Uthman

Uthman ibn Affan (Arabic: عثمان بن عفان‎, romanized: ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān; 576 – 17 June 656), also spelled by the Turkish and Persian rendering Osman, was a son-in-law and notable companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as the third of the Rashidun, or "Rightly Guided Caliphs". Born into a prominent Meccan clan, Banu Umayya of the Quraysh tribe, he played a major role in early Islamic history, and is known for having ordered the compilation of the standard version of the Quran. When Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab died in office aged 59/60 years, Uthman, aged 64/65 years, succeeded him and was the second-oldest to rule as Caliph.

Confront the enemy and seek to defeat them by means of sincerity.

Allah has commanded rulers to be shepherds; He did not command them to be money-collectors.

Quotes

Concern with this world is darkness in the heart, but concern with the Hereafter is light in the heart.

It is sufficient for you that the one who envies you is distressed at the time of your joy.

• No one does a good deed but Allah will make it show on him.
  • Az-Zuhd by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, p. 185
• If our hearts were truly pure, we would never have our fill of the words of your Lord.
  • Jami al-Uloon wa'l-Hikm, p. 363
• No one conceals something in his heart, but Allah causes it to be seen on his face or in a slip of the tongue.
  • Farai'd al-Kalam li'l-Khulafa' al-Kiram, p. 269
• Things may be achieved by means of authority that cannot be achieved by means of the Quran.
  • Al-Kamil fi'l Lughat wa'-Arab, Vol. 1, p. 257
• Concern with this world is darkness in the heart, but concern with the Hereafter is light in the heart.
  • Al-Isti'ad li Yawm al-Mia'd, p. 9
• It is sufficient for you that the one who envies you is distressed at the time of your joy.
  • Majma' al-Amthal by al-Madai'ni, Vol. 20, p. 453
• Everything has something to undermine it, and every blessing has something to diminish it. The thing that undermines this religion and diminishes this blessing is those who criticize a great deal and those who stab in the back; they show you what you want to see and they conceal that which you dislike. They are wicked like ostiches.
  • Majma' al-Amthal by al-Madai'ni, Vol. 20, p. 453
• O people, the first day is difficult but if I live I shall deliver a proper speech.
  • After assuming the office of Caliph, Uthman's first address was as follows, quoted in Al-ʿIqd al-Farīd, also quoted in Khalifah Uthman ibn Affan, p.34/35
• Enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. No believer should subject himself to humiliation, for I will be with the weak against the strong so long as he has been wronged, Insha'Allah
  • History of the Prophets and Kings, vol. 4, p. 414
• I have been given a responsibility and I have accepted it. Verily I am a follower (of the Sunnah and not an innovator. I promise you that in addition to following the Book of Allah (Quran) and the Sunnah of His Prophet (Muhammad), I will do three other things: following the example of those who came before me with regard to what you have agreed upon and decided, and what is decided by good people openly, and not interfering with you except when a hadd punishment is required. This world is tempting and it makes itself attractive to people, so that many people, so that many people are inclined towards it. Do not be content with this world and do not put your trust in it, for it is not trustworthy. Understand that these worldly temptations will not go away unless you ignore them.
  • History of the Prophets and Kings, Vol. 5, p. 443
• Allah has commanded rulers to be shepherds; He did not command them to be money-collectors. The attitude of the earliest leaders of this Ummah was that of shepherds, not money-collectors. Soon you will find your leaders becoming money-collectors, not shepherds. Once that happens, there will be no more modesty, trustworthiness or honesty. The best way of running the people's affairs is to examine the Muslims' situation, find out what their dues are and give them to them, and take from them what is due from them. Then go to ahl al-dhimmah and give them what is due to them and take from them what is due from them. Then confront the enemy and seek to defeat them by means of sincerity.
  • Letter to Governors of Muslim Empire of Caliphate, quoted in History of the Prophets and Kings, Vol. 5, p. 244
• You are the guardians of the Muslims and their shield. Umar gave you a particular mission which is not hidden from us, rather it is known to everyone. I do not want to hear that any one of you has changed the deal, lest Allah replace you with someone else. So watch what you do and I shall try my best to fulfill the mission that Allah has enjoyed on me.
  • Letter to Commanders of the troops of Muslim Empire of Caliphate, quoted in History of the Prophets and Kings, Vol. 5, p. 244

External links

• Dr. as-Sulami: Khalifah Uthman ibn Affan
• Ibn Abd Rabbih: Al-ʿIqd al-Farīd
• Al-Tabari: History of the Prophets and Kings, 1989, New York. United States.