All praise is due to Allah alone, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Complete salutation and adoration upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him.

Uthman Ibn Affan (R.A) : The Third Caliph- Al Ghani, The Generous; Dhun-Noorayn, Possessor of Two Lights

(Life: approx. 574AD – 656 AD)
(Caliphate: 644AD – 656 AD)

Preface: This is only a summary of the life of Uthman ibn Affan RA and does not cover all the points of his life story. It is not intended to be a biography, but rather a glimpse of the main incidents of his life so that we can get an idea of his character.

“Every Prophet has an assistant, and my assistant will be Uthman.”(Hadith)

EARLY LIFE

Uthman bin Affan was born in Taif, near Mecca approximately six years after the Year of the Elephant. Uthman’s birthright was the wealthy Umayyad Clan (Banu Ummaya) of the Quraish tribe in Mecca. The Omayyads were the most influential clan of the Quraish, they were the strongest and wealthiest, and Uthman was their “golden child”, the most beloved, due to his good manners and shyness. Like his predecessor Omar ibn Al Khattab, Uthman was able to read and write. This was an unusual skill in pre Islamic Arabia and Uthman became a successful trader and cloth merchant. Throughout his life he was known as a kind, generous man and even before his conversion to Islam he would freely give money to help those in need.

His physical attributes:

He was neither short nor tall, soft skinned, with a huge thick beard, big-boned, broad-shouldered, with thick hair on his head, and he used to dye his beard with saffron. Az-Zuhri said: 'Uthman was a man of average height, with handsome hair and face and a bald spot; he was bow-legged with a hooked nose, big calves, and long arms that were covered with hair. He had the most handsome mouth of all people, his hair came down below his ears, and he had a handsome face. It is most likely that he was white-skinned, and it was said that he was dark skinned.


Before Islam Uthman had been noted for his truthfulness and integrity.
When he learnt of the new religion and the Prophet SAW, Uthman made his way to Abu Bakr whom he knew to be a close friend of Muhammad’s SAW and who had already converted to Islam. Responding to Abu Bakr’s urging to reject the false worship of idols and to accept the belief in Allah as the One God, Uthman went to Muhammad SAW. The Prophet SAW welcomed Uthman and told him of his experience in Mount Hira, when he received the first revelation. Uthman was thrilled to hear this and recounted the incident in Syria telling him of the advent of a Prophet in Mecca. The Prophet SAW stretched his hand, which Uthman grasped in reverence, and declared “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” Uthman was thirty four years old and was one of the earliest Muslims.

Uthman’s conversion to Islam led to a violent reaction and he was not exempted despite his family’s standing in society. He had to suffer the wrath of his own uncle, Al Hakam bin Abi Al-Aas who tied him up and told him that he will not be freed until he returned to the old religion of his forefathers. Uthman said: “By Allah, I will never give it up or leave it.” Uthman was eventually set free when he remained steadfast in his belief and continued to uphold the religion.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISLAM DURING THE PROPHET’S SAW LIFETIME

Son-in-law of Muhammad SAW

Because of his conversion to Islam, Uthman had to separate from his wives, who refused to accept Islam. He was grieved and distressed by this, but his love for Islam was of more value to him. The Prophet SAW was so impressed by his sacrifice, that he married his second daughter, Ruqayya, to Uthman. It is said that Uthman and Ruqayya made a unique pair, as Uthman was the most beautiful person amongst the men, whereas Ruqayya was the most beautiful amongst the women.
It was narrated by 'Abd al-Rahmh ibn 'Uthman al-Qurashi that the Messenger of Allah entered upon his daughter when she was washing the head of 'Uthman and he said: "0 my daughter, take good care of Abu 'Abdullah, for he is the closest of my companions to me in attitude."
Marriage to the Prophet’s SAW daughter had elevated the bond shared between them. However, the marriage was short lived. Ruqayya was taken ill at a time when the Muslims went to war at Badr and subsequently passed away when the Holy Prophet SAW and the Muslims were fighting the Quraish at the battlefield of Badr.

