Hazrat Usman Ghani History In Urdu
Hazrat Usman Ghani History In English
Life Before acceptance of Islam
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) belonged to a noble family of Quraish in Mecca. His
ancestral pedigree joins with that of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu
'Alaihi wa Sallam) in the fifth generation. He was from the "Umayyah"
family of Quraish, which was a well reputed and honourable family of
Mecca during the pre-Islamic days. In the famous battle of "Fajar" the
Commander-in-Chief of the Quraish army, Harb bin Umayyah was from the
same family. The descendants of this family are known as "Banu Umayyah"
or "Umawwin".
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) was born in 573 A.C. His patronymic name was "Abu Amr"
and father's name was "Affan bin Abul-As". He was known by the name
"Uthman ibn ‘Affan". Hadrat Uthman was one of the few persons of Mecca
who knew reading and writing. When he grew up, he started business in
cloth which made him very rich. He used his money in good ways and
always helped the poor. Uthman (R.A.) was a soft natured and kind
hearted man. He did not hesitate to spend any amount of money on seeing a
man in trouble in order to remove his misery. For his noble qualities
the Meccans had great respect for him.
Acceptance of Islam
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) accepted Islam when Abu Bakr (R.A.) preached to him. He
was one of those Muslims who accepted Islam in its very early days.
Though "Banu Hashim" (the Holy Prophet's family) was rival to "Banu
Umayyah" (Hadrat Uthman's family), and the latter was in power at that
time, yet Uthman (R.A.) did not hesitate to acknowledge the prophethood
of Hadrat Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) which meant authority
and supremacy over "Banu Hashim". This was one of the reasons why
Quraish leaders, belonging to Banu Umayyah (like Abu Sufyan) were
opposing the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam). Thus acceptance
of Islam in such a position shows the clear-mindedness of Hadrat Uthman
(R.A.). When he accepted Islam, the Quraish who once loved Uthman
became his enemies. Even his relatives like Hakam (one of his uncles)
began to rebuke him and chastised him severely.
One
of the daughters of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam),
Hadrat Ruqayyah (R.A.) was married to one of the sons of Abu Lahb (an
arch-enemy of Islam). When the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa
Sallam) started to preach Islam, Abu Lahb asked his son ‘Utbah to
divorce her. Then the Holy Prophet married her to Hadrat Uthman (R.A.)
Emigration to Abyssinia
When
life in Mecca became hard for the Muslims, he went to the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam) and sought permission to take refuge in
Abyssinia along with other Muslims. The permission was granted. Hadrat
Uthman and his wife crossed the Red Sea with other Muslims and migrated
to Abyssinia. At the time of his migration the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam) remarked: "Uthman is the first man of my
Ummah to migrate (for sake of Allah) with his family." He stayed there
for a couple of months and came back to Mecca when he was wrongly
informed by somebody that the Quraish had accepted Islam.
Usman (R.A.) gets the title of "Dhun-nurain"
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) migrated second time with other Muslims to Medina. He
could not participate in the first battle of Islam against non-believers
of Mecca at Badr, because his wife was very ill. She died before the
Muslims returned from Badr after the victory. The Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) gave him glad tidings that he would get
the same reward as though he had participated in the battle. After the
death of Hadrat Ruqayyah (R.A.), the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa
Sallam) married his next daughter, "Umm Kulthum" with him and he was
given the title of "Dhun-nurain" i.e., the man with two lights.
His other services for the cause of Islam before caliphate
He
was a very prominent Muslim to serve Islam by all means. He
participated in almost all the battles with the non-believers in which
the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) had also taken part,
except "Badr". At the time of the "Treaty of Hudaibiya" he was sent to
Mecca to negotiate with the non-believers. Then the Muslims were wrongly
informed about his murder by the non-believers of Mecca. It is for this
reason that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) sought a
pledge by the Muslims to fight with the non-believers in revenge of his
murder. That pledge is known as "Bai'at al-Ridwan" (the Pledge of
Ridwan). For Uthman’s pledge, the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa
Sallam) put his left hand (representing Uthman's hand) on his right
hand.
