Power to the People

Gold dinar of Umar, c. 719. Picture taken from the American Numismatic Society's website

Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz (r. 717–720 CE), often called the Fifth Rightly Guided Caliph, was known for his justice, humility, and piety. His own family members, the Umayyads, were used to receiving privileges. When they complained about losing their special allowances, he told them:

"I cannot grant you what is not mine. The wealth belongs to the people, and I am only its guardian." One night, as he was working late in his office, a servant entered and began speaking to him about a personal matter. Omar immediately blew out the state-funded candle and lit his own. When asked why, he said:

"The first candle is paid for by the public treasury, and I cannot use it for personal matters."

Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz found that his predecessors had amassed great wealth through unfair taxation. He ordered that unjust taxes be abolished and wealth be returned to the people.

Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz once wrote to one of his governors, “Relieve the burdens of the people. If you find anyone in need, give them. If you find someone in debt, pay it off. If there are poor people without food, feed them. If there are jobless people, provide them work. If there is anyone oppressed, grant them justice. The wealth in your hands belongs to the people, and if you do not use it for them, I will replace you with someone who will.”

His reforms were so effective that, by the end of his rule, there were hardly any poor people left to receive charity!