Deeply grieved by the loss, Uthman was asked by the Prophet SAW to marry his other daughter, Umm Kulthum. When she too passed away six years later, the Prophet SAW noted Uthman’s grief in his manner of walking and expression on his face and said: “Had we a third daughter, surely, we would have given her in marriage to you.” What an endorsement when the Prophet of Allah SAW considers you worthy of marrying his own daughters!

It has been said that marriage to two daughters of the Prophet SAW had earned Uthman the nickname Dhun-Noorayn (the one with the two lights) as there was no one else had the privilege of having the Prophet SAW as a father-in-law twice over. And it was said that he was called Dhu'n-Noorayn because he used to recite a great deal of Qur'an in his prayer every night, and the Quran is light and praying qiyim al-lay1 is light.

To be continued or modified

The Migration

The persecution intensified and affected all the Muslims, to such an extent that Yassir and his wife Sumayyah were killed. The Prophet was deeply grieved, and wondered where could the Muslims go? Then the Messenger of Allah thought of Abyssinia and said to the Muslims: "Why don't you go to Abyssinia, for in (that land) there is a righteous king in whose land no one is wronged." The migration began, and the Prophet was saddened to see groups of believers sneaking out of makkahand travelling by sea. Some left riding, and others left on foot, and they continued marching until they reached the coast of the Red Sea. Then they appointed 'Uthman ibn Maz'oon as their leader and by the grace of Allah they found two ships on which they embarked in return for half a dinar for each person. Quraysh found out about that and they set off in hot pursuit, but when they reached the coast, the two ships had already set sail.

Among those who migrated during the first and second migration to Abyssinia was 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, and on both occasions he was accompanied by his wife Ruqayyah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah. They arrived in Abyssinia in Rajab in the fifth year after the Prophet's mission began, and they found safety, security. Prophet Muhammad praised his forbearing character and said “After Lot, Uthman is the first man who, with his wife, has given up the comfort of his home for the sake of God”.

Uthman’s migration to Abyssinia, while escaping the harassment by the Quraish and the oppression in Mecca, was also a means for him to lead by example, the peaceful life of worship to Allah. It has been said that migration from life to life, from existence to existence is a journey to Allah with new provisions as one concedes what is old with its sanctities and glories. For Uthman the migration had strengthened his good characteristics and made them more effective and elegant. It was primarily a migration of spirit.

HIS DEEN

Uthman formed a very close relationship with Prophet Muhammad, and he gained intricate knowledge about the religion of Islam. He narrated 146 traditions directly from the Prophet himself and was one of very few people who were able to write down Quran. Uthman also became a reference point for those trying to learn the rituals of worship. He understood and was able to instruct others in the rituals of ablution, prayer, and other Islamic rituals.

'Uthman was deeply attached to the Holy Qur'an. Abu Abd al-Rahmh al-Sulami narrated how he learned it from the Messenger of Allah, and his words indicate how greatly he loved to live with the Book of Allah*. It was narrated that 'Abu .Abd al-Rahmh al-Sulami said: Those who taught us the Quran such as 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ood and others -told us that when they learned ten verses from the Prophet they would not go beyond them until they had learned the knowledge contained in them and how to apply it in deed. They said: So we learned the Qur'an and knowledge and its application together. Hence they would spend a while to memorize a soorah.


History has recorded for us some of the things that 'Uthman said about the Holy Quran. He said:
"If our hearts were pure, we would never have our fill of the words of Allah, may He be glorified and "I would not like a day to come when I do not look in the
Covenant of Allah (i.e., the mus-haf)."~~]
"Three worldly things have been made dear to me: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and reading Quran.
"Ten things are the greatest waste of time: a scholar whom no
one asks about; knowledge that is not acted upon; sound advice
that is not accepted; a weapon that is not used; a Masjid that is not
prayed in; a Mus-haf that is not read from; wealth from which
nothing is spent (in charity); a horse that is not ridden; knowledge
of asceticism in the heart of one who is seeking worldly gain; and
a long life in which no preparation is made for the journey (into
the hereaafter).
'Uthman was hafiz of Quran, and he read Quran all the time. He was asked about that and he said: "It is blessed and was brought by a blessed one. When 'Uthman died, his Mus-haf was worn out because he had read from it so much.

