English Translation

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "O Allah, strengthen Islam through 'Umar ibn al-Khattab." — He had beaten his sister at the beginning of the night while she was reciting: "Read in the name of your Lord who created" (96:1). He thought he had killed her. Then he arose at dawn and heard her voice reciting: "Read in the name of your Lord who created." He said: "By Allah, this is neither poetry nor murmuring." So he went until he came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and found Bilal at the door. He pushed the door, and Bilal said: "Who is this?" He said: "'Umar ibn al-Khattab." Bilal said: "Wait until I seek permission for you from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)." Bilal said: "O Messenger of Allah, 'Umar is at the door." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "If Allah intends good for 'Umar, He will admit him into the religion." He told Bilal: "Open." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) seized him by his upper arms, shook him, and said: "What do you want and what have you come for?" 'Umar said to him: "Present to me what you call to." He said: "Bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone without partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger." So 'Umar accepted Islam on the spot and said: "Go out (and proclaim it)."