When
the Muhajirin (Emigrants) from Mecca came to Medina, they had great
difficulty in getting drinking water. Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) bought a well
named "bi’r-i-Rumah” from a Jew for twenty thousand dirhams for free
use of Muslims. That was the first trust ever made in the history of
Islam. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) gave him the glad
tidings of Paradise for this act.
When
the number of Muslims increased, the Prophet's mosque became too small
to accommodate the increasing population, it was Uthman (R.A.) who
responded to the Prophet's call and bought land for its extension. When
the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) went to the expedition
of Tabuk, Hadrat Uthman bore the expenses for one third Islamic army
(i.e., about 10,000 men). He also gave one thousand camels, fifty horses
and one thousand Dinars (gold coins) to support the rest of the army.
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam) remarked on this,
"Nothing will do any harm to Uthman from this day, whatever he does."
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) was one of the scribes of the “Wahy" (Revelation) and
also used to write other documents (letters and messages etc.) of the
Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam).
At
the time of the election of Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) Hadrat Uthman (R.A.)
was present in the Assembly Hall of Medina. During the caliphate of Abu
Bakr and 'Umar (R.A.), he was a member of the "Shura" (Advisory
Council). He occupied a prominent position in the affairs of the Islamic
State during that time.
Hazrat Usman (R.A.) elected as the third Khalifah (Caliph)
Before
his death, Hadrat ‘Umar (R.A.) appointed a panel of six men to select a
"Khalifah" from amongst themselves and then sought his approval through
Bai'at (Pledge of loyalty) by Muslim Public. He also instructed them to
make the nomination within three days. The panel included Uthman,'Ali,
Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, Talha, Zubair and 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf
(Ridwanullah-i-'Alaihim) as the members.
The
panel could not arrive at any decision even after long meetings. Then,
Hadrat 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf proposed somebody to withdraw his name in
order to decide the matter. When he got no response, he withdrew his own
name. The remaining members agreed that he could take a decision. He
consulted each member individually except Hadrat Talha (R.A.) who was
not present at Medina. It so happened that Hadrat Uthman proposed 'Ali's
name and Hadrat 'Ali proposed Uthman's name for the post of Khalifah.
But Zubair and Sa'd (R.A.) were more in favour of Hadrat Uthman than
Hadrat ‘Ali. After more consultations with other companions and thinking
over the problem during the third night, Hadrat ‘Abdur Rahman bin
‘Auf(R.A.) gave his decision in the morning of the fourth day in favour
of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.).
First
of all Hadrat ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf(R.A.) took Bai'at at the hands of
Hadrat Uthman and then all the Muslims present in the Mosque followed
suit and took Bai'at (pledge of loyalty) at the hands of Hadrat
Uthman(R.A.). In this way, Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was declared to be the
third Khalifah. When Hadrat Talha (R.A.) returned to Medina, Uthman
(R.A.) requested him either to accept the post of "Khalifah" (as he was
among the persons proposed by Hadrat ‘Umar for the post) or to
acknowledge him as Khalifah by taking Bai'at. Hadrat Talha declined to
be the Khalifah and took pledge of loyalty at his hand, saying "How can I
object to your being the Khalifah when all the Muslims have agreed upon
you."
A brief review of the conquests during Hadrat Uthman’s caliphate
Thus
we see that during the caliphate of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) the Muslims
conquered a number of new areas. They took over Antalya and Asia Minor
in the west including Cyprus. Afghanistan, Samarkand, Tashkent,
Trukmennistan, Khurasan and Tabrastan in the East and North East; and
Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco in North Africa. In this way Muslims
were ruling over a vast part of Asia and Africa viz. Afghanistan,
Turkmennistan, Uzbekistan, Persia or Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria,
Tunisia, Morocco, and of course Arabia (now Saudi Arabia) and Yemen
including the Gulf states. All these countries and places were under one
flag, and the Islamic state was far bigger than any one of the past
mighty Byzantine or Persian Empires. Islam as a religion was also
prevailing in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) and in some parts of East and
Central Africa though these places were not under the direct control of
the Caliphate.
Internal Disorder: Introductory Note
The
first half of Hadrat Uthman's caliphate was very peaceful. During this
time the Muslims gained many victories as described above, and the
caliphate extended to a vast area of the then known world. But the later
part of Hadrat Uthman's caliphate was marred by a terrible civil war
which ultimately led to the murder of the caliph himself. Hadrat Uthman
(R.A.) was a very gentle and soft-hearted person. The people who wanted
to create chaos among the Muslims took advantage of his soft nature.
