Doing everything, but feeling one has done nothing

Doing everything

1990 5 May 19 Doing everything, but feeling one has done nothing (295) Mughaira Ibn Shu’aba’s fire-worshipping slave, Abu Lulu, had made his murderous attack on Umer, the second Caliph of Islam. When Umer drank some milk, its whiteness flowed from his wounds. “If I had the earth full of gold,” he said, swearing a solemn oath, “then I would give it in order to free myself of the Lord’s punishment before it descends on me.” “When the Muslim were oppressed,” Abdullah Ibn Abbas said to Umer, “the Prophet prayed that God may strengthen both Islam and the Muslims through you. You became Muslim and Islam was the stronger for your conversion. Muslims held their heads high with you at their side. You emigrated to Medina and joined in every campaign with the Prophet. When the latter died, he was well pleased with you. You then became the first Caliph’s advisor and assistant; he too was well pleased with you when he left this world. Then you were elected Commander of the Faithful. Through you God gave the Muslims prosperity and progress. His enemies capitulated before you. Now he has given you a martyr’s death. Blessed are you.” ‘The one who believes the like of you will be deceived,” Umer said, and then asked. “Abdullah, will you bear witness on my behalf on the Day of Resurrection?” Ibn Abbas said that he would. Umer then asked his own son, also named Abdullah, to place his face on the ground. Abdullah Ibn Umer raised his father’s head and rested it on his own ankle. “No, on the ground,” Umer said. Abdullah obeyed. “Woe betide you, Umer,” the second Caliph said to himself. “Woe betide the one who gave birth to you, if God does not forgive you.” He then surrendered his soul. May God be pleased with him. (Tabrani)