The Caliphate and Virtues of Uthman ibn Affan (RA)

 

 # Uthman ibn Affan (RA)'s Caliphate and Virtues ### *A Beacon of Modesty, Justice, and Qur'anic Preservation*

 ## **Introduction**

 Among the illustrious companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, few shine as brightly as **Uthman ibn Affan (RA)** — the third rightly guided caliph (Khalifah Rashid), known as **Dhul-Nurayn** (the Possessor of Two Lights).  His life was a blend of generosity, modesty, administrative excellence, and unmatched service to Islam.  Supported by authentic references from Islamic sources, this article investigates the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (RA), his virtues, accomplishments, and the challenges that characterized his leadership. ---

 ## Islamic Acceptance and Early Life Uthman ibn Affan (RA) was born in the **Banu Umayyah clan** of the Quraysh tribe, five years after the Prophet ﷺ.  His father was Affan ibn Abi al-As and his mother was Arwa bint Kurayz, a cousin of the Prophet ﷺ.

 He embraced Islam through the efforts of **Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA)** and was among the earliest converts.

 > "Uthman was one of those who accepted Islam in its infancy and migrated twice for Allah's sake." > — Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah ### Wedded union with the Prophet's daughters He wed Ruqayyah (RA), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, for the first time. After her demise, the Prophet ﷺ married him to his other daughter, **Umm Kulthum (RA)**, thus giving him the unique title:

 > “If I had a third daughter, I would marry her to Uthman.”

 > — Hadith 520, Musnad Ahmad Because of this, he was given the title "Dhul-Nurayn," which means "the Possessor of Two Lights." He was the only person in history to have married two daughters of prophets. ---

 ## **Virtues of Uthman ibn Affan (RA)**

 ### 1.  Extreme Gentleness Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

 > “Shall I not feel shy before a man before whom the angels feel shy?”

 > — *Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2401*

 This hadith reflects the unparalleled modesty of Uthman (RA).  Even the Prophet ﷺ adjusted his posture when Uthman entered the room.

 ### 2.  "Examples of Generosity" His wealth was always used in Islam's favor. He was particularly well-equipped during the "Battle of Tabuk": * **950 camels**

 * "Fifty horses" * **1000 gold dinars**

 The Prophet made a statement: > “Nothing Uthman does after this day will harm him.”

 > "Jami at-Tirmidhi," Hadith 3701 ### 3.  **Among the Ten Promised Paradise**

 He was one of the ten companions who received the good news of Paradise during their lifetimes, the "Ashara Mubashsharah." > “Uthman is in Paradise.”

 > — *Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3747*

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 ## **Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (RA)**

 ### **Election to Caliphate**

 After the assassination of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), a **council of six** was formed by Umar (RA), including Ali (RA) and Uthman (RA).  **Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA)** conducted a consultation and the people pledged allegiance to Uthman in 23 AH (644 CE).

 > “The most pious among the Umayyads, generous, and modest — he is your next Caliph.”

 > — "Trakh al-Abar," volume 3, page 200*

 ### **Duration**

 * 12 years (from 644 to 656) * First 6 years: Peace, expansion, development

 * Last 6 years: Internal unrest and sedition

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 ## **Major Contributions During His Caliphate**

 ### 1.  **Compilation and Standardization of the Qur’an**

 One of the greatest legacies of Uthman’s caliphate was the **standardization of the Qur’an**.  With the Islamic empire spreading and **dialectal variations** arising, Uthman (RA), upon the advice of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (RA), ordered a committee led by **Zayd ibn Thabit (RA)** to compile an official version.

 > “We made multiple copies of the Qur’an and sent one to each province.”

 > — *Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4987*

 This ensured **linguistic unity** and **prevented disputes** over Qur’anic recitation.  Today’s Qur’an is called **Mushaf Uthmani** in his honor.

 ### 2.  **Expansion of the Islamic Empire**

 Uthman (RA) led massive conquests without personally going to battle — a sign of strong leadership.

 * **North Africa**: Tunisia, Algeria

 Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the rest of Asia Minor * **Central Asia**: Khurasan, Sijistan

 * **Mediterranean**: Foundation of the first **Muslim naval fleet**, conquering **Cyprus**

 > "Under Uthman, the land grew faster than during the reigns of Abu Bakr and Umar together." > — *Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Ibn al-Athir*

 ### 3.  **Social and Economic Reforms** * Introduced **administrative divisions** in the provinces

 *appointed qualified governors and judges * Developed **infrastructure**: roads, mosques, canals

 *Gave wealth to widows, orphans, and the less fortunate ---

 ## **Trials and Martyrdom**

 ### **Fitnah (Sedition) and False Allegations**

 Internal dissension, particularly from Egypt and Iraq, plagued the latter half of his rule. Hypocrites and political agitators like **Abdullah ibn Saba** spread false allegations against Uthman (RA), including nepotism and misuse of public funds.

 Al-Tabari and Imam Ibn Kathir, two ulama, confirm that the majority of the charges were made up. Even **Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)** rejected the accusations.

 > "You are aware that these individuals are lying. You are smarter than this! > — *al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, vol.  7*

 ### The Seizure of His House Despite being advised to fight or leave Madinah, Uthman (RA) chose **patience** and **non-violence**.

 > “I will not be the first to shed Muslim blood in the name of leadership.”

 > — *Tārīkh Ibn Jarir al-Tabari*

 He forbade his guards and companions from retaliating.

 ### **Martyrdom**

 On **18 Dhul-Hijjah 35 AH**, while reciting the Qur’an, the rebels stormed his house and assassinated him.  The verse was splattered with blood: > **“So Allah will suffice you against them, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” **

 > [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:137] He was **82 years old**, fasting on the day of his martyrdom.

 > "His blood fell on the mushaf when I saw Uthman while he was fasting and reciting the Qur'an." > — The Prophet Khalifah ibn Khayyat ---

 ## **Reactions of the Companions**

 * **Ali (RA)** wept bitterly at Uthman’s death and condemned the killers.

 *Aisha (RA)* described him as "the man of modesty and piety" in her grief. * **Abdullah ibn Umar (RA)** said: “No one is more beloved to me after the Prophet than Uthman.”

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 ## **Lessons from His Life**

 1.  **Patience in Adversity**

 2.  Preventing Civil War 3.  **Unity of the Ummah through the Qur’an**

 4.  **Modesty as a strength**

 5.  **Serving Islam with wealth and wisdom**

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 ## **Poetic Tribute**

 > *A light of the Ummah, Uthman his name,*

 > *Twice blessed in the Prophet's noble flame. *

 > "He met his fate with the Qur'an in his hand," > *A martyr of truth, pure and great. *

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 ## **Conclusion**

 The life and caliphate of **Uthman ibn Affan (RA)** exemplify the virtues of **modesty, wisdom, sacrifice, and integrity**.  His legacy, particularly his peaceful resistance to civil unrest and the preservation of the Qur'an, serves as an example for leaders and believers alike. His martyrdom marked a critical moment in Islamic history but also solidified his position as a **shining star among the rightly guided caliphs**.

 > "O Allah, be pleased with Uthman and give him the highest place in paradise because he lived and died serving Your Book and Your Prophet." ---

 ## **References**

 1.  **Sahih al-Bukhari**

 2.  Muslim (Sahih) 3.  **Jami’ al-Tirmidhi**

 4.  **Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal**

 5.  **Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī**

 6.  **Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah** – Ibn Kathir

 7.  **Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh** – Ibn al-Athir

 8.  **Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah** – Ibn Hajar

 9.  Al-Baladhuri – Fatuh al-Buldan 10.  **Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d**

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