UMAR (RADHIALLAHU ANHU) WAS THE SECOND CALIPH (RULER) OF THE MUSLIMS. DURING HIS REIGN, THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVOLUTIONISED.
HERE ARE SOME OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS:
¤ CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY
Whenever an important issue cropped up, this assembly was called up. Each person had the right to speak freely and nothing was decided without the consent of the majority.
A citizen had the right to approve or reject officials.
¤ REVENUE DEPARTMENT
Non-Muslims paid land tax, called Khiraaj, annually.
Muslims had to pay Zakaat on their wealth, and Ushr (one tenth) was levied on all crop raised in the year.
The Muslim paid more tax than the non-Muslim.
¤ PUBLIC WORKS
Canals were dug. The most famous was the Ameerul Mu’mineen Canal which connected the Nile to the Red Sea.
Musjids, military camps, guest houses, government residences and prisons were also built.
¤ EDUCATION
Primary schools were set up and children were taught to read and write. The Hijri calendar was introduced for the keeping of records.