Uthman ibn Affan Biography, Contribution to Islam & Death

Uthman ibn Affan, a revered companion, was the son of Affan ibn Abi al-As ibn Umayya ibn Abd Shams al-Qurashi al-Umayyad.

He served as the Commander of the Faithful (Amir al-Mu’minin) and was one of the people promised paradise. His family lineage connects to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Abdul Manaf. Uthman was born in Taif, six years after the Year of the Elephant.

Uthman ibn Affan’s Kunyah and Title

Before embracing Islam, Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was known by the kunyah “Abu Amr.” After his wife Ruqayyah, the Prophet’s daughter, gave birth, he was given the kunyah “Abu Abdullah.”

He was also known as “Dhul-Noorayn,” meaning “The Possessor of Two Lights,” because he married two of the Prophet Muhammad’s daughters: Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum.

The Islam of Uthman ibn Affan

Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was among the early Muslims, converting to Islam before the followers gathered at Al-Arqam’s house.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) introduced Uthman to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and Uthman embraced Islam when he was over thirty years old.

READ: Talha ibn Ubaidullah History, Virtues & Death

Physical and Moral Characteristics of Uthman ibn Affan

Physical Characteristics:
Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was known for his handsome appearance. He was of average height with a strong, well-proportioned build, long arms, and a dense beard.

Moral Characteristics:

• Modesty: Uthman was extremely modest and shy.
• Generosity: He was known for his generosity and easy-going nature.
• Beloved: He was loved by his people before and after converting to Islam.
• Devotion: Uthman was a devout worshipper of Allah, leading a simple and ascetic life, with little attachment to material wealth.

Actions of Uthman ibn Affan During the Prophetic Era

Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) performed many important acts in service of Allah and the Prophet, including:

• Being the first to migrate to Abyssinia with his wife.
• Preparing the army for the Battle of Tabuk.
• Expanding the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi).
• Buying the well of Rumah and dedicating it as a charitable endowment for Muslims.

Military Campaigns of Uthman ibn Affan

Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) participated in all military campaigns led by the Prophet (peace be upon him), except the Battle of Badr. He stayed behind to care for his sick wife, Ruqayyah. The campaigns he joined include:

• The Battle of Uhud
• The Campaign of Ghatafan (Dhi Amr)
• The Campaign of Dhat al-Riqa
• The Expedition of Tabuk, where he supported the needy

The Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan

Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) became Caliph after the death of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). The companions, led by Abdul-Rahman ibn Awf, unanimously chose Uthman. His caliphate began in the 24th year of the Hijrah, and he was the third of the rightly guided Caliphs. His caliphate lasted twelve years and included many achievements:

• He carefully managed the Quran, creating and distributing several copies.
• Expanded the Haram Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
• Established the first naval fleet for Muslims.
• Led conquests in Armenia, Cyprus, Tripoli, and parts of Africa.

The Martyrdom of Uthman ibn Affan

Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred by rebels who attacked his house. They killed him while he was fasting, and he was found holding the Quran. He died as a martyr in the 35th year of the Hijrah and was buried in Al-Baqi cemetery.