Hadrat 'Umar's stern hand had kept away the undemocratic and non-Islamic
customs, and the practices that prevailed in the courts of Persian and
Byzantine Empires. But HadrAt Uthman (R.A.) sometimes overlooked the
faults of the governors and other officers in various provinces, though
he himself totally and completely followed the ways of the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) and the first two caliphs. His
compassionate nature made the provincial governors bold as a result of
which unrest in the provincial capitals grew and ultimately it engulfed
the whole Islamic State.
The
enemies of Islam were in search of a suitable occasion to work against
Islam and the Muslims. They got the desired opportunity for this and
sent out their men to disturb the peace and to spread false news. Only
the main events that happened during that time would be discussed in the
following lines.
Conspiracy of 'Abdullah bin Saba
'Abdullah
bin Saba, a clever Yemenite Jew who had accepted Islam only for
self-interest and to destroy peace of the Islamic state, took the
leading part in the agitation against Hadrat Uthman (R.A.). He was
having a number of followers who had accepted Islam only to create
disharmony among the Muslims.
He
invented quite a few beliefs and started to preach them. He based his
beliefs upon the love of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam)
and his family (Ahli-Bait). Some of the beliefs invented by Abdullah
bin Saba were
(1)
Every prophet left a "Wasi" (administrator) behind him, and the "Wasi"
was his relative. For example Prophet Musa (Moses) made Harun his "Wasi"
(administrator). Consequently the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa
Sallam) must have a "Wasi", and his "Wasi" was Hadrat 'Ali (R.A.) Being
the "Wasi", Hadrat 'Ali (R.A.) was the only rightful man to be the
"Khalifah". He went to the extent of declaration that the "Khilafat"
(caliphate) of Hadrat Abu Bakr,'Umar and Uthman (R.A.) was unlawful. The
only way to redress matters was to remove the then Caliph, Hadrat
Uthman(R.A.).
(2)
He said that it was strange for the Muslims to believe that Jesus
('Alaihis Salam) would descend from the heaven to follow Islam and to
fight for Muslims against non-believers, and not to believe that the
Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) would not come back. So he
believed that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) being
superior to Jesus as the Last Prophet and the Leader of all prophets,
would also come back.
(3)
He started to give wrong commentaries of various verses of the Holy
Qur'an and twisted their meaning in favour of his beliefs.
He
preached his false self-coined beliefs secretly and selected the main
headquarters of Muslim military power, Kufa, Basrah, Syria and Egypt as
centres of his activities. He picked up a number of newly converted
Muslims who lent an easy ear to what he said. Some simple Muslims who
were having certain complaints against various governors also joined
him. It was the real cause of all the troubles.
First
of all he visited Medina to note the internal conditions of the
capital. He pretended to be a very pious Muslim but could not get much
followers over there. Then he came to Basrah and started to preach his
beliefs and incite the public against Muslim officers. At that time
Hadrat'Abdullah bin 'Amir was the Governor. Hearing about his
activities, he called him and made certain enquiries because of which he
was frightened and left Basrah leaving his followers and workers over
there under the supervision of Hakim bin Hublah, one of the opponents of
the governor.
From
Basrah 'Abdullah bin Saba moved to Kufa and found it more suitable for
his destructive activities. He pretended to be a very pious Muslim and
because of his show of piety, a number of simple Muslims started to
respect him. Then he preached his beliefs. Soon the governor of Kufa,
Hadrat Sa'd bin al-'As was informed about him. He called him and warned
him against his false beliefs and the damage he wanted to cause to the
Muslim community. For this reason he left Kufa as well but made Ashtar
as his deputy with instructions that the mission should be carried on
secretly. From there he also went to Damascus but was not successful
because of the strict control of Amir Mu'awiya (R.A.).
At
last he selected Egypt and went there. The governor of Egypt,
Hadrat'Abdullah bin Sarah was busy in the battles against Byzantine
forces in North Africa and could not pay much attention to Ibn Saba's
activities. He continued correspondence with his followers in Basrah,
Kufa and other places from Egypt, and gave them directions for creating
disorder and rivalry among the Muslims.
