MCQ Detailed View

Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (R.A), the second Caliph of Islam, is widely recognized for his administrative brilliance and reforms that laid the foundation of a well-organized Islamic state. Among his many contributions, the introduction of the police system—known as Shurta in Arabic—was a major step in ensuring justice, security, and social order in Madinah and the expanding Muslim territories.

Before the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (R.A), the concept of a formal police force as we understand it today did not exist in the Muslim community. Disputes were generally settled through tribal customs, direct intervention by leaders, or the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself. However, with the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire during Hazrat Umar's reign, the need for a structured system to enforce laws and maintain discipline became clear.

The Shurta officers under Hazrat Umar (R.A) were tasked with multiple responsibilities:

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  Enforcing public order and moral conduct.

  
  


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  Assisting judges (Qadis) in executing their rulings.

  
  


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  Preventing theft, fraud, and public disturbances.

  
  


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  Protecting marketplaces and ensuring fair trade.

  
  


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  Guarding state treasury and public properties.

  
  

Hazrat Umar (R.A) was deeply committed to justice and fairness. He emphasized that the police system should not become a tool of oppression but rather a means of protecting citizens’ rights. He personally monitored officials to prevent abuse of power. His system also placed strong importance on accountability—officers were answerable to the Caliph and could be removed if found guilty of misconduct.

This early Islamic police system was a model of efficiency, moral responsibility, and public service, and it inspired later Muslim rulers to maintain disciplined law enforcement institutions.

Thus, Hazrat Umar’s (R.A) introduction of the police system stands as a testament to his foresight, leadership, and commitment to justice in Islamic governance.