GENEROSITY
In Medina his business again began to flourish and he regained his former prosperity. Uthman’s generosity had no limits. On various occasions he spent a great portion of his wealth for the welfare of the Muslims, for charity and for equipping the Muslim armies. That is why he came to be known as ‘Ghani’ meaning ‘Generous.’
In Medina, water was scarce and control of the wells was tightly held by several men. Because he was a skilful trader and negotiator, Uthman set about trying to procure a well for the use of the Muslims. He negotiated a price for half a well; he would have control one day and the other owner the next day. However, Uthman gave his water to the Muslims freely, so nobody wanted to pay for the water on the alternate days. The original owner of the well had no choice but to sell his half of the well to Uthman who nevertheless paid a fair price for it. The well then overflowed with its sweet water and provided the people of Medina with water at no price or account. Uthman continued to allow the water to be used freely by all and never reminded the people of his charity. He was humble and modest.

Uthman gave freely from his wealth to please God and His messenger Muhammad. Historical Islamic stories mention that every Friday Uthman would buy slaves for the purpose of setting them free and that although he was wealthy he was often without servants because of this habit. When Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim armies were going to fight the Byzantines at Tabuk, he called on the wealthier people to give from their wealth and property to support and equip the soldiers. Uthman presented 200 saddled camels and 200 ounces of gold. He also gave 1,000 dinars. Prophet Muhammad kept asking for donations hoping to inspire others to give as freely as Uthman. However, it was Uthman who surpassed them all and gave a total of 900 equipped camels.


Sources
http://bestislamstories..com.ng/2012/11/uthman-ibn-affan-ra-third-caliph.html
http://hadithoftheday.com/uthman-ibn-affan-ra/
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2180/viewall/uthman-ibn-affan/
The Biography of 'Uthman ibn 'Affan Dhun-Noorayn . By: Dr. Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi Translated by: Nasir Khattab Edited by: Hoda Khattab

Bay’a Al Ridwan

On the 1st of Dhul Qa’idah, in the sixth year of Hijrah, the Prophet with 1,400 Muslims from Medina began their journey to Mecca to perform their pilgrimage. As they journeyed, they heard that the Quraish would not allow them to enter the city. Upon reaching Hudaibiyah, the Prophet sent three messengers to the Meccans to convince them to allow the pilgrimage as that was their sole intention. Each returned unsuccessful. The Prophet then sent Uthman to cheer the believing men and women still in Mecca with the tidings that Allah was about to make their religious victorious.

Uthman entered Mecca under the protection of Abban bin Sayeed Umwi and conveyed the message. The Quraish offered him the opportunity to make tawaf but he refused for as long as the Prophet had been prevented to do so. The Quraish then decided to detain Uthman, perhaps wanting to ensure they had a “card to play” in negotiations with the Muslims but this resulted in rumours that he had suffered death in the hands of the Quraish.

The death of a messenger is often deemed as a declaration of war and the Prophet went about to prepare for a confrontation in Mecca. The Prophet SAW called upon his followers to take an oath that they will remain on the battlefield and to fight unto death, that they would not flee and will stand or fall together to avenge Uthman’s death. With one hand on the other, the Prophet said, “this is the pledge on behalf of Uthman”. The pledge had pleased Allah but thankfully it need not be acted upon for Uthman emerged soon after. Allah revealed a verse in Surat Al-Fath referring to the sanctity of the covenant:

“Verily, those who give Bay’ah (pledge) to you (o Muhammad) they are giving Bay’ah to Allah. The Hand of Allah is over their hands. Then whosoever breaks his pledge, breaks it only to his own harm; and whosoever fulfils what he has covenanted with Allah, He will bestow on him a great reward.” [Qur’an 48:10]

The Expedition to Tabuk
The ninth year after Hijrah saw the Prophet SAW preparing an army for battle with the Romans who were plotting to disrupt the State of Islam. With limited resources and the near impossible task of adequately equipping the army in the middle of a very hot summer, the Prophet sought the assistance of his companions to donate as much as they could. Uthman immediately obliged and was credited to have provided nine hundred and forty camels along with sixty horses for the Tabuk expedition. He had also given ten thousand dinars to the Prophet SAW to ensure that the army was well equipped. The Prophet SAW remarked, “Whatever Uthman does from this day onward, he will suffer no harm.”

