Uthman

Lore & Background

Uthman was born to an affluent family of the Banu Umayya clan in the Hejaz. His father died young, leaving him a large inheritance, which he invested in trade, becoming one of the wealthiest people of the Quraysh. He converted to Islam in 611 after a discussion with Abu Bakr, becoming one of the earliest converts. He migrated to Abyssinia in 615 with his wife Ruqayya to escape persecution, and later migrated to Medina in 622. He participated in several military expeditions, though he did not join the Battle of Badr, as Muhammad commanded him to remain in Medina to care for his ill wife. He was known for his generosity, earning the honorific title 'Ghani' (exceedingly generous), and provided the largest individual financial contribution for the Expedition of Tabuk.

Reader's Guide

Uthman's significance lies in his role as the third caliph, during which he ordered the official compilation of the standardized version of the Quran, known as the Uthmanic codex, which remains the standard text used by Muslims worldwide. His reign saw the Caliphate expand further into Persia, Khurasan, Transoxiana, Ifriqiya, and the Iberian Peninsula. He instituted centralized reforms to create a more cohesive administrative structure and fostered rapid economic growth. However, his reign was criticized for nepotism, and the last years were marked by discontent that evolved into an armed revolt, leading to a siege upon his residence and his assassination. Sunni Muslim tradition considers him the third rightly-guided caliph. His legacy includes the preservation of the Quranic text and the administrative consolidation of the early Islamic state.

Did You Know?

• Uthman was the oldest person to hold the caliphate, ruling from ages 68 to 71.
• He was known by the honorific title 'Dhū al-Nurayn' ('The Possessor of Two Lights') because two of his wives were daughters of Muhammad.
• During the Pledge of the Tree, Muhammad placed his own hand over his other to represent Uthman's pledge while Uthman was absent.
• Uthman purchased Ali's shield for five hundred dirhams, using four hundred as mahr for Fatima's marriage, then later returned the armor as a wedding present.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"No one does a good deed but Allah will make it show on him." — Uthman "If our hearts were truly pure, we would never have our fill of the words of your Lord." — Uthman "No one conceals something in his heart, but Allah causes it to be seen on his face or in a slip of the tongue." — Uthman "Things may be achieved by means of authority that cannot be achieved by means of the Quran." — Uthman