His
followers, most of whom were pretending to be Muslims, used various
techniques to increase their strength. They made a great show of piety
and posed to be very pious worshippers. They incited people to forge
complaints against the governors, various officers and the Khalifah as
well. A new campaign against most of the officers was started by calling
them irreligious, non-practical and bad Muslims. They sent forged
letters from place to place which talked of injustice and unrest in the
place from where they were posted. Such letters were usually sent to
Sabaites (the followers of ‘Abdullah bin Saba) who read them out to as
many people as possible. These forged letters also showed that
Hadrat'Ali, Talha, and Zubair (Rid. A.) had full sympathy with them and
with their mission and they disliked the "Khalifah", Hadrat Uthman
(R.A.). These were the three leading Companions in Medina at that time.
Thus the people of various places began to believe that there was a
widespread unrest and that the leading Companions wanted to remove the
"Khalifah".
The
Sabaites also worked throughout the state against various governors.
They were the real cause of their removal from time to time. Sabaites
were the main figures behind the removal of Hadrat Abu Musa Ash'ari from
the governorship of Basrah at the time when their mission was not so
popular. They spread rumours against Hadrat Walid bin 'Uqbah, governor
of Kufa, and wrongly accused him of drinking liquor, and provided false
witnesses against him because of which the "Khalifah" punished him. When
he was punished they accused the "Khalifah" of punishing innocent
Muslims. When Hadrat 'Abdullah bin'Amir (R.A.) was appointed as the
governor of Basrah to replace Hadrat Abu Musa Ash'ari they incited the
public against him and against the Khalifah that he was related to the
Khalifah because of which he was given the governorship in his young
age.
On
one side they incited the people against the governors and on the other
they accused the Khalifah. On the basis of complaints when Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) removed the governors they criticised him to be unduly
kind to his relatives by appointing them to big posts.
Allegations against Hazrat Usman
(1)
Hadrat Uthman belonged to the family Banu Umayyah of Quraish. Before
Islam there was rivalry between Banu Umayyah and Banu Hashim, the family
of the Quraish to which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam)
and Hadrat 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) belonged. In Medina the
Sabaites incited Banu Hashim against Banu Umayyah, actually against
Hadrat Uthman, by saying that he was removing Hashmites from the big
offices in order to support Umayyads and that he was unduly considerate
to his family.
(2)
They alleged that Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was extravagant and gave away
money to his relatives, thus squandered the "Baitul Mal". The allegation
was absolutely false. Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was one of the wealthiest
merchants in Arabia due to which people called him "Ghani" (The
Richman). His liberal contributions towards the cause of Islam during
the life of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam) have been
mentioned in the preceding pages. His generosity continued in the same
way during his caliphate. He spent his own money to help the poor, and
also his relatives but never took anything wrongfully from the "Baitul
Mal". Not only this he did not accept any allowance from the "Baitul
Mal" for his services as Caliph. Through his addresses and speeches he
clarified his position several times and gave satisfactorily
explanations to the false accusations against him. Once he promised to
give one fifth of the booty of Tripoli, the state share, to
Hadrat'Abdullah bin Sarah, the then Governor of Egypt, for his
invaluable services and the bravery he showed in the battles that took
place between the Muslims and the Byzantine forces in North African
territories. But the general public disapproved his view and he asked
‘Abdullah to return that share.
(3)
One of the allegations, levelled by Sabaites against Hadrat Uthman was
that he had burnt some copies of the Holy Qur'an. The fact was that
Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) sent copies of the Holy Qur'an, written by Hadrat
Zaid bin Thabit by the order of Hadrat Abu Bakr during his caliphate, to
various places of the state and asked the governors and other officers
to burn all those copies of the Holy Qur'an which were incomplete and
were not in accordance with the Holy Qur'an compiled by Hadrat Zaid bin
Thabit. This was done in order to avoid confusion between the Muslims
because there were some copies of the Holy Qur'an at that time in which
the order of the Surahs (Chapters) was not like that which was proposed
by the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) in accordance to
Hadrat Gabriel instructions as commanded by Allah. Moreover, some of the
copies existing at that time at various places other than Medina were
lacking in some chapters, and were incomplete. For this reason Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) got copies made from the standard Book compiled during the
time of Abu Bakr (R.A.) and sent them to various places. Differences
had also arisen due to differences in handwritings so he also
standardised the way of writing the Holy Qur'an. This has been
considered as one of the greatest services of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.)
rendered to Islam for which he has been given the title of
"Jami'ul-Qur'an" (The Compiler of the Qur'an) although the Holy Qur'an
was compiled in a book form by Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) on the insistence
of Hadrat 'Umar (R.A.).