THE CALIPHATE RULE OF UTHMAN BIN AFFAN

The portrait we are able to build of Uthman is that of a generous, unassuming, and kind man. He was known for his humbleness, modesty, and piety. Uthman would often spend the nights in prayer and he was known to fast often, sometimes on alternative days. In spite of his wealth, he lived simply and would often sleep, wrapped in a blanket, on the sand of the mosque. Uthman was appointed as the third leader of the Muslims after Prophet Muhammad by a council of six men. He continued the humane and just rule of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, and Omar. He cared for the Muslims and expanded the Muslim Caliphate into Morocco, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan. During his caliphate a navy was organized, administrative divisions of the state were revised, and many public projects were expanded and completed. Uthman sent prominent Companions of the Prophet (peace be on him) as his personal deputies to various provinces to scrutinize the conduct of officials and the condition of the people. Uthman’s most notable contribution to the religion of God was the compilation of a complete and authoritative text of the Qur’an. A large number of copies of this text were made and distributed all over the Muslim world. Uthman ruled for twelve years. For six years, his reign was one of peace and calmness, but the winds of change were blowing over the empire.

After receiving the pledge of allegiance, he stood up and said: “This world implied vanities, so let not the world mislead you and let no deceiver seduce you. Treat this world as Allah deals with it, and seek for the hereafter, for Allah gives an example of this world when He said: “Set forth to the similitude of the life of this world: it is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things. Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, good deed, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes.””

COLLECTION OF THE QURAN

Reports had surfaced that some Muslims were disputing the Qur’anic text, each claiming theirs to be the authentic version. Furthermore, with the conquests of many nations and the acceptance of Islam by many different people with various languages and varying Arabic dialects, Uthman was keen to maintain the language of the Qur’an as it had been revealed from Allah to the Prophet. In the twenty-fifth year of Hijrah Uthman ordered the collection of all the copies of the Qur’an available and chose to compile the Qur’an in a standard format in the dialect of the Quraish. Uthman entrusted Zaid bin Thabit, himself an authority on Qur’anic text, to work with other trustworthy companions of the Prophet.

Upon completion of the whole Qur’an, he then ordered four true copies to be made. Each one was sent to each major region of the empire and ordered them to destroy any other copies. Thus the standard copy of the Qur’anic text came into being. The Al-Mushaf Al-Uthmani is considered the master copy of the Qur’anic text from which all subsequent authentic copies of the Qur’an have been made.

The Expansion of the Islamic State
Upon his appointment, Uthman sent letters to his governors outlining his proposed policies and reminding them that as rulers, Allah had reminded them that their role is to protect society and not become tax collectors. The interest of all Muslims should be taken to heart and even with the enemies, their conduct should be upright.

As some lands in Iraq and Iran that were conquered by the Muslims had rebelled after the death of Umar, Uthman had directed the governor of Kufah in Iraq, Al Waleed bin Uqbah to strengthen their force. Uprisings in Ray, Iran and Alexandria, Egypt were also quelled. Under the command of Salman Al Farsi ten thousand soldiers were sent to Syria to defeat the Romans who had attacked the Muslim frontiers. This paved the way for further conquests in Asia Minor and further afield to the shores of the Black Sea.

From Egypt and on to the African coast right till the far west, Abdullah bin Abi As-Sarh ensured the conquest of the Muslim army. With the expansion of the Islamic State, it seemed necessary to establish a naval force to facilitate the armies’ passage across the Byzantine Empire and to Europe and Africa. Uthman granted permission to the Governor of Syria, Mu’awiyah bin Abi Sufyan to form a fleet by the 28th year after Hijrah. This formation of the naval force led to the conquest of Cyprus.

