What was the military system in the reign of Hazrat Umar?

updated on 2,Aug,2026

*The Military System in the Reign of Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA)*

*Introduction*

 

The reign of the second Caliph of Islam, *Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) 13-23 AH / 634-644 CE*, marks a turning point in Islamic history. It was during his Khilafat that Islam transformed from a regional state into a world empire stretching from Persia to Egypt and North Africa. 

 

This rapid expansion was not accidental. It was the result of a highly organized, disciplined, and revolutionary military system that Hazrat Umar established. While Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) had led successful campaigns against the apostates and initiated wars against the Byzantines and Sassanids, there was no permanent, institutionalized army during his time.

Hazrat Umar realized that to manage a growing empire and continuous conquests, Islam needed a standing, regular army with rules of recruitment, salary, training, logistics, and administration. His reforms laid the foundation of Islamic military organization for centuries to come.

This article explores in detail the military system of Hazrat Umar (RA) with historical references.

*1. Need for a Regular Army
 

During Hazrat Abu Bakr's era, the army was tribal and temporary. People would join campaigns and return to their homes after. But after the conquests of Iraq, Syria, Persia, and Egypt, the Caliphate faced new challenges:

1.  *Defense of vast borders* from Rome and Persia

2.  *Garrisoning conquered cities* 

3.  *Continuous jihad* and administration

4.  *Fair distribution of war spoils and salaries*

According to _Al-Baladhuri in Futuh Al-Buldan_, it was *Waleed bin Hisham* who advised Hazrat Umar to create a "Diwan" - a register for the army. This marked the beginning of the first regular military department in Islamic history.

*2. Establishment of Diwan Al-Jund - The Military Register
 

Hazrat Umar (RA) established *Diwan Al-Jund*, the first military register. 

*Key features:*

 

- *Registration by tribe and merit*:

 

The names of Quraish and Ansar were entered first. Then Muhajireen, then those who fought in Badr, Uhud, and other battles.

 

- *Priority in salary*:

 

Those who participated in *Battle of Badr* received the highest stipend. After them came the Muhajireen of Abyssinia, then the Muhajireen of Madinah, and then Ansar. This was to honor precedence in Islam [_At-Tabari, Tarikh Ar-Rusul Wal Muluk, Vol 4_].

 

- *Salary structure*:

 

The minimum salary was fixed at *100 dirhams* per year and the maximum at *5000 dirhams* per year for senior commanders [_Abu Yusuf, Kitab Al-Kharaj, p.24_]. 

 

- *Family stipends*:

 

Not only soldiers but their *children and wives* also received stipends. Even *slaves who fought* were given stipends equal to their masters.

 

- *Annual payments*:

 

Payments were made twice a year, usually before Eid.

This system ensured loyalty, prevented favoritism, and created a professional class of soldiers.

*3. Division of the Army*

Hazrat Umar divided the military into two main categories:

*A. Al-Jaysh An-Nizami - The Regular Army*

This was a standing army. They lived in permanent *military cantonments "Amsar"* and were always on duty. Their job was frontier defense, internal security, and leading campaigns.

*B. Al-Jaysh At-Tatawwu - The Volunteer Army* 

These were civilians who lived in their homes. When needed, a call for jihad was announced and they joined. They were also paid when on duty. This kept a large reserve force ready without burdening the treasury.

There were always approximately *10,000 troops on active duty* ready for deployment [_At-Tabari, Vol 4_].

*4. Military Cantonments - Al-Amsar*

 

To avoid mixing of soldiers with urban populations and to maintain discipline, Hazrat Umar ordered the establishment of *garrison cities*. These were not just camps but full military cities.

*Major Cantonments established:*

1.  *Kufa, Iraq* - For the Persian front

2.  *Basra, Iraq* - For southern Persia and naval operations

3.  *Fustat, Egypt* - After conquest of Egypt by Amr bin Al-As

4.  *Mosul, Iraq* - For northern frontier

5.  *Jazira* - For Byzantine frontier

*Facilities in each cantonment:*

 

- *Barracks* for soldiers to live

- *Stables* for horses with attached pastures. Special care was given to breeding Arabian horses [_Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah_]

- *Diwan offices* for record keeping of names and salaries

- *Supply depots* for weapons, clothing, and rations

- *Training grounds* for exercise

- *Hospitals* and *judges* for legal matters

The largest concentration of cantonments was in *Khuzestan* region due to its strategic location against Persia.

A separate department was created to guard *coastal areas and border posts "Thughur"* against Roman naval attacks.

*5. Logistics and Rations*

 

Hazrat Umar paid great attention to soldier welfare. A soldier was not just a fighter but a state employee.

*Monthly ration per soldier:*

- *40 kg of wheat/barley*

- *12 kg of olive oil*

- *12 kg of vinegar* [_Abu Yusuf, Kitab Al-Kharaj_]

Later, instead of raw food, cooked meals were provided from state kitchens.

*Clothing*: Two sets of clothes were given every year. 

*Weapons*: Provided by the state armory "Bayt As-Silah".

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*6. Training and Discipline*

 

Hazrat Umar believed that a strong body makes a strong army. 

*Compulsory training included:*

1.  *Horsemanship "Furusiyyah"*

2.  *Archery "Ramayah"*

3.  *Swimming*

4.  *Running barefoot* to build stamina [_Ibn Saad, At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra_]

*Other rules:*

- *Friday was a holiday* for rest and Jumuah prayer.

- *Leave twice a year* was granted so soldiers could visit families.

- Every army had *Qudat - judges*, *Katib - accountants*, *Atibba - doctors*, and *Turjuman - translators* for conquered nations [_At-Tabari, p.2225_].

- *Pamphleteers and spies "Uyoon"* were sent with every army to report directly to the Caliph. This intelligence network was one of Umar’s greatest strengths.

*7. Command Structure*

 

The supreme commander was *Hazrat Umar himself*. He would personally review plans and appoint commanders like:

- *Khalid bin Waleed* - Syria and Iraq

- *Saad bin Abi Waqqas* - Qadisiyah and Persia  

- *Amr bin Al-As* - Egypt

- *Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah* - Syria

Below the commander were officers whose salaries ranged from *7,000 to 10,000 dirhams per year*. The chain of command was clear and based on merit and piety, not just lineage.

*Recruitment* became so popular that Arabs from all tribes wanted to join. The army included not only Arabs but also *new Muslims, Romans, Jews, and Indians* who converted and joined [_At-Tabari_].

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*8. Engineering and Infrastructure*

 

Hazrat Umar used manpower from conquered nations for public works that helped the army:

- *Construction of roads* for faster troop movement

- *Building bridges* 

- *Digging canals* for supply transport, like the canal from Nile to Red Sea

This ensured that armies could be supplied and moved quickly across the empire.

*9. Impact and Legacy

 

The military system of Hazrat Umar (RA) had 3 major impacts:

1.  *Professionalization*: For the first time Muslims had a salaried, standing army instead of tribal levies.

2.  *Welfare State*: The concept of state responsibility for soldiers and their families began here.

3.  *Administrative Model*: The Diwan system was later copied by Umayyads, Abbasids, and even the Ottomans.

Within 10 years, the Islamic state defeated the two superpowers of the time - the Byzantines and Sassanids - and established security from Libya to Iran.

*Conclusion

 

 

Hazrat Umar (RA) did not just expand territory. He built institutions. His military reforms turned the Muslim army into the most organized force of the 7th century. The principles of register, salary, training, cantonments, and welfare he established became the backbone of Islamic governance for 1000 years.

He proved that victory comes not just with swords, but with systems, justice, and care for the soldier.

_“I am not afraid of a nation that sleeps while its ruler is awake”_ - Hazrat Umar (RA)

*Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs* 

*About the Military System of Hazrat Umar (RA)*

*Q1: Why did Hazrat Umar (RA) create a regular army?* 

*Ans:* During Hazrat Abu Bakr's (RA) time, the army was temporary and tribal. After massive conquests of Iraq, Syria, Persia and Egypt, Hazrat Umar realized the need for a permanent, salaried, and organized army to defend borders, garrison cities, and manage continuous campaigns. This led to the creation of `Diwan Al-Jund` [At-Tabari, Vol 4].

