Your status in Islam

 1. During his Khilafah, Hazrat Umar was walking through the markets along with some important officials. 

After becoming the Khalifa, he was always addressed as "Ameer al Moomineen". 

Suddenly, someone in the market shouted, "Umar"!

2. The entire entourage halted and traced back the voice, it was an old woman. 

Umar left the entourage and went to that old lady. 

She kept complaining and complaining, reminding Umar of his duties and similar things.

3. Umar kept listening without saying a word. The sight was unsettling for many because of various reasons.

First and foremost, nobody would dare to call Hazrat Umar by his name, and that too in the marketplace. 

Secondly, Umar won't keep on listening without replying.

4. Thirdly, this woman was complaining about various things and kept reminding Umar of his duties.

A long time passed before she excused Umar to leave. 

The entire entourage was astounded after witnessing what had transpired before their eyes.

5. Lastly, she started her complaint by saying, "Umar, I remember you when you were called Umair (little Umar) taking care of the sheep with your stick"

6. When Hazrat Umar returned, they asked him about the woman who spoke to Ameer al Moomineen in such a manner!

He replied that, "She was Khwala bint Tha'labah, the same women who complained in front of our Prophet ﷺ and her complaint was being listened by Allah on arsh!

7. By Allah , if she did not leave me until night fell, I would not tell her to leave until she had got what she came for, unless the time for prayer came, in which case I would pray, and then come back to her until she had got what she came for."

8. She was the same woman for whom the initial verses of Surah Mujadilah were revealed. 

She was extremely poor, but her connection with Allah was so strong that Allah mentioned her in the Quran and revealed verses in her support.

9. As Prophet ﷺ said, there are some people from this nation who are disheveled, lack money, and social status, but if they take an oath by God, God will surely honor that oath.

10. The Khalifa whose rule is spread over three continents is being scolded by an old woman that nobody in the market even recognizes!

In Islam, your proximity to Allah defines your status, nothing else.