While the Islamic State had expanded in every direction, most of the inhabitants of the conquered lands had accepted Islam. Those who had chosen to keep their religion were treated justly and mercifully. Uthman gave his commands that the conquests should go beyond those rebellious areas to borders much farther and more distant, so that there would remain по sides ог farthest regions of the state, which could easily rebel whenever they so like. Не personally chose the leaders of armies which would undertake those tasks. Surprisingly, попе of them lost а single battle, excluding only опе.

THE REBELLION AND THE END

Uthman ruled for twelve years. While the first six years were marked by internal реасе and tranquillity, rebellion rose during the second half of his caliphate. As the Islamic state expanded greatly under his rule, so did the pool of hypocrites who had pretended to accept Islam but sought to disrupt and destroy the state. Rebels had gathered thousands to revolt against Uthman’s rule.

Тhe Jews and the Magians, taking advantage of dissatisfaction among the people, began conspiring against Uthman, and publicly aired their complaints and grievances. They gained sympathy and soon it was difficult to distinguish friend from foe. By that time Uthman was 82.He did not expect a revolt and was ultimately reluctant in having to see bloodshed within his state.

A rebellion in Kufah and Egypt seemed destined to create turmoil within the state. Vicious allegations abounded and were rampantly circulated against Uthman. In keeping this article brief, we will not be examining these in detail but suffice to say all of these accusations were baseless or out of context.

The ripple of discontent and dissension spread, but Uthman refused to acknowledge such reports and his advisors’ request to quell the riots. Because of his honesty and forthright personality, he did not use the funds from the treasury to employ additional guards to him and his home.

A group of armed rebels marched to Medina and was met by Ali ibn Abi Talib at the outskirts, who explained the gravity of the error and the falsehood of the rumours to them. The plea fell on deaf ears, and they went ahead to confront Uthman and put his household under a long siege. Ali bin Abi Talib sent his sons Al-Hasan and Al-Husain along with several others to defend Uthman but they refused to fight the rebels for fear of causing death of Muslims.

Тhe rebels demanded that Uthman abdicate, and indeed some of the Companions advised him to do so. He replied “By Allah, I would not be the first successor of the Messenger of Allah SAW to lead his nation to bloodshed … I would not depart from the homeland of my migration, or the neighbourhood of the Messenger of Allah SAW as long as I am living.”

Muslim ibn Sa’eed, a freed slave of Uthman, reported that one day during the long siege, Uthman freed twenty slaves. Thereafter he said, “I saw the Messenger of Allah SAW in a dream, as well as Abu Bakr and Umar, and they said to me ‘Be patient, for you are going to break your fast with us soon.’ “Then he requested for a copy of the Qur’an and he opened it in front of him.

The rebels then broke into Uthman’s house by burning down the door and entering when none of the Companions were with him. The first assassin’s sword struck Uthman while the Qur’an was still in his hand, and in more than one report, the first drop of his blood fell upon the words “Verily, Allah sufficeth thee; Не is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” [Qur’an 2:137]

Ibn Asakir reported that when Uthman received the first blow, he said “Bismillah, tawakaltu ala Allah” (In the name of Allah, and upon Allah I do rely). When his blood poured forth, he said “Subhanallah Al-Adhim” (Glory be to Allah, the Majestic).

Uthman breathed his last breath оп Friday afternoon, 17 Dhul-Hijjah, 35 А.Н.

The rebels, wanting to loot his wealth, opened his cabinet and found a box in which there was a note that read:

“This is the testament of Uthman before Allah: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Uthman bin Affan bears witness that there is no true deity but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. Paradise is true and Hell is true, and Allah will resurrect everyone on the Day of Judgment, for Allah will never break His promise.”

Тhe power of the rebels was so great that Uthman’s body lay unburied, kept inside his house for three days until the people of Medina could bury it, still in his blood-stained clothes, without a shroud.

Thus ended the life of another great martyr and hero of Islam. He is one of the ten companions of the Prophet foretold by him to be among the dwellers of Paradise.

