Question

Is there an authentic narration regarding the height of Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu)?

Answer

Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded a narration on the authority of ‘Imran ibn Milhan, Abu Raja Al ‘Utaridi who describes Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) as tall.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has declared this chain authentic.

(Al Isabah, vol. 7, pg. 313)

Other famous Biographers of Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) like Imams Ibn ‘Abdil Barr and Ibnul Athir (rahimahumallah) have also described Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) as tall.

(Al Isti’ab, vol. 3, pg. 236 and Usdul Ghabah, vol. 4, pg. 167 under the biography of Sayyiduna ‘Umar. Also see: Tahdhibul Asma Wal Lughat, vol. 2, pg. 29)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar