The Chaliphate - Muir - The Search For Mecca

192 'OMAR [chap. XXVI.
A.H. 23. 'Omar was the first who assumed the title Amir al-
First
Mu'minin, or "Commander of the Faithful." '^Khalifa
"Com- (Caliph, Successor) of the Khalifa (Abu Bekr) of tJie Prophet
Faithful." of the Lord wd^s too long and cumbersome a name," he said,
" while the other was easier, and fitter for common use."
Burial. According to his desire, 'Omar was buried side by side
with the Prophet and Abu Bekr, in the chamber of 'Aisha.
Soheib, as presiding over the public Prayers, performed the
funeral service, and the five Electors, with the Caliph's son,
lowered the body into its last resting-place.
Stormy The Muslim annalist may well sigh as, bidding farewell
prospec
.
^^ ^j^^ strong and single-minded Caliph, he enters on the
weak, selfish, and stormy reign of his successor.