The Ten Promised Paradise: Sayyiduna Uthman Ibn Affan (Allah be pleased with him) – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

This is the fourth in a series of articles based on the On-Demand Course The Ten Promised Paradise: Life and Lessons. Known for their unwavering commitment to Islam and their close companionship with the Prophet, their righteousness has earned them a special place in Islamic history.

Sayyidina Uthman Ibn Affan (Allah be pleased with him), the third of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and one of the ten companions promised Paradise, stands as an exemplary figure in Islamic history. A member of the noble Quraysh tribe, his lineage intersected with that of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Before embracing Islam, Uthman was renowned among the Meccans for his immense wealth and unparalleled generosity—a trait deeply ingrained in the Arab tradition of nobility and selflessness.

A Life of Generosity and Honor

The generosity of Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) was a hallmark of his personality. The Arabs of his time were known for their magnanimity, often sacrificing their last possessions to honor their guests. Uthman exemplified this trait even before accepting Islam, but his embrace of the faith elevated his virtues to unprecedented heights.

From the earliest days of Islam, Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) was a devoted believer, entering the fold among the first Muslims. His faith led him to migrate twice to Abyssinia, a land of refuge for the oppressed. These migrations, documented in the Sira of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), are rich with lessons about sacrifice and faith in times of adversity.

Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) was known not only for his wealth and generosity but also for his profound modesty (haya). Even before Islam, his humility and introspection were evident. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) famously said, “Allah is more deserving of our modesty than people are,” and Uthman embodied this teaching in every aspect of his life.

Sacrifices in the Path of Islam

Uthman’s journey as a Muslim was marked by immense sacrifices. His wealth, social standing, and family ties were all tested. In Mecca, his family threatened to ostracize him for supporting the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and the Muslim community. Despite the challenges, he stood firm, sacrificing his wealth and privileges for the sake of Allah.

This level of sacrifice is profound. Imagine a wealthy individual today, such as a successful surgeon, being told they would lose their medical license, savings, and career if they openly supported their faith. Few would be able to make such a choice, but Uthman did so willingly, demonstrating the depth of his faith and commitment.

The Title of Dhun-Nurayn

Sayyidina Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) holds the unique honor of being called Dhun-Nurayn (The Possessor of Two Lights). This title was bestowed upon him because he married two daughters of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) at different times—first Ruqayya (Allah be pleased with her) and, after her passing, Umm Kulthum (Allah be pleased with her). His close relationship with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) reflected not only familial bonds but also spiritual kinship.

His role as a son-in-law to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is considered a mark of honor within Islamic tradition. Imam Abu Hanifa, the founder of the Hanafi school of thought, listed love for Uthman and Ali (the Prophet’s other son-in-law) as key characteristics of mainstream Sunni Islam.

Haya: The Mark of a Believer

One of the most remarkable traits of Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) was his extraordinary modesty. He once said, “I feel so shy before my Lord that even when bathing, I remain mindful of my modesty.” His sense of haya permeated every aspect of his life, from personal interactions to worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) acknowledged this unique trait, saying, “Even the angels are shy of Uthman.” This profound shyness was not weakness but a reflection of his deep awareness of Allah’s presence, guiding his conduct in both public and private life.

Leadership, Quran Preservation, and Challenges of Expansion

After the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), the Muslim community continued to grow rapidly. The foundations laid during the caliphate of Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab were consolidated and expanded under the leadership of Sayyidina Uthman ibn Affan. His era was marked by significant territorial expansion, challenges of governance, and monumental achievements in preserving the Quran.

Expansion of the Muslim World

During the caliphate of Sayyidina Uthman, the Muslim territories stretched further than ever before. The conquests reached deep into Central Asia, including Khorasan, Afghanistan, and beyond, as well as parts of North Africa. This unprecedented expansion brought new challenges.

One major issue was the increasing ratio of non-companions and new Muslims to the elder companions. The rapid inclusion of diverse communities into Islam created a need for effective governance, while also introducing the challenge of ensuring proper education in faith and practice.

