In every Friday sermon across the Islamic territories during the rule of Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz (717-720 CE), a sacred verse from the Quran was recited, not just as words, but as a pillar for his administrative reforms. Verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl, emphasizing justice, benevolence, and prevention of wrongdoing, was instituted as an official declaration of the vision for transformative change in the Umayyad Caliphate.
This move was a clear manifestation of Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz's commitment to restoring Sharia principles in all aspects of administration, different from previous practices that sometimes strayed from the fundamental values of Islam. His actions outlined a moral and ethical blueprint that must be embraced by leaders and common people alike, ensuring that justice is not just rhetoric but the core of state affairs.
Vision of the Reformer Khalifah
Umar bin Abdul Aziz, who ruled for a short but impactful period, is known as the fifth Khalifah in Islam, often compared to the Rightly Guided Caliphs for his piety, justice, and simplicity. He ascended the throne when the Umayyad Caliphate was grappling with issues of social injustice, ethnic discrimination, and corruption. Immediately after his appointment, he launched sweeping reforms aimed at purging the administration of unjust practices and restoring the dignity of the Muslim community.
One of the first and most significant actions was directing that verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl be included in every Friday sermon. Previously, it was customary to mention the name of the caliph and pray for him in the sermon. Umar bin Abdul Aziz replaced this tradition by reminding Muslims of Allah SWT's command to act justly and do good. This was a strong symbol that power comes from Allah and should be used to uphold His commands, not for personal or dynastic interests.
Guiding Verse, Foundation of Administration
Verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl succinctly encapsulates the main principles in building a just and prosperous society. Its translation reads:
"Indeed, Allah commands justice, benevolence, and giving to relatives; and He forbids indecency, wrongdoing, and oppression. He teaches you so that you may take heed."
Allah's command encompasses three positive values that must be upheld: justice (`al-'adl`), benevolence or ihsan (`al-ihsan`), and maintaining family ties (`īta'i dhī al-qurbā`). At the same time, it prohibits three negative actions: indecency (`al-fahsyā'i`), wrongdoing (`al-munkar`), and oppression or aggression (`al-baghyi`).
By making this verse a part of the sermon, Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz effectively instilled these values in the collective consciousness of the Muslim community. It serves as a continuous reminder to governors, judges, officials, and the general public about their moral responsibilities. He himself set the prime example, returning illegally seized properties to their rightful owners, abolishing unfair taxes on *mawali* (non-Arabs who embraced Islam), and ensuring appointments were based on competence and piety, not lineage.
Enduring Legacy of Justice
The reforms initiated by Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz, although brief, left a deep legacy. The institutionalization of verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl in the Friday sermons not only changed the format of the sermons but also the mindset of the administration. It reaffirmed that Islamic governance must be based on universal divine principles, transcending personal or narrow political interests.
This story demonstrates that the Quran is not merely a sacred book for rituals, but a comprehensive guide for state governance and community life. Umar bin Abdul Aziz's approach shows how a single verse of the Quran can become a powerful instrument for social and political change, shaping a more just and ethical society. To this day, this verse is frequently cited in Islamic administrative discourse as a fundamental principle that every leader and individual must uphold in building a civilized, prosperous, and principled society.
This practice continues in the tradition of Friday sermons in many Islamic countries, where verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl is often recited at the end of the second sermon. It is a continuous reminder of Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz's vision and the Quranic teachings on justice, benevolence, and rejection of oppression, which remain relevant through the ages.