May Allah be pleased with Uthman for the great services he rendered to Islam and Muslims. It was enough for Uthman to be praised by the Prophet SAW, “Uthman is bashful to the extent that angels get bashful when they see him.”

On this note,I take responsibility for all errors in this peice . May Allah forgive me for it and I hope I myself learn a lesson or two from this story. Wasallamalaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu.
Sources

http://bestislamstories..com.ng/2012/11/uthman-ibn-affan-ra-third-caliph.html

http://hadithoftheday.com/uthman-ibn-affan-ra/

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2180/viewall/uthman-ibn-affan/

The Biography of 'Uthman ibn 'Affan Dhun-Noorayn . By: Dr. Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi Translated by: Nasir Khattab Edited by: Hoda Khattab

SubhaanaLLAH...

JazakumuLLAH khairan for this!

INTERESTING NOTES ABOUT UTHMAN.

You gotta love this man, I mean where should I start from?

He was a cousin of the prophet, related both paternal and maternal.

He was just and fair in his dealings.

He was the fourth man to accept Islam.

He was intelligent which made him even more prosperous not only because he was from a wealthy clan but I personally think he had a midas touch .... He took over his father's business after his death and boom! It became even more profitable than it was.

He was wealthy yet so generous and humble....how many people have you seen with so much wealth and gives out like they didn't 't even deserve it. On top of that he never reminded people of his favours.

An interesting event happened the prophet called people to the battle of tabuk to donate and he kept donating,the prophet would call out and he would go home again and bring more of his wealth till he alone was credited to have provided nine hundred and forty camels along with sixty horses for the Tabuk expedition. He had also given ten thousand dinars to the Prophet SAW to ensure that the army was well equipped. The Prophet SAW remarked, “Whatever Uthman does from this day onward, he will suffer no harm.”He was promised Jannah while alive along with 9 other companions,that never stopped him from striving in his deen, he would read the quran so much during qiyam lail.

He was known for his bashfulness,that the Prophet once said about him "Uthman is a man whom even the angels are shy of". Such that whenever the prophet was visited by Abubakar,umar or any other, he would relax but when Uthman visited ,the prophet would sit up,have a proper posture or position, redress his clothes and welcome him. He was that respected and shy even though they were in laws,the prophet never wanted to make him feel uncomfortable.

Today,there's a large bank account in Uthmans name,where all the proceeds of his endowment goes to, worth 5 million Riyadhs every year given out to the poor. (sadaqah Jariyah). Should I tell you how he pulled that off?

It started from that well he bought for the Muslim in madinah, the land around the well watered dated palms and till date they are sold and proceeds used for investments which in turn has built hotels and other properties in madinah today close to masjid an nabawiy.

Another interesting thing that happened during his life time was that he was sent by the prophet to go negotiate with quraish on their behalf,why was he sent? Because he was closely related to them they will not harm him,he was that beloved that during jahiliyah people used to say "may you be loved as the Quraish love Uthman". But rumour got to the Muslim he had been killed,consequently about 1300 men pledged allegiance(baiyah al ridwan) to the prophet to fight with him to avenge his death even though they had no amours. Allah revealed a verse to the prophet that He was pleased with them all.Qur’an 48:10]

He extended the masjid an nabawiy during his caliphate, with bricks and silver.

In his time, things were easy and people were contented,he would help the poor even from his pockets.

Perhaps his most notable achievement was the compilation of the Quran. The mashaaf today, Ar rasmul uthmani was compiled and sent to all parts of Muslim land and the previous ones were done away with after he had received complaints that people were reading in various dialects.

He was married to 2 daughters of A prophet ...no one on earth ever did that. He was thus called Dhunu'noorayn.