(4)
At this place I would like to mention something about Hadrat Abu Dharr
Ghifari(R.A.) because this allegation is concerned with him. He was a
well-known and pious Companion of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi
wa Sallam) who always kept aloof from the world and its riches. He was
not in favour of accumulation of money and saving it. As regards the
"Baitul Mal"(Public Treasury), he held the view that all the money
should be spent for the welfare of Muslims as soon as it came through
taxes etc. In Syria he started to publicise his opinion and a number of
people followed him. Seeing this Hadrat Amir Mu'awiya wrote to Hadrat
Uthman who recalled Hadrat Abu Dharr to Medina and then he retired to a
village named Rabdhah near Medina.'Abdullah bin Saba tried to gain
favour of Hadrat Abu Dharr(R.A.) when he was in Syria but he rebuked Ibn
Saba and told him that the beliefs she was preaching were foreign to
Islam and that his aim was to create chaos among the Muslims.
When
Hadrat Abu Dhar (R.A.) had retired they started accusing Hadrat Uthman
that he forced him to live in a village. Not only this but they also
accused him of ill treatment of other recognised Companions like Hadrat
'Ammar bin Yasir and Hadrat 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (R.A.) But all of these
accusations were false.
(5)
One of the allegations against Hadrat Uthman was that he called Hakam
bin'As to Medina who was exiled by the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu'alaihi
wa Sallam). However this step of Hadrat Uthman was not too wise. Not
only this but he also appointed Hakam's son Marwan as his chief
secretary which was not liked by some prominent Companions and also by
the Muslim Public.
The
forthcoming discussion on this point would reveal that Marwan became
the main cause of insurgents' existent who ultimately assassinated the
Khalifah. It is alleged that he wrote to Egypt's governor Hadrat
'Abdullah to kill Muhammad bin Abi Bakr whom Hadrat Uthman had appointed
the governor of Egypt in place of Muhammad bin Abi Bakr when the
insurgents pressed Hadrat Uthman to do so but this, too, was false. The
letter was sheer forgery.
There
are some other false allegations which were levelled by Sabaites to
defame the Khalifah. Since most of them are purely theological in nature
and not political, they are not been mentioned here.
Conference of the Governors
When
the unrest caused by Sabaites went on growing in all parts of the
State, the news began to pour in Medina. The leading Companions asked
Hadrat Uthman to take steps against them. So he called a conference of
the governors in Medina in the year 34 A.H., just after the Hajj. All
the governors attended the meeting. Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) enquired from
them about the growing unrest in the State. They told him that it was
due to some mischief-mongers who wanted to overthrow the government.
They suggested that such persons must be punished and those who were the
leaders must be put to sword. But Hadrat Uthman disliked the suggestion
and told them that without just cause he would never shed even a single
drop of Muslim blood. Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was not willing to take
stern action against such persons because he did not want that hundreds
of men should be massacred for his interest. Instead, he sent a mission
of four persons: Muhammad bin Muslimah, Usamah bin Zaid,'Ammar bin Yasir
and 'Abdullah bin 'Umar(Rad. A .)to tour the provinces.
After
the governors' conference was over Hadrat Amir Mu’awiya (R.A.)
suggested that he should leave Medina and should pass some time in
Damascus but he said, "I would not leave Medina even though people kill
me." Then Amir Mu'awiya (R.A.) requested Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) to allow
him to send an army to Medina for his protection but Hadrat Uthman did
not agree to even that.