Additionally, the wealth accumulated during Sayyidina Umar’s time grew even more significant under Sayyidina Uthman. While this prosperity benefited the community, it also led to a growing attachment to worldly possessions, contributing to tensions that foreshadowed the fitna (civil strife) that would arise later.

The Compilation of the Quran

One of the most notable achievements of Sayyidina Uthman’s caliphate was the formal compilation of the Quran. While the Quran had always been preserved primarily through oral recitation—a tradition deeply embedded in the practice of the companions—it had also been written down by formal scribes during the Prophet’s lifetime. Each scribe maintained a personal copy, sometimes with interpretive notes, to aid their understanding.

To prevent any confusion among the growing Muslim community, Sayyidina Uthman initiated the process of standardizing the Quranic text. He gathered the companions’ various copies and compiled an official, unified version of the Quran. This official text, known as Al-Mushaf Al-Uthmani, was distributed to key regions of the Muslim world, while all personal copies were destroyed to ensure consistency. This act of burning unofficial copies—permitted under Islamic jurisprudence—helped preserve the integrity of the Quran as we know it today.

This monumental effort was unanimously supported by the companions, despite some initial concerns. The compilation not only ensured the preservation of the Quran’s text but also unified the Muslim community in their recitation. For those interested in the details of this historic process, the book The History of the Quranic Text by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Al-Azami is a valuable resource.

Throughout his life, Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) maintained a close relationship with the Quran. He was among the companions who regularly completed its recitation, often on a daily basis. His commitment to understanding and reflecting on its meaning serves as an enduring example for Muslims across generations. His devotion to the Quran was unparalleled—he was martyred while reciting it, earning the title Shaheed al-Quran (the Martyr of the Quran).

Sayyidina Uthman’s Leadership and Challenges

Sayyidina Uthman was renowned for his justice, kindness, and mercy. While he was no less resolute than his predecessors, his compassionate approach to governance allowed people space and opportunity. However, some ill-intentioned individuals exploited this leniency, contributing to the tensions of the time. The growing distance from the prophetic era also brought new challenges, as the moral and spiritual caliber of the general population began to decline compared to the early companions.

Criticism against Sayyidina Uthman sometimes focused on accusations of favoritism, particularly towards the Quraysh. However, his choices for leadership positions were consistently based on merit and trustworthiness. Despite this, discontent among certain factions grew, leading to significant unrest that culminated in his tragic martyrdom.

His Timeless Wisdom

Sayyidina Uthman left behind a legacy of wisdom and inspiration. Among his notable sayings are:

• “Take good care of the Quran, for it is the spring of hearts.”
• “No one can close a door that Allah opens for you, and no one can open a door that Allah closes for you.”
• “I never regretted being silent.”

These words reflect his deep connection to the Quran, his reliance on Allah, and his humility. His modesty and devotion to the Quran remain exemplary qualities for Muslims to reflect upon and emulate.

Lessons for Modern Life

Uthman’s life provides timeless lessons for Muslims today. His commitment to modesty, generosity, and sacrifice remains relevant in a world where such values are often overshadowed by materialism and self-interest. Simple acts, such as maintaining proper etiquette even in private or being mindful of our interactions, are practical ways to embody his legacy.

Additionally, Uthman’s (Allah be pleased with him) dedication to preserving the Quran reminds us of the importance of connecting with the Divine Word—not just through recitation but also reflection and application.

A Martyr Remembered

Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) lived a life of service and devotion, and his death was no different. He was martyred while reading the Quran during a tumultuous period in Islamic history. His unwavering faith and steadfastness in the face of adversity have cemented his place among the greatest figures in Islam.

The caliphate of Sayyidina Uthman was a pivotal period in Islamic history. It was marked by tremendous expansion, significant challenges, and invaluable contributions, particularly the preservation of the Quran. His leadership, despite the complexities and trials of his time, continues to serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims around the world. 

May Allah continue to bless Sayyidina Uthman Ibn Affan (Allah be pleased with him) and inspire us to follow in his footsteps, embodying his values of generosity, modesty, and devotion to the Quran.