What is the answer to the misconception regarding ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) disrespecting Abu Hurayrah, and the reason ‘Umar hit Abu Hurayrah in the hadith: "Go with these two sandals of mine, and whoever you meet behind this wall who testifies that there is no god but Allah, believing in it with certainty in his heart, then give him the glad tidings of Paradise"?

The Companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the best of this Ummah in knowledge and deeds. Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) is al-Farouq (the Discerner) and the best of them after Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Umar was intensely devout and knowledgeable; truth was uttered by his tongue and heart. He was an inspired recipient of divine communication whose opinions often coincided with revelation. He was distinguished by his strictness and firmness in Allah's religion, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) affirmed his actions and diligent efforts. As for the incident of his push to Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), it was a pedagogical push to prevent him from informing people of the glad tidings of Paradise so that they would not become complacent, and it was not intended for harm or falsehood. The Prophet (peace be upon him) approved of it. The relationship between Umar and Abu Hurairah was based on mutual love and respect, and Abu Hurairah himself narrated the virtues of Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them).