegiance to him, but he refused.

Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab was one of the companions who deeply understood Islamic teachings. Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, in his book "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," categorizes Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab as one of the great Sufi figures of the first generation. Many aspects of his life are sources of inspiration in Sufism.

Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab is an ideal figure for Muslims. He always recited Istighfar, did not seek worldly luxuries, and lived a life filled with worship, including performing Tahajjud prayers.

Read Also: Sufi Quotes of Abdullah bin Amru bin Al-Ash in English and Arabic

Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab always strived to emulate Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in every aspect, including speech, actions, and demeanor. He lived for sixty years, providing solutions to the problems of Muslims. When his wealth amazed him, he would give it away in charity. For example, when the following verse was revealed:

لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ ۗوَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِهٖ عَلِيْمٌ

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it. (Ali Imran [3]: 92).

[…] Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab then called his female servant. He said, "By Allah, I truly love you. Now you are free. Go." He then married the freed female servant to his former male servant, and they had a son. He carried the boy, kissed him, and said, "Wonderful! I truly smell the scent of that woman (the former female servant)!"

Aside from the story above, whenever Abdullah bin Umar saw his slaves praying well, he would set them free. This encouraged them to pray diligently to attract his attention and gain their freedom.

Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab was a Muslim who always upheld his dignity. He was not greedy for worldly wealth and was extremely humble. He did not eat except in the company of the poor, to the extent that it sometimes jeopardized his health. He would only eat if he was with orphans. He never turned away anyone who sought his help. Even a leper once dined with him, despite the leper's fingers bleeding.

Abdullah bin Umar, as a mortal, eventually passed away in the seventy-third year of Hijra, three months after Ibn Zubair’s death.

Sufi Quotes of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab in English and Arabic

There are many Sufi quotes from Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab. Unfortunately, I cannot explain all of them right now. In this article, I will only discuss some of his Sufi quotes.

Some Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab in English and Arabic that I will cover are as follows:

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on Charity

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on charity, consider the following Sufi quote!

^[1]ابْنَ آدَمَ , صَاحِبْ الدُّنْيَا بِبَدَنِكَ , وَفَارِقْهَا بِقَلْبِكَ وَهَمِّكَ , فَإِنَّكَ مَوْقُوْفٌ عَلَى عَمَلِكَ , فَخُذْ مِمَّا فِى يَدَيْكَ لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ

O children of Adam! Accompany the world with your body. Leave it with your heart and concern. Indeed, you are bound by your deeds. Take from what is in your hand for what is in front of you (when you die).

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab advises people not to become overly attached to the world. As children of Adam, humans are reminded to engage with the worldly life only with their physical bodies, while their hearts and attention should be more focused on the afterlife. This quote emphasizes that humans are bound by their deeds, which will determine their fate in the hereafter. Therefore, it is important to utilize what is available in this world as preparation for the life after death. This advice encourages individuals to prioritize good deeds and righteousness as provisions for the afterlife, rather than merely pursuing worldly pleasures.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on Death

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on death, consider the following Sufi quote!

عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ يَأْتِيْكَ الْخَبَرُ^[2]

When death comes, then news comes to you.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains that death is an inevitable reality for every person. When death arrives, all previously hidden information and truths become clear. This means that death brings full awareness of the truth of life, including the deeds and actions performed during one's time on earth. Death also delivers the "news" about the afterlife, reminding people of the consequences of their actions. Thus, this quote encourages individuals to reflect on life and death, and the importance of preparing oneself with good deeds before that moment arrives. Death is not merely the end of life, but the beginning of true awareness regarding the meaning of existence.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on a True Scholar (Alim)

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on a true scholar (Alim), consider the following Sufi quote!

