Death of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (RA)

Jun 25

Death of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (RA)

Tuesday 18 Dhul Hijjah, 1445

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is well-known for his wisdom, generosity, and steadfast belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. He was the third caliph of Islam, and under his leadership, Islam experienced immense growth and prosperity. He was martyred on June 17, 656 (Shawwal, 35 A.H.) in Madinah.

During his time as caliph, Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) developed a centralized government. He was also responsible for organizing the official version of the Holy Quran. The death of Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is a very significant event in Islamic history because after this, political and religious conflicts began within the Islamic community.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan: The Third Caliph of Islam

Hazrat Usman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is one of the most respected personalities in Islamic history. His full name is Uthman Ibn Affan bin Al-Aas bin Umayyah bin Abdul Shams bin Abd Manaf (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). His impact on the Muslim community has left a lasting impression on the world. His (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) kunya (patronymic) is Abu Amr.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan is known as ‘Zun-Nurain’ (Possessor of two Nurs). This is because the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) gave two of his respected daughters in marriage successively to him. The first was Ruqayyahh bint Mohammad (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) who died on the night of the Battle of Badr. The Prophet (ﷺ) then married his daughter Umm Kulthum bint Mohammad (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) with him.

According to Islamic scholars, none of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) companions is known to have married two of his daughters except for Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). He was also among the ten blessed individuals who were given the tidings of Paradise in his lifetime, and one of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) companions involved in compiling the final version of the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Usman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is also referred to as Saḥib-ul-Hijratain (the one who migrated twice) since he first migrated to Ḥabshah (Ethiopia) and then to Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Early Life of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was born in 576 C.E. in the city of Makkah. He was born 6 years after the Event of the Elephants (Amu-ul-Fil). In this incident, Abraha, a Yemeni ruler, led an army of elephants towards Makkah intending to destroy the Holy Kaaba. His lineage merges with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) after 5 generations.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was born into the wealthy and influential Umayyad tribe of the Quraish in Makkah. He was very handsome and had a noble character. Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had good business knowledge and received a good education. He also knew a lot about Arabic literature and commerce.

Affan ibn Abi al-‘Aas, Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) father, was also a successful merchant. His mother, Arwa bint Kurayz, belonged to a prominent family. His father passed away before Islam, and his mother died during his caliphate.

Character Before Islam

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was one of the best people among his community even before the coming of Islam. He was considered a highly respected individual from the Banu Umayyah tribe by everyone. He held a high position and was very well-spoken and humble. People cherished him greatly and held him in high regard.

Even before Islam and the Prophet (ﷺ), Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) never bowed to any idol. He also didn’t participate in any unethical behavior, such as drinking alcohol. He deeply understood lineages, proverbs, and the history of significant events. He traveled to Syria and Ethiopia and discovered details about the lives and traditions of non-Arabs that no one else understood.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) managed the cloth business he had inherited from his father extremely well and increased his wealth. However, he always used his money to help the needy people in his society.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) Embracing Islam

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) always had a strong desire for gaining knowledge. After discovering the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) and his teachings, Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) developed the urge to learn more about the religion of Islam. To learn more about Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and understand the principles of Islam, he started to spend more time with the Holy Prophet (ﷺ).

Being in his company, Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) started admiring the Holy Prophet’s (ﷺ) belief, virtuous character, and humility. These attributes left a lasting impression on his mind and soul. Shortly after becoming part of the Prophet's (ﷺ) community, Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) clearly understood the logic of its teachings and the truth of Islam.

He was 34 years old when Hazrat Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) invited him to Islam, and he immediately accepted the invitation without any hesitation. He was the fourth individual to accept Islam after Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Hazrat Ali ibn Talib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), and Zaid ibn Harithah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ).

Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) faced a lot of resistance from his family and tribe after he embraced Islam. However, he stayed firm in his beliefs. His initial contributions to Islam were providing financial assistance to the emerging Muslim community, which was very important for its survival and development.

