'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar ibn al-Khattab

‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (ca. 614-693) was an authorized transmitter of traditions and the son of the second caliph. He was a man of high moral qualities who refused three times to become caliph.

'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar was born to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab and his wife Zainab bint Mazaun Jamiah sometime around 614. Prior to his conversion to Islam, 'Umar had three wives. However, after he became Muslim only Zainab joined her husband in accepting the new faith. 'Abd Allah also accepted Islam at a young age, but he was not allowed to join Muhammad in battle until he was fifteen. The first battle he fought in was against the forces of Abu Sufyan during the Battle of the Trench, which occurred during 627.

When 'Ali ibn Abi Talib became caliph, 'Abd Allah refused to give him allegiance. Instead he moved from Medina to Mecca, saying he was going to perform Umrah (pilgrimage to Mecca at a time other than Hajj). After the assassination of Caliph 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, 'Abd Allah regretted having let 'Ali fend for himself in the dangerous political environment that had become prevalent. Because of 'Abd Allah's refusal to give allegiance to 'Ali, the Shi'a have a negative view of 'Abd Allah for downplaying 'Ali's role during Muhammad's time and giving support to Yazid ibn Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, the murderer of the grandson of Muhammad, Husayn ibn 'Ali and 72 members of his family and companions.


'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar was the son of the second caliph, 'Umar ibn Khattab. He was a prominent authority in hadith and law, and was known for his neutrality toward factions engaged in the first civil war within the Muslim community (656-661).

'Abd Allah ibn Umar was born to Umar ibn al-Khattab and his wife Zaynab bint Madh'uwn (sister of Uthman bin Madh'uwn) sometime around 614.

Prior to his conversion to Islam, Umar had three wives, however, after he became Muslim only Zainab joined her husband in accepting the new faith. 'Abd Allah also accepted Islam at a young age, but he was not allowed to join Muhammad in battle until he was fifteen. The first battle he fought in was against the forces of Abu Sufyan during the Battle of the Trench, which occurred during 627.
 

After Hasan ibn 'Ali abdicated his post as Caliph in favor of Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan in 661, Ibn 'Umar gave him his allegiance.

'Abd Allah was a strong proponent of Qadr.

'Abd Allah had a number of sons, including 'Abd-al-Rahman ibn Abd-Allah and Salim ibn Abd-Allah.  It is also worth noting that 'Abd allah's sister, Hafsa bint Umar, was a wife of Muhammad.


Alternative names include:

'Abdallah ibn 'Umar
'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar ibn al-Khattab
'Abdullah ibn 'Umar
Ibn 'Umar
Ibn 'Umar, 'Abdallah
Ibn 'Umar, 'Abdullah
Ibn 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, 'Abd Allah