Tour of the Mission
The
mission sent by Hadrat Uthman toured various places and talked with the
people. Three of them returned to Medina and reported to Hadrat Uthman
that the conditions were normal. The fourth member of the mission Hadrat
'Ammar bin Yasir (R.A.) did not return. He was sent to Egypt where
'Abdullah bin Saba and his followers coaxed him and he started to live
with them instead of returning to Medina.
Saba gets friends
'Abdullah
bin Saba was in search of some important men who were having some
influence over the Muslims. At last he won over three important figures.
One among them was Hadrat 'Ammar bin Yasir, described above. The other
two joined Ibn Saba before Hadrat 'Ammar. They were Muhammad bin Abi
Hudhaifah and Muhammad bin Abi Bakr. Muhammad bin Abi Hudhaifah was an
orphan and was brought up by Hadrat Uthman along with some other
orphans. When he grew up he desired some big post. Hadrat Uthman (R.A.)
did not consider him fit for that. So he left Medina and went to Egypt
and ultimately joined Ibn Saba. Muhammad bin Abi Bakr(R.A.) was in debt.
The creditor complained to the "Khalifah" who decided the case
impartially in favour of the creditor as a result of which Muhammad bin
Abi Bakr left Medina and came to Egypt and ultimately joined Ibn Saba.
Plan of the Sabaites
The
Sabaites were planning to cause a general rising when the Governors
were away to attend the conference. However the plot could not be
carried out.
Kufa
was the main centre of the Sabaites besides their headquarters in
Egypt. The hooligans of Kufa tried to carry out the plan and did not
allow the governor to enter the city when he returned from the
conference. They demanded that Hadrat Musa Ash'ari should be appointed
as the governor in place of Sa'd bin'As. Their request was granted and
Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) sent Hadrat Musa Ash'ari to Kufa.
Then
they chalked out another plan and decided that their ring leaders
should meet at Medina. This plan had to serve double purpose. On the one
hand they wanted to study the situation for future course of action,
and on the other hand they wanted to show to the public that they put
their grievances before the "Khalifah" but he did not pay any attention
to them.
According
to the plan three delegations came, one from Egypt, the second from
Kufa and the third from Basrah. Hadrat Uthman was informed about their
plan but he accepted it quietly. When these Sabaites entered Medina some
Companions suggested to Uthman (R.A.) to kill them but he told that
without sufficient legal grounds no man can be executed, and that he
would try to remove the misunderstandings. He told them, "I would be
kind to them and if kindness failed to work I would rather sacrifice
myself for Allah's Will."
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) listened to them and gave a long address in which he
replied to all the charges which were put against him. Some parts of his
historical address are quoted here
"I
have been accused of loving my kinsmen and to be unduly kind to them.
It is not a sin to love one's relatives but I have never been unjust to
other people because of my love of my relatives. Whatever I give them
that is from my own pocket. I never spent anything on my relatives and
kinsmen from public funds ......"
"It
has been said that I have appointed comparatively young men as
officers. I did it only because I found them abler for the cause of
Islam. Nobody could deny their honesty and the work they rendered for
the cause of Islam and the Muslims. The appointment of Usamah as the
commander of the army by the Holy Prophet is proof that youth is no
disqualification."
"....
It has been alleged that I gave the whole booty of North Africa as
reward to the governor of Egypt. It is true but when I learnt the public
objection to it, I took back the money from the governor and deposited
it in the "Baitul Mal"....."
"It
is said that I have reserved the public pastures for my personal use. I
swear by Allah that I never did it. In public pastures only those
animals graze which are the property of the "Baitul Mal" (Public
Treasury). All of you know that when I was entrusted with this office
(i.e. caliphate) I had more animals than any one in the whole of Arabia
but now I have only two camels that are to serve me at the time of Hajj.
How could I reserve the public pastures for my personal use?......"
"People
accuse me of sending copies of the Holy Qur'an. The Holy Qur'an is
Allah's book sent down to His Prophet. The Companions who wrote it under
the direct supervision of the Holy Prophet are still alive. I have sent
only that copy of the Holy Qur'an which was compiled by those
Companions.."
"It
is said that I called Hakam to Medina who was exiled by the Holy
Prophet. Actually the Holy Prophet exiled him from Mecca to Taif. Then
the Holy Prophet had allowed him to live at Medina on my request. I only
put into force the permission granted by the Holy Prophet himself...."
