KARACHI: Sindh government has announced a public holiday on first of Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A.), second caliph of Muslims.
The decision in this regard was taken after the religious scholars demanded holiday on the martyrdom day of the second caliph.
According to Chief Minister House, Qaim Ali Shah approved the public holiday for Karachi alone.
Seminars and conferences are held on first of Muharram to highlight events from the life of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA).
Central Ruet-e-Hilal (moon-sighting) Committee will meet today in Karachi to sight moon of the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Chairman of the main moon-sighting body, Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman will preside over the meeting at Meteorological Complex.
According to Meteorological Department, the moon is likely to be sighted today.
Hazrat Umar Farooq’s (R.A) Martyrdom Day
Muslims across the world observe Yaum-e-Shahadat (the day of martyrdom) of Hazart Umar Farooq (Radi Allahu ta’ala Anhu) on 1st Muharram.
Various religious and literary organizations organize programmes to highlight the achievements and personality of the second caliph who established a truly welfare Islamic state.
Umar (R.A), the son of Al-Khattab, was born in 584- 589 CE. He was one of the most powerful and influential Muslim caliphs in history.
He was a sahabi (companion) of the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).He succeeded the first caliph of Islam Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu ta’ala Anhu).
He was an expert Islamic jurist and is best known for his pious and just nature, which earned him the title Al-Faruq (“the one who distinguishes between right and wrong”).
Under Hazrat Umar (R.A) the Islamic empire expanded to Persian and Roman empires in less than two years. It was he who set aside the Christian ban on Jews and allowed Jews into Jerusalem and to worship.
The caliph was assassinated on 27th Zilhaj, 644 while he was leading the fajr prayer. The attacker stabbed him six times in the belly that proved fatal.
The great caliph of Islam embraced martyrdom on 1st Muharram.
