Death·Rashidun
Assassination of Caliph Umar
- Date
- 3 November 644 CE26 Dhu al-Hijjah 23 AH1,382 years ago
- Place
- Medina
- People
- Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz, Uthman ibn Affan
Umar was stabbed during the dawn prayer in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The attacker was Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz, a Persian captive. Umar died several days later. Before his death he appointed a six-member council to choose the next caliph. The council chose Uthman ibn Affan. Umar was buried beside the Prophet and Abu Bakr.
Why it matters
His death led to a council-based selection of the next caliph and set the stage for Uthman's caliphate.