"He brought out his arm and the hand was cut off.."

Some fighters came from Syria, heading for Yemen, and ‘Umar had dishes of food that he would set out after Fajr. One of those men came and sat down, and started to eat, using his left. ‘Umar – who used to watch the people whilest they were eating – said to him: “Eat with your right hand,” but he did not respond ‘Umar repeated it, and he said, “O’ Ameer al-Mu’mineen, it is busy.” When he had finished eating, ‘Umar called him and said, “What kept your right hand busy?” He brought out his arm and the hand was cut off. ‘Umar said, “What is this?” He said, “I lost my hand on the day of al-Yarmook.” He said, “Who does wudoo’ for you?” He said, “I do wudoo’ with my left hand, and Allah helps me.” He said, “Where are you going?” He said, “Yemen, to my mother whom I have not seen for many years.” He said, “And you honour your mother too.” And he ordered that he be given a servant and five camels from the camels given in charity, and he loaded them up for him.”

‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab his life and times by Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi.

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