Abu Lu’lu’a al-Majusi
Abu Lu’lu’a al-Majusi, known as Firoz al-Nahavandi, was a Persian from Nahavand. He was referred to as Abu Lu’lu’a, named after his daughter, Lu’lu’a. Among his people, he was recognized as Baba Shuja ad-Din. Captured by the Romans, he was subsequently taken by Muslim forces and brought to Medina in the 21st year of the Hijra. He became a client of al-Mughira ibn Shu’ba and was skilled in various trades, including blacksmithing, carving, and carpentry. Notably, Abu Lu’lu’a al-Majusi was responsible for the assassination of the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Assassination of Umar ibn al-Khattab
Many individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Persians and others, converted to Islam. However, some Persians remained Zoroastrians, including Abu Lu’lu’a al-Majusi, who assassinated Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) on a Wednesday, just four days before the end of Dhul-Hijjah in the 23rd year of the Hijra. It is noteworthy that Umar had performed the Hajj that year. Abu Lu’lu’a lay in ambush for him in the mosque, armed with a double-edged, poisoned dagger. When Umar stood to arrange the rows for the Fajr prayer and initiated the prayer, Abu Lu’lu’a attacked him, stabbing him in the shoulder and abdomen. Umar recited the verse: “And the command of Allah is a decreed matter.” [Al-Ahzab: 38]. He then took hold of Abdullah ibn ‘Auf’s hand, appointing him to lead the prayer. After a brief prayer, Umar was taken home, where he became faint and lost consciousness due to the blood loss. Once daylight broke, he regained consciousness, performed ablution, and prayed with his children’s assistance. Umar requested Ibn ‘Abbas to go out to the people and ask, “Who among you was responsible for this?” fearing he had wronged someone unknowingly. The people replied, “God forbid! We knew nothing of this.” When he learned that his assailant was a Zoroastrian slave, he expressed gratitude: “Praise be to Allah who has not made my murderer argue with me before Allah over a single prostration he made.” Additionally, Umar sent his son Abdullah to Aisha with a message: “Umar sends you greetings, but do not refer to me as the Commander of the Faithful, for I am not their leader today. Please permit me to be buried alongside my companions.” Aisha agreed, stating, “I had hoped for him to be buried with me, but today I will prefer him over myself.” After his passing, he was prayed upon by Suhayb al-Rumi in the Prophet’s mosque and laid to rest beside his companions.
Abu Lu’lu’a’s Own Demise
Following the assassination of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Lu’lu’a al-Majusi fled the mosque, attacking Muslims as he went; he inflicted wounds on several, resulting in the deaths of seven out of thirteen victims. When he noticed the presence of more Muslims surrounding him, he covered himself with a cloth and took his own life.