Life of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan During the Life of the Prophet

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stood firm with the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) against the enemies of Islam. He took part in the Battle of Uhud and the Battle of the Trench. Throughout his life, he demonstrated extreme courage, resilience, and commitment to Islam.

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) dedicated his wealth to the improvement of the Muslim community. He used his wealth to help poor families as well as the families of martyrs. Due to his charitable deeds and kindness, he earned the title of Al-Ghani (the Generous).

Migration to Ethiopia

Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and his wife Ruqayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا), the daughter of the Prophet (ﷺ), migrated to Ethiopia (Abyssinia) with ten Muslim men and three women. Subsequently, a few Muslims migrated to join them. All Muslim migrants could safely and freely practice Islam in Ethiopia. Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) already had several business connections in Ethiopia, so he continued his business as a trader.

When rumors spread that the people of Makkah had embraced Islam, the migrants in Ethiopia returned. However, as they approached Makkah, they discovered that the news was false. Nonetheless, every migrant entered the city, including Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and his wife. They then stayed in Makkah until the migration to Madinah.

Migration to Madinah

Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Ruqayya (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) were among the Muslims who migrated to Madinah. Upon arriving, Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stayed with Abu Talha ibn Thabit (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) before purchasing a house.

After the Prophet Mohammad (ﷺ) settled in Madinah, he began establishing the foundation of an Islamic State. Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) played a significant role in the Islamic State. He offered advice and all his wealth without any hesitation.

The Battle of Badr and the Death of Ruqayyah

When the Muslims set out to engage in the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Uthman’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) wife Ruqayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) was ill and bedridden. Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) hurried to accompany the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but he instructed Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to remain with his wife and care for her.

Obeying the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) remained with Ruqayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا). As she took her final breaths, she desired to see the Prophet (ﷺ), but passed away without seeing him. Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) laid her to rest in Al-Baqee, the sacred burial ground of Muslims close to Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah.

Role of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan in the Battle of Uhud and The Pledge of Ridwan

It is narrated by Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

‘(the son of Muhib) An Egyptian who came and performed the Hajj to the Ka`ba saw some people sitting. He enquired, "Who are these people?" Somebody said, "They are the tribe of Quraish." He said, "Who is the old man sitting amongst them?" The people replied, "He is `Abdullah bin `Umar." He said, "O Ibn `Umar! I want to ask you about something; please tell me about it. Do you know that `Uthman fled away on the day (of the battle) of Uhud?" Ibn `Umar said, "Yes." The (Egyptian) man said, "Do you know that `Uthman was absent on the day (of the battle) of Badr and did not join it?" Ibn `Umar said, "Yes." The man said, "Do you know that he failed to attend the Ar Ridwan pledge and did not witness it (i.e. Hudaibiya pledge of allegiance)?" Ibn `Umar said, "Yes." The man said, "Allahu Akbar!" Ibn `Umar said, "Let me explain to you (all these three things). As for his flight on the day of Uhud, I testify that Allah has excused him and forgiven him; and as for his absence from the battle of Badr, it was due to the fact that the daughter of Allah's Messenger () was his wife and she was sick then. Allah's Messenger () said to him, "You will receive the same reward and share (of the booty) as anyone of those who participated in the battle of Badr (if you stay with her).' As for his absence from the Ar-Ridwan pledge of allegiance, had there been any person in Mecca more respectable than `Uthman (to be sent as a representative). Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) would have sent him instead of him. No doubt, Allah's Messenger () had sent him, and the incident of the Ar-Ridwan pledge of Allegiance happened after `Uthman had gone to Mecca. Allah's Messenger () held out his right hand saying, 'This is `Uthman's hand.' He stroke his (other) hand with it saying, 'This (pledge of allegiance) is on the behalf of `Uthman.' Then Ibn `Umar said to the man, 'Bear (these) excuses in mind with you.' (Bukhari: 3698)

Marriage to Umm-e-Kulthoom and Her Death

Following Ruqayyah’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) passing, Prophet Mohammad (ﷺ) wed his daughter Umm-e-Kulthom (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) to Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in 3 A.H. She passed away in Shaban, 9 A.H. The Prophet (ﷺ) performed the funeral prayer for her. Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was profoundly saddened by her death.

