Chapter 9: Death of Umar bin Abd al-Aziz
Umar bin Abd-al ‘Aziz on Death:
Umar bin Abd-al ‘Aziz once wrote to some of his relatives saying: when a person truly senses that death may come at any moment, worldly things lose their attraction, and the heart turns towards what is everlasting and peaceful.
Umar’s Last Speech:
In his final speech, Umar bin Abd-al ‘Aziz said that the possessions of those who had died went into the hands of the living, and that those still alive would likewise leave their wealth behind for others.
He reminded the people that day and night they see people coming and going, being laid into the earth to return to their Lord.
Umar bin Abd-al ‘Aziz described the grave as a place that is not smooth or comfortable, where a person leaves behind their loved ones and faces their reckoning with Allah SWT
He stressed that a person is poor compared to what lies ahead of him in the Hereafter, and rich only in what he has sent forward in good deeds, not what he leaves behind.
Umar said: By Allah, I am telling you this because I know that none amongst you knows this, the way I know it myself.
After finishing this speech, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz did not live long and eventually, he was carried from that gathering to his grave.
Umar’s Cause of Death:
It is reported that Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz died on the 20th of Rajab in the year 101 AH and he was around 39 years old.
At the time of his death, it was reported that his reign as the Caliph was approximately two years and five months.
Reports state that he was poisoned by one of his servants, who had been bribed by some Umayyads who opposed his rule.
When Umar questioned the servant about how much he had been paid to carry out the poisoning, the servant replied: one thousand dinars.
Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz said: Return this to the Bayt al-mal (Muslim Treasury) because this is Haram money for you. I have forgiven you, so go wherever you want.
Umar’s Final Words:
His wife Fatimah said that Umar bin Abd al-Aziz often recited this verse before he passed away: ‘Life in the Hereafter is meant for those who do not choose grandeur or corruption in this world and success is destined only for the godfearing.’ (Quran, 28:83)