LAHORE - Provincial Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that the era of the Righteous Caliph, Amir al-Mu'minin Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), represents a brilliant chapter of justice, exemplary leadership, and a welfare state that will continue to guide humanity until the end of time. He emphasized that only by following the principles established by Hazrat Umar (RA) can the foundation of a true Islamic and welfare society be laid.
Conference on Martyrdom of Farooq-e-Azam
The minister expressed these views while addressing as the chief guest at a special conference titled “Martyrdom of Farooq-e-Azam: Golden Principles of Justice, Leadership, and the Islamic State.” The event was organized by the Department of Auqaf and Religious Affairs Punjab at Khatam-un-Nabiyyin University (Quran Board Building), Upper Mall, on the occasion of 1st Muharram-ul-Haram, the Day of Martyrdom of Farooq-e-Azam (RA).
Secretary Auqaf Highlights Revolutionary Steps
Addressing the conference, Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsaan Bhutta thanked the honorable guests for their arrival. He clarified, based on historical facts, that the life of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was a beautiful blend of justice, bravery, honesty, public service, and fear of Allah. Dr. Bhutta described Hazrat Umar (RA) as the “Great Architect” of the Islamic state, who took several revolutionary steps including the introduction of the Hijri calendar, the permanent system of Bait-ul-Mal, establishment of the judiciary, appointment of Qazis, formation of provincial and district administration, and the creation of police and jails. The effects of these measures are still visible in the administrative systems of the world today.
Dr. Ehsaan Bhutta further stated that Hazrat Umar (RA) separated the judiciary from the executive for the first time in Islamic history, making it independent, which established the immortal system of “Adl-e-Faroqi” (Farooqian Justice). By fixing regular stipends for orphans, widows, disabled persons, senior citizens, and the poor, he laid the foundation of the world’s first practical welfare state. The level of strict accountability was such that no governor was above the law.
Love for Ahl-e-Bait and Public Service
Dr. Bhutta also highlighted Hazrat Umar's immense love for the Ahl-e-Bait-e-Athar. Despite being the Caliph, he used to patrol at night to understand public conditions and personally carried relief goods from Bait-ul-Mal on his own shoulders for the needy. This, he said, is the true character of a sincere public servant. He reiterated the commitment that the process of spreading the teachings of ancestors from the platform of Auqaf will continue.
Director General’s Remarks on Administrative Measures
At the end of the ceremony, Director General of Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman specifically mentioned Hazrat Umar Farooq’s (RA) administrative measures, the establishment of Bait-ul-Mal, and public relief measures during the days of famine. He urged religious scholars and intellectuals to introduce the new generation to the golden principles of Farooq-e-Azam (RA) so that extremism can be eliminated from society.
Religious Scholars Pay Tribute
Eminent religious scholars, including Maulana Intikhab Nuri, Maulana Zubair Hasan, Maulana Allama Zubair Ahmed Zaheer, Maulana Qazi Abdul Ghaffar Qadri, Maulana Allama Shafiq Pasruri, Allama Sajid Hussain Jawadi, Mufti Imran Hanfi, Mufti Ahmed, Allama Mukhtar Ahmed Nadeem, and Maulana Abdul Razzaq Azad, paid rich tribute to the system of government of Syedna Farooq-e-Azam (RA) in their respective speeches during the conference. While highlighting the philosophy of “Adl-e-Faroqi,” they emphasized that the concept of the welfare state established by him is not just a part of history but the only solution to the economic and social crises of every era.