لَا يَكُوْنُ الرَّجُلُ عَالِمًا حَتَّى لَا يَحْسُدَ مَنْ فَوْقَهُ , وَلَا يَحْقِرَ دُوْنَهُ , وَلَا يَبْتَغِى بِالْعِلْمِ ثَمَنًا^[3]

A person will not become a scholar (Alim) until they are free of envy towards those above them, do not belittle others, and do not seek wealth through knowledge.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains three important characteristics that one must possess to achieve the status of a scholar (Alim) or knowledgeable person. First, a person must be free from envy or jealousy towards others who may have more knowledge or higher status. Second, they should not belittle or look down on others, demonstrating that true knowledge is accompanied by humility. Third, knowledge should not be used as a means to seek material wealth; instead, it should be pursued for a nobler purpose, such as gaining wisdom and drawing closer to Allah. This quote teaches that a true scholar is one who possesses sincerity, integrity, and high moral character in living their life and sharing their knowledge.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Essence of Faith

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the essence of faith, consider the following Sufi quote!

^[4]لَا يَبْلُغُ عَبْدٌ حَقِيْقَةَ الْإِيْمَانِ حَتَّى يَعُدَّ النَّاسَ حَمْقَى فِى دِيْنِهِ

A servant will not reach the essence of faith until they encounter people who are ignorant in their religion.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains that to attain the true essence of faith, a servant must be able to face those who have a shallow or misguided understanding of religion with patience and wisdom. On the journey towards deep faith, one will encounter various characters, including those with limited or incorrect religious knowledge. Facing such individuals becomes a test for the servant to remain steadfast in their own beliefs and not be swayed by ignorance or falsehood. This also indicates that true faith is not solely measured by religious knowledge but also by the ability to confront challenges and adhere to the truth. Thus, the essence of faith is a state where a person remains firm in their belief despite being faced with ignorance and misconceptions about religion.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on Goodness

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on goodness, consider the following Sufi quote!

^[5]البِرُّ شَيْئٌ هَيِّنٌ : وَجْهٌ طَلْقٌ وَكَلَامٌ لَيِّنٌ

Goodness is something simple: a cheerful face and gentle speech.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains that goodness does not always require great effort or complex actions. Instead, goodness can be manifested through simple acts such as displaying a cheerful face and speaking with gentle words. A cheerful face reflects a positive attitude and kindness that can spread happiness to others. Gentle speech, on the other hand, demonstrates respect and compassion in interactions with others. Both of these actions are easy to perform but have a significant impact in creating a more harmonious and peaceful environment. This quote emphasizes that true goodness begins with small, everyday actions that anyone can incorporate into their daily life. With a smile and kind words, one can bring about positive change for themselves and those around them.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on Degrees with Allah

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on degrees with Allah, consider the following Sufi quote!

^[6]لَا يُصِيْبُ عَبْدٌ شَيْئًا مِنَ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا نَقَصَ مِنْ دَرَجَتِهِ عِنْدَ اللهِ وَإِنْ كَانَ عَلَيْهِ كَرِيْمًا

A servant does not gain anything from the world except that their degree with Allah is diminished, even if they are a person of high status.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains that acquiring worldly pleasures can diminish a person's status with Allah, even if they are of noble rank. This emphasizes that attachment to the world and material achievements can have negative spiritual consequences. The more a servant focuses on worldly matters, the greater the likelihood of being diverted from higher spiritual goals, such as drawing closer to Allah. Even for a person of high status or nobility, succumbing to worldly temptations can lower their rank in the eyes of Allah. This quote serves as a reminder that one's degree with Allah is more important than worldly wealth or honor. Therefore, one should be cautious not to be overly enticed by worldly pleasures and remain focused on actions that enhance closeness to Allah.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Tongue

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the tongue, consider the following Sufi quote!

أَحَقُّ مَا طَهَّرَ الْعَبْدُ لِسَانَهُ^[7]

The thing that must be purified most by a servant is their tongue.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab emphasizes the importance of guarding and purifying the tongue for a servant. The tongue, or speech, plays a crucial role in a person's life as it can reflect the hidden intentions and inner state of the heart. Uncontrolled speech can lead to various negative outcomes, such as hurting others' feelings, spreading gossip, or even damaging social relationships. Therefore, the tongue is the part that should be most carefully guarded and purified by a servant. This quote teaches that to achieve purity of heart and behavior, one must start by managing their speech. This includes speaking truthfully, avoiding harsh words, and only saying things that are beneficial and kind. By controlling their tongue, a person not only protects themselves but also contributes to the peace and harmony of their surroundings.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Comparison of the World for the Disbeliever and the Believer

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the comparison of the world for the disbeliever and the believer, consider the following Sufi quote!

