Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, often called Umar II, was the Umayyad caliph who ruled for a short but transformative period (717–720). He is celebrated as one of the greatest rulers in Islamic history due to his absolute justice and return to the simple lifestyle of the first caliphs.

Before becoming caliph, he was the governor of Medina and a scholar in his own right. During his reign, he abolished unjust taxes, returned confiscated property, and initiated the official collection and recording of Hadith to prevent their loss.

His death marked the end of a brief era that many consider to be a revival of the Rashidun Caliphate.