*Q2: What was Diwan Al-Jund?*

*Ans:* `Diwan Al-Jund` was the first military register established by Hazrat Umar (RA). It recorded the names of soldiers, their tribes, and their precedence in Islam. Salaries and stipends were distributed from this register twice a year. Priority was given to Badr veterans, then Muhajireen, then Ansar [Abu Yusuf, Kitab Al-Kharaj, p.24].

*Q3: How much salary did a soldier get?*

*Ans:* The minimum salary was *100 dirhams/year* and maximum was *5000 dirhams/year* for top commanders. Regular soldiers received *200-300 dirhams/year*. In addition, each soldier got monthly rations: 40kg grain, 12kg olive oil, 12kg vinegar. Children and wives of soldiers also received stipends [Abu Yusuf, Kitab Al-Kharaj].

*Q4: What were Al-Amsar or Military Cantonments?*

*Ans:* These were permanent garrison cities built by Hazrat Umar (RA) to house the regular army. Major ones were *Kufa, Basra, Fustat, Mosul*. Each cantonment had barracks, horse stables, training grounds, supply offices, hospitals, and courts. This kept soldiers disciplined and separate from civilians [Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah].

*Q5: What kind of training did soldiers receive?*

*Ans:* Training was compulsory. It included *horsemanship, archery, swimming, and long-distance running*. Every cantonment had open fields for exercise. Health and fitness were prioritized, especially after soldiers fell sick in Madayn in 17 AH [Ibn Saad, At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra].

*Q6: Did non-Arabs serve in the army?*

*Ans:* Yes. The army was not limited to Arabs. It included *new Muslims, Romans, Jews, and Indians* who joined after converting to Islam. Around 10,000 troops were always on active duty [At-Tabari, Vol 4].

*Q7: What was the intelligence system like?*

*Ans:* Hazrat Umar (RA) had a very strong intelligence network. Every army had *spies "Uyoon" and pamphleteers* who sent direct reports to the Caliph in Madinah. He also appointed *judges, doctors, accountants, and translators* with each army to manage administration [At-Tabari, p.2225].

*Q8: What leave and holidays did soldiers get?*

*Ans:* *Friday was an official holiday* for Jumuah and rest. Soldiers were also given *leave twice a year* to visit their families. This was to maintain morale and prevent burnout.

*Q9: Who were the main commanders during his reign?*

*Ans:* The main field commanders appointed by Hazrat Umar (RA) were:

1.  *Khalid bin Waleed (RA)* - Syria & Iraq

2.  *Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA)* - Persia, Battle of Qadisiyah

3.  *Amr bin Al-As (RA)* - Egypt  

4.  *Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah (RA)* - Syria

The supreme command, however, remained with Hazrat Umar himself.

*Q10: What is the legacy of Umar’s military system?*

*Ans:* Hazrat Umar’s system became the model for all later Islamic states. The concepts of *military register, salary, pension, cantonments, and logistics* were adopted by the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Ottomans. It professionalized jihad and turned the Muslim army into the most disciplined force of that era.

*References.

 

1.  *Abu Yusuf, Yaqub*. _Kitab Al-Kharaj_. Dar Al-Maarif, p.24. 

2.  *At-Tabari, Muhammad bin Jarir*. _Tarikh Ar-Rusul Wal Muluk_. Vol 4, p.2225. Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyah.

3.  *Al-Baladhuri, Ahmad*. _Futuh Al-Buldan_. Dar Nashr Al-Kutub Al-Islamiyah.

4.  *Ibn Kathir, Ismail*. _Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah_. Vol 7. Dar Ihya At-Turath Al-Arabi.

5.  *Ibn Saad*. _At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra_. Vol 3. Dar Sadir, Beirut.

6.  *Al-Mawardi*. _Al-Ahkam As-Sultaniyah_. Chapter on Jund

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