الدُّنْيَا جَنَّةُ الْكَافِرِ وَسِجْنُ الْمُؤْمِنِ , وَإِنَّمَا مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِ حِيْنَ تَخْرُجُ نَفْسُهُ كَمَثَلِ رَجُلٍ كَانَ فِى سِجْنٍ فَأُخْرِجَ مِنْهُ , فَجَعَلَ يَتَقَلَّبُ فِى الْأَرْضِ وَيَتَفَّسَحُ فِيْهَا^[8]

The world is a paradise for the disbeliever and a prison for the believer. Truly, the example of a believer when their soul departs is like someone who was in prison and is then released. They then roam the earth and seek a spacious place there.

In this Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains the view of worldly life from the perspective of a believer (mukmin) and a disbeliever. For the disbeliever, this world is likened to paradise, where they freely indulge in all pleasures without concern for the afterlife. In contrast, for the believer, the world is considered a prison—a place of restrictions and trials that must be endured before reaching true happiness in the hereafter. This passage also illustrates that when a believer's soul departs, they feel as though they have been freed from prison. After their death, they experience freedom, like someone finally released from confinement, finding true spaciousness and peace. It emphasizes that for a believer, true happiness is not found in this world, but in the hereafter, where they will find genuine freedom and spaciousness.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Companions of Prophet Muhammad

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Companions of Prophet Muhammad, consider the following Sufi quote!

وَقِيْلَ لَهُ : هَلْ كَانَ الصَّحْبُ يَضْحَكُوْنَ ؟ قَالَ : نَعَمْ , وَالْإِيْمَانُ فِى قُلُوْبِهِمْ أَعْظَمُ مِنَ الْجِبَالِ^[9]

It was once asked of him (Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab), "Did the Companions laugh?" He replied, "Yes. But the faith in their hearts was greater than mountains."

In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab highlights the balance maintained by the Companions of the Prophet between expressions of joy and the strength of their faith. When asked if the Companions laughed, Abdullah bin Umar affirmed that they did, indicating that they also experienced moments of happiness and joy in life. However, despite their laughter and cheerful interactions, the faith in their hearts remained firm and unshakable, even greater than mountains. This demonstrates that while one can have a joyful and human side, it does not diminish the depth of their faith and their steadfastness in belief. This passage teaches that having strong faith does not mean forsaking happiness or expressions of joy; rather, it shows that both can coexist with a high level of spiritual awareness.

Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Quran

If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab on the Quran, consider the following Sufi quote!

^[10]مَرَّ بِرَجُلٍ سَاقِطٍ , قَالَ : مَا شَأْنُهُ ؟ قَالُوْا : إِذَا قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِ الْقُرْآنُ يُصِيْبُهُ هَذَا . قَالَ : إِنَّا نَخْشَى اللهَ وَلَا نَسْقُطُ

He (Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab) once encountered a man who had collapsed. He then asked, "Why is he like that?" The people replied, "When the Quran is recited in his presence, he experiences this condition." He responded, "Indeed, we fear Allah, but we do not collapse (when the Quran is recited)."

In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab explains an incident where he witnessed a man collapsing upon hearing the recitation of the Quran. When Abdullah inquired about the man's condition, the people explained that the man reacted this way due to the powerful effect of the Quran's recitation. However, Abdullah bin Umar’s response reflects the attitude of the Prophet’s companions towards the fear of Allah. He acknowledged that they, the companions, also had a profound fear of Allah, but they did not collapse or faint when hearing the Quran. This passage illustrates that the companions’ fear of Allah was deep and steady, without manifesting in extreme physical reactions. This attitude represents a strong spiritual resilience, where fear of Allah is balanced with calmness and self-control, without losing consciousness or composure.

That concludes the discussion of some Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Umar bin Khattab in English and Arabic. Do you understand? If you have any questions, feel free to write them in the comments section.

I think that’s enough for this article. I hope it’s beneficial. Ameen.

See you again in the next article!

Source Citations

[1] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 243.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 244.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.