دورِ فاروقی میں حکومتی عہدیداروں اور عوام الناس سے احتساب کا تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

The era of Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) is a luminous chapter in Islamic history, in which such practical examples of justice and accountability were established that remain a guiding light for the principles of governance until the end of time. The governance style of ʿUmar (RA) is clear evidence that a just ruler not only plays an exemplary role in legislation and administration but also keeps himself and his officials within the sphere of public accountability. To him, authority was synonymous with responsibility; therefore, integrity, competence, and public service were the fundamental criteria for the selection of government officials. Accountability in ʿUmar’s (RA) rule was not limited to officials alone; rather, directly reviewing the issues, grievances, and needs of the general public was also among his regular practices. He would patrol the markets, closely observe people’s lives, and order the immediate resolution of their complaints. Upon receiving any report of dishonesty or misuse of power by an official, he would, without hesitation, hold them accountable and, if necessary, remove them from their position. The foundational principle of accountability in that era was that both the ruler and the subjects were equal before the law. Transparent distribution of state resources, safeguarding the Bayt al-Māl (public treasury), and prioritizing public welfare were defining features of this system. The self-accountability of ʿUmar (RA) was such that he considered himself answerable even for the smallest matters of the state. This research study examines the principles and practical models of accountability during the era of ʿUmar (RA), with the aim of deriving guidance for the establishment of systems of governmental transparency, justice, and responsibility in the modern age.

Keywords: Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA), Islamic History, Justice, Accountability, Competence.