Life of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan After the Prophet

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed away in 11 A.H. (632 AD), Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was chosen as the caliph. Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was the first individual after Hazrat Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to pledge his loyalty to Hazrat Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as caliph.

During the Wars of Apostasy (Ridda Wars) Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stayed in Madinah and served as Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) advisor. On his deathbed, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) instructed Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) on his will, stating that Hazrat Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was to be his successor.

In the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) held the role of adviser. He established a system for recording the wealth earned and spent (the Diwan). Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was also the one who suggested to Hazrat Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that he establish the Hijri Year (Islamic Calendar).

Selection as the Third Caliph of Islam

Hazrat Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) formed a six-member committee on his deathbed to select the next caliph. The members of this committee included Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Abdur Rahman bin Awf (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Al-Zubayr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), and Talha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The selection of Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as caliph was the preferred option.

On the fourth day after Hazrat Umar's (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) death in 23 A.H., Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)  was chosen as the third caliph and given the title 'Amir Al-Muminin' (The Prince of the Believers). After taking the oath of allegiance, Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) addressed the people and told them about his method of governance. He said that he would follow the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah and match the practices of the two previous caliphs.

Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) also told the people that he would manage matters with patience and insight. He also emphasized that he would make no compromises when it came to punishments. He warned the people about becoming obsessed with earthly possessions and superficial things, since these would cause fighting and bitterness.

Achievements During His Caliphate

During Hazrat Uthman’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) caliphate, the Islamic empire was united and grew immensely. One of the main achievements during his caliphate was the procurement of new lands, including regions of North Africa, Cyprus, and the Persian Empire. This significantly helped broaden the spread of Islam.

Moreover, Hazrat Uthman's (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reforms in administration included:

  • The creation of a centralized treasury
  • Uniformity in currency
  • Enhancements in public welfare services
  • Commissioning of the standardized edition of the Quran, referred to as the Mushaf of Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), to avoid inconsistencies in its recitation and communication

Martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan

Due to his strict policies, the later years of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) caliphate involved disharmony and resistance. In Shawwal, 35 A.H., the chaos became extreme, and rebels besieged Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in his house for forty days. They also stopped him from praying in the mosque and even restricted his access to water.

Despite so many hardships and oppressions, Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) refrained from shedding the blood of a Muslim for his own benefit. Even though his supporters tried to protect him, the conspirators entered his home from the back and martyred him while he was observing a fast and reciting the Holy Quran. His blood fell upon the Holy Quran. He was assassinated at the age of 82 after 12 years of leadership as a caliph on Friday, 18 Zul Hijjah 35 A.H. (17 June, 656 AD). He was buried at Al-Baqee.

Hazrat Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sent three pots of water to Hazrat Uthman’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) house, but very little of the water reached him since the servants from Banu Hashim and Banu Ummayyah carrying the water had been injured on the way. Once Hazrat Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) understood that there was a conspiracy to murder Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), he instructed his two sons, Hazrat Imam Hassan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Hazrat Imam Hussain (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), to stand guard at Hazrat Uthman's (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) door with swords to protect him from threats.

Similarly, Hazrat Talha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Hazrat Zubair (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), and other prominent companions sent their children to safeguard Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) from the rioters. The companions asked Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to allow them to fight against the rebels because diplomatic efforts had failed. However, Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said that if they wanted to please him, they should remain peaceful.

During Hazrat Uthman’s (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) attack, his wife Sayyidah Nailah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) was desperately calling for help. Unfortunately, her cries could not be heard because of the noise of the attackers. It is reported that she tried to protect Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) from the attack with her hands and lost her fingers.

Hazrat Uthman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) dedicated his entire life to the service of Islam. His generosity, wisdom, and steadfastness make him a role model for all Muslims. He led an extraordinary life before Islam and also during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). During his caliphate, he organized the official version of the Holy Quran and helped purchase land for the expansion of Masjid-e-Nabwi. Hazrat Usman (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was a huge asset for the welfare of Muslims and Islam.