The story of Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه is one of faith, sacrifice, and leadership. As the third Caliph of Islam, he led the Ummah through one of its most critical periods. His life was defined by deep piety, immense generosity, and unwavering patience.
He was a man of remarkable modesty—so much so that the Prophet ﷺ said about him:
أَلَا أَسْتَحِي مِن رَجُلٍ تَسْتَحِي مِنْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ
"Should I not feel shy before a man whom even the angels feel shy of?" (Muslim: 2401)
What made Uthman رضي الله عنه so special? What were his contributions to Islam? And how did he meet his martyrdom with unwavering faith? This is his story.
Early Life and Noble Lineage
Uthman رضي الله عنه was born into the powerful Banu Umayyah clan of the Quraysh. His full name was:
Uthman ibn Affan ibn Abi al-'As ibn Umayyah ibn Abd al-Shams.
His mother, Arwa bint Kurayz, was the granddaughter of Abdul Muttalib, making her the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ. This noble lineage placed him among the most respected men in Makkah even before Islam.
Acceptance of Islam and the Title "Dhun-Nurayn"
Uthman رضي الله عنه was one of the earliest people to accept Islam. He was introduced to the message of Islam by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه, and without hesitation, he embraced it.
He was famously given the title Dhun-Nurayn (The Possessor of Two Lights) because he married two daughters of the Prophet ﷺ:
Ruqayyah
- Uthman married Ruqayyah after the Prophet ﷺ received revelation.
- She gave birth to Abdullah, and Uthman’s Kunyah was Abu Abdullah.
- Uthman رضي الله عنه migrated to Abyssinia with Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها.
- During the Battle of Badr, he stayed behind because Ruqayyah was gravely ill.
- After the Muslims' victory at Badr, she passed away.
Umm Kulthum
- After Ruqayyah's passing, the Prophet ﷺ married Uthman to Umm Kulthum.
- This unique honour of being married to two daughters of a Prophet ﷺ was never granted to any other man in history.
Physical Appearance and Personal Traits
Uthman رضي الله عنه was known for his handsome features and dignified presence. Descriptions of his appearance include:
- Neither excessively tall nor short.
- Beautiful face (حسن الوجه).
- A large beard (كبير اللحية), which he dyed with saffron.
- Golden teeth (شَدَّ أَسْنَانَهُ بِالذَّهَبِ).
- He wore simple clothing, even as a Caliph. He once delivered a khutbah wearing a garment that cost four dirhams.
Despite his immense wealth, he was humble and lived simply.
Uthman’s Generosity: Funding the Muslim Community
The Well of Rumah
When the Muhajirun arrived in Madinah, they struggled to access fresh water. A man from the tribe of Ghifar owned a well named Ayn Rumah and charged high prices for its water.
The Prophet ﷺ said to the man:
"Sell it to us for Jannah."
But the man refused, as it was his only source of income.
When Uthman رضي الله عنه learned about this, he purchased the well for 35,000 dirhams and made it free for all Muslims.
The Prophet ﷺ declared that for this act, Uthman earned a well in Jannah. (Al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr:1226)
Funding the Army of Tabuk
During the Battle of Tabuk, the Muslim army needed urgent funding. Uthman رضي الله عنه donated 1,000 dinars and provided 750 camels and 50 horses.
The Prophet ﷺ, upon receiving his contribution, tossed the gold coins in his hands and said:
"ما ضر عثمان ما عمل بعد اليوم"
"Nothing will harm Uthman after today." (Tirmidhi: 3701)
This statement is one of the strongest praises ever given to a companion.
The Compilation of the Qur’an
During the expansion of the Islamic empire, differences in Qur’anic recitation emerged among the newly converted regions. Concerned that this could lead to confusion, Uthman رضي الله عنه took a decisive step:
- He requested Hafsa رضي الله عنها to send him the original compilation of the Qur'an made by Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.
- He formed a committee led by Zayd ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه, along with:
- Said ibn al-As
- Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr
- Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Harith
- The official copies were sent to the major Islamic cities.
- All other unofficial copies that contained variations were burned, ensuring unity in recitation. (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 4987)
Even Ali رضي الله عنه later stated:
"If Uthman had not done what he did, I would have done it."(Al Masāhif 1/207)
This effort preserved the Qur'an in its exact form, unchanged to this day.
The Tragic Martyrdom of Uthman (رضي الله عنه)
Towards the end of his caliphate, rebels began spreading false accusations against him. They besieged his house for days, demanding he step down.
Despite having the support of many companions, Uthman refused to fight back, recalling a covenant he made with the Prophet ﷺ.
On the 18th of Dhul Hijjah, 35 AH, as Uthman رضي الله عنه was reciting the Qur'an, the rebels broke into his home and murdered him. His blood splattered on the verse:
فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
"So Allah will suffice you against them, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 137) (Mustadrak al-Ḥākim:4611)
Conclusion: A Legacy That Lives On
Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه was a beacon of humility, generosity, and patience.
- He was the only man to marry two daughters of a Prophet.
- He funded the Muslim army and purchased a well for the community.
- He compiled the Qur’an, ensuring its preservation.
- He was martyred while reading the Qur'an, fulfilling the prophecy of the Prophet ﷺ.
His life teaches us selflessness, faith, and unwavering commitment to Islam. May Allah be pleased with Uthman ibn Affan and grant us the ability to follow in his footsteps. Ameen.
The pursuit of knowledge is more than just acquiring facts—it is about understanding, applying, and living the principles found in the Qur’an and Sunnah. The lives of the Companions serve as enduring examples, guiding us toward a life of sincerity, sacrifice, and faith.
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