Committed to the education and enlightenment of his people, be they in Libya or in Sudan, the wise and profound teachings of Sheikh Omar Mukhtar enveloped both the inward realms of spiritual ascent and the outward realities resulting from war and transgression, inflicted by the Italian forces.
His first military engagement was in Chad, where he participated in a battle against the French colonial powers in the region of Wadai. His courage and valor drew much attention and admiration from the senior fighters on the battlefield and it was once said by Muhammad Al-Mahdi - one of the leading Sheikhs of the Sanusi brotherhood - that all the Muslims needed were ten people like Omar Mukhtar, for victory to be attained.
This high compliment contributed to Omar Mukhtar's appointment to the post of Sheikh in the region of Jabal al-Akhdara, a green and mountainous region buried deep within the Libyan hinterland.
The tribes and inhabitants of that region were notorious for their unruly demeanor, stubborn ignorance and were especially characterized by their weak adherence to religion. However the wise and kind mannerism and leadership of Omar Mukhtar was sufficient incentive to tame and cultivate virtuous traits in this most disorderly bunch. Such was the success and accomplishment of the sheikh that the Ottoman administration sent words of compliment and appreciation to Omar Mukhtar in acknowledgement of his pastoral activities.