Khuzayma > Umar ibn Khattab

Historically, Umar ibn al-Khattab was one of the prophet’s closest companions and father-in-law. Umar participated in almost all battles and expeditions under Muhammad, who bestowed upon him the title al-Fārūq ( الفاروق), which translates to “the one who distinguishes between right and wrong.” This title underscores how the prophet viewed Umar’s reputation for justice and his ability to discern truth from falsehood. After Muhammad’s death in June 632, Umar pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr (r. 632–634) as the first caliph. He served as the closest adviser to the latter until August 634, when Umar succeeded him as the second caliph.

According to Hadith, Umar was adamant that the Quran he knew contained a verse regarding the stoning of adulters. He is attributed with pushing for this in numerous hadith narrations, including his infamous speech to the Ansar during the bay’ah (pledge) for Abu Bakr. He is even attributed with supposedly stating that if there wouldn’t be an uproar, he would have included this verse in the Quran himself.

‘Abdullah b. ‘Abbas reported that ‘Umar b. Khattab sat on the pulpit of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and said: Verily Allah sent Muhammad (ﷺ) with truth and He sent down the Book upon him, and the verse of stoning was included in what was sent down to him. We recited it, retained it in our memory and understood it. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) awarded the punishment of stoning to death (to the married adulterer and adulteress) and, after him, we also awarded the punishment of stoning, I am afraid that with the lapse of time, the people (may forget it) and may say: We do not find the punishment of stoning in the Book of Allah, and thus go astray by abandoning this duty prescribed by Allah. Stoning is a duty laid down in Allah’s Book for married men and women who commit adultery when proof is established, or it there is pregnancy, or a confession.