Uthman

Uthman ibn Affan, born around 576 in Mecca, was the third caliph of the Rashidun period, holding power from 644 until his death in 656. He was a second cousin and son-in-law of the prophet Muhammad, as well as a senior companion. His most enduring achievement was overseeing the creation and distribution of a single, standardized version of the Quran, the Uthmanic codex, which remains the basis for the Quran used by Muslims today.

Before his death, the second caliph Umar appointed a six-member council to choose his successor. At 68, Uthman was elected, making him the oldest person to become caliph. Under his rule, the caliphate expanded into Persia, reaching Khurasan and Transoxiana in the east, and extending to Ifriqiya and the Iberian Peninsula in the west. He introduced centralized reforms to create a more unified government and spurred rapid economic growth.

The final years of his reign, however, were troubled by growing discontent. Opposition groups gathered in Medina and besieged his home. Despite efforts by supporters and companions to defend him, rebels assassinated Uthman on 17 June 656. This event sparked political and sectarian conflicts that followed. Sunni tradition regards him as the third rightly-guided caliph.

Uthman was born into the wealthy Banu Umayya clan of Mecca, the son of Affan ibn Abi al-As and Arwa bint Kurayz. Through his mother, a first cousin of Muhammad, he was related to the prophet. He grew up as a successful merchant among the Quraysh and had one sister, Amina.

After a business trip to Syria in 611, Uthman learned of Muhammad’s mission. Following a discussion with Abu Bakr, he converted to Islam, becoming one of the earliest converts—after Ali, Zayd ibn Haritha, and Abu Bakr. His conversion angered his uncle, Hakam ibn Abi al-As, a strong opponent of Muhammad. Uthman was among the twenty-two Meccans at Islam’s dawn who could write.

To escape persecution, Uthman and his wife Ruqayya migrated to Abyssinia in April 615 with ten other Muslim men and three women. More Muslims joined later. Using existing business contacts, Uthman continued trading and prospered. After four years, false news that the Quraysh had accepted Islam prompted him and 39 others to return. Finding the report untrue, they resettled in Mecca, where Uthman rebuilt his business with help from his Abyssinian contacts.

In 622, Uthman and Ruqayya were among the third group to migrate to Medina. He first stayed with Abu Talha ibn Thabit, then bought his own house. As one of Mecca’s richest merchants, he brought his fortune and needed no help from the Ansar. Recognizing an opportunity to promote Muslim trade in a town dominated by Jewish merchants, he quickly became one of Medina’s wealthiest men. Two of his wives were Muhammad’s elder daughters by Khadija, earning him the title Dhū al-Nurayn (“Possessor of Two Lights”). He was also known as “Ghani” (exceedingly generous) for his donations. When Ali married Fatima, Uthman bought Ali’s shield for five hundred dirhams—four hundred went toward Fatima’s dower, and the rest covered other expenses. Later, he returned the armor to Ali as a wedding gift.

Uthman took part in several early military expeditions. He did not join the Battle of Badr because Muhammad ordered him to stay in Medina with his ill wife Ruqayya; Muhammad still granted him a share of the spoils. At the Battle of Uhud, Uthman was among those who retreated, an act said to be forgiven by a Quranic revelation. After Uhud, he joined the Battle of Hamra al-Asad, protecting Muawiya ibn al-Mughira. He also accompanied Muhammad during the Siege of Banu Qurayza, afterward purchasing some captives from the prophet to help secure weapons and horses. He continued participating in campaigns throughout Muhammad’s lifetime, including those of Ghatafan and Dhat al-Riqa.