During,Abubakars time,there was a severe drought and being a trader and traveller, he had just returned to madinah with bout 1000 camel worth of mostly food commodities, and few merchants rushed to him and said they were willing to give him 100% profit,he said he had a better offer, and they kept going up yet he refused... He then told them Allah has promised me 10 folds of this rewards with him....that is a much better offer, I take you as witness today to take these things and distribute them amongst the Muslims. Can you phantom this....like you go to China and bring 1000 containers of goods and get to Nigeria just to distribute it to people?.....i mean, Subhanallah! In my opinion,Astagfurllah. It seem to me he used his wealth for charity which made him earn such lofty position. But then,I'll write another story about another great man promised paradise yet he wasn't nearly half as rich...His name is Ali bn Talib

Lastly,the fitnah; as said earlier the last 6 years of his reigns was marred by internal conflicts, propaganda, they claimed he had installed only his families as governors in good positions. ...yet he hadn't even changed those that Umar put there before his death.when that didn't work. They started another propaganda that Ali was supposed to be the khalif,yet even Ali pledged his allegiance to Uthman. ..They laid a 40 days siege on his house,no food,water nor provisions going in. He could have crushed the hypocrites but he remembered the hadith of the prophet. ...He could have relinquished power...yet he remembered another saying of the prophet... What a dilemma. ..that lasted 40 days and nights. On the day he was killed, he had been fasting and had a dream where he saw the prophet,Abubakar,Umar,...They told him "why don't you come break you fast with us today?" ....It was a Friday. ...and he was killed while praying and reciting the Quran. May Allah be pleased with him.


This fitna from the time of Uthman continues till this day, people talk ill about the companions of the prophet,and even the prophet isn't spared.they instill hatred in our hearts against our ulamas. ..Not one of the learned sheikhs today are spared. You know why? They spread the truth but what Did Uthman do? He held on to the rope of Allah....For 40 days...fasting...praying...never fighting. ..nor cursing. ..yet never giving up...let us learn from this great man. Propaganda against Islam did not start today,let us be steadfast...let us be moderate, let us accommodate. ..We can't kill them nor should we hate them instead admonish them kindly...that's the only way! And that's the best way!

I leave you with this...

Advice.

It is said that Yunus Ibn 'Abd al-A'ala (a student of al-Imam ash-Shafi'i) differed with his teacher, al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Idrees ash-Shafi'i, over an issue while he was delivering a lesson in the mosque. So he angrily got up and went home.

At night, Yunus heard a knock at his door and asked who it was. The one knocking answered, Muhammad Ibn Idrees.

Yunus thought of everyone who he knew by that name except the Imam. Upon opening the door, he was shocked to see him.

The Imam said:

O Yunus, hundreds of issues unite us, and only one issue divides us?

Don't try to be triumphant in all differences; sometimes, winning hearts is more important than winning situations.

Don't demolish bridges you built and crossed, for you may need them again one day for your return.

Always hate what is wrong, but do not hate the one who errs.

Hate sin with all your heart, but forgive and have mercy on the sinner.

Criticize speech, but respect the speaker.

Our job is to wipe out the disease, not the patient.

Islam and Sunnah

Sources

http://bestislamstories..com.ng/2012/11/uthman-ibn-affan-ra-third-caliph.html

http://hadithoftheday.com/uthman-ibn-affan-ra/

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2180/viewall/uthman-ibn-affan/

The Biography of 'Uthman ibn 'Affan Dhun-Noorayn . By: Dr. Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi Translated by: Nasir Khattab Edited by: Hoda Khattab

Mufti Menk podcats Ramadan 2014 Day 4.


Have you learnt any lessons? Please share.

.

hadjipapiey:
SubhaanaLLAH...

JazakumuLLAH khairan for this!

Wa anta, help me thank "anty boat" and "em oh dee" for finally releasing me from the banished land. Hope you enjoyed reading,and learnt a few.

greetings:


Wa antum, help me thank "anty boat" and "em oh dee" for finally releasing me from the banished land. Hope you enjoyed reading,and learnt a few.

Maa shaa ALLAH yes I did...

@auntyboat, JazakumuLLAH khairan

It was worth reading

Salam alaikum bro and sis. there is group on whatsapp called straight path, created by one of our brother in isalm called Abu muh'awwal. The purpose of the group is to always remind our selfs about hereafter.
If you are interested please add this number 08165235545 on whatsapp and you will be added to the group. Ma Salam