ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE IN THE ERA OF THE CALIPHATE OF UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Governance is a priority in a ruling system. Effective governance requires leaders who are capable of shouldering the responsibilities well and have high integrity in carrying out the duties of governing the country. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab was a great figure in the history of Islam and he was highly regarded by the whole world for bringing about many reforms in his administrative system. The system practiced by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab was also followed by his successors after him. From previous studies, it was found that no research touched on the administration of governance implemented by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab but only stated the branches of governance. Therefore, this research aims to study the biography of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and to identify the methods of state governance during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab as well as to analyse the contribution of state governance under the rule of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. This study used a qualitative method approach through historical study and content analysis. Collected data were analysed via external and internal criticism. The results of this study found that his becoming the leader of Muslims was timely and Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab was the first caliph to be given the title of Amir al-Muminin (Leader of the Believers) as opposed to his predecessor Caliph Abu Bakr who was called the Caliph of the Messenger of God. During his reign, the shura system was widely implemented. It was clear that Umars steadfastness in carrying out Islamic administration was to achieve the ultimate goal of Allahs pleasure. The administration and approach taken by Caliph Umar which provided much service to the state and led to many successful Islamic conquests in subduing non-Islamic governance systems that existed at that time should serve as a reference and guide today.