Honouring The Leader Of The Believers

‛Umar ibn al-Khaṭaab (may Allah be pleased with him), who sought little from this world and who very much disliked to see manifestations of richness or extravagance from his governors.

On one occasion he visited the governor of Sham, Mu‛awiyah ibn abu Sufyaan (may Allah be pleased with them both), who gave a warm welcome to him and arranged for a very large convoy. ‛Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was amazed and said, "By Allah, he is the Kisra of the Arabs." ‛Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) became very angry indeed and reproached his governor for being extravagant. Mu‛awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) responded, "In our land, there are many spies from the enemy. Therefore, we must show them the dignity and power of the ruler so as to instill fear into their hearts. But if you order me, I will do so, and if you forbid me, I will abstain." ‛Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "If what you say is true, then it is the opinion of a very intelligent and wise man. And if it is false, then it is the deception of a very literate and civilized man." Mu‛awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), "Order me, O Leader of the Believers." ‛Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I neither order you nor forbid you."