In
this way Hadrat Uthman gave satisfactory explanation to all the
allegations put against him by the Sabaites. In the end of his address
he asked the audience
"Tell me if all what I have said is not correct."
But
the aim of these ring leaders was to create mischief. They returned to
their places and instead of telling the truth told them that the
"Khalifah" was not ready to set things right. Then they planned to send
strong contingents from places like Basrah, Kufa and Egypt for the
forthcoming Hajj. The parties were to leave their places pretending to
perform Hajj but there aim was to go to Medina and decide the matter
with the sword i.e. to change the "Khalifah" by force. Though the
"Khalifah" knew about this plan from before hand but he did not want to
use force. He was determined to win over his enemies with love and
compassion.
Martyrdom: Insurgents (Sabaites) enter Medina
As
the time of Hajj in the year 35 A.H. (656 A.C.) came near they started
to put their plans into action. In the month of Shawwal 35 A.H. they
started coming in small groups from various places. In all about three
thousand Sabaites came, one thousand from each place viz. Basrah, Kufa
and Egypt. The groups from Basrah stayed at DhiKhashab, and those from
Kufa stayed at A'was while the Egyptians stayed at Dhi-Murwah. All the
three places are near Medina. All of them wanted Hadrat Uthman to step
down but there was some difference of opinion regarding the next
"Khalifah". Because of Ibn Saba, the Egyptians wanted Hadrat 'Ali
(R.A.), but Kufites preferred Hadrat Zubair while Basrites were in
favour of Hadrat Talha. The Egyptians came to Hadrat 'Ali and requested
him to accept the "Khilafat". Hadrat 'Ali replied, "The Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) has told us that the parties of
Dhi-Khashab, Dhi-Murwah and A'was are cursed. Every pious Muslim knows
about it. I can't co-operate with you. Go back to your places." The
insurgents from Kufa made the same request to Hadrat Zubair who also
gave the same reply. The Basrites approached Hadrat Talha who also
refused.
When
Hadrat Uthman heard about the insurgents he sent some of the leading
Companions including Hadrat 'Ali to them. Hadrat 'Ali assured the
insurgents that their complaints would be listened to. They put certain
demands including the dismissal of the governor of Egypt and appointment
of Muhammad bin Abi Bakr as the new governor. Hadrat Uthman acceded to
their demand without any question. Then he gave a short address in which
he said, "By Allah, for the cause of truth, 1 am ready to obey even a
slave. I promise to fulfil your demands." Saying this tears rolled down
the eyes of Hadrat Uthman, and the audience also wept.
Hadrat
'Ali (R.A.) then again assured the insurgents and they seemed to be
satisfied and started to go back. All the Muslims at Medina thought that
the trouble had ended.
The siege of Khalifah's house
A
few days later the Medinites were surprised to hear shouts of "Revenge",
"Revenge" in the streets of Medina. Hearing the shouts Hadrat ’Ali came
out to enquire about the matter. The insurgents showed a letter to him
under the seal of "Khalifah" and signed by Marwan bin Hakm, the chief
secretary of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.). The letter was being carried to the
Governor of Egypt by a special messenger whom they intercepted on the
way. The letter said; "Uqtul Muhammad bin Abu Bakr" (i.e. Kill Muhammad
bin Abu Bakr) instead of "lqbil Muhammad bin Abu Bakr" (i.e. Accept
Muhammad bin Abu Bakr as governor).
Note:
It seems that the "Nuqtab "(dot) of Arabic letter "Ba" was wrongly
placed at the top giving it a letter similar to another letter "Ta"
due to which the meaning was totally changed. But according to most
of the historians the letter was intentionally written by Marwan about
which Hadrat Uthman did not know. While some others say that was a plot
of insurgents and they produced a forget letter. For the reason given in
the Glorious Caliphate by Athar Husain the letter was a clean forgery.
Hadrat'Ali
tried to pacify them but they did not listen to him and went straight
to Uthman, saying: “We do not want Uthman (R.A.) to be the Khalifah.
Allah has made his blood lawful for us. You should also help us." Hadrat
'Ali said, "By Allah, I have nothing to do with you. It seems that you
have hated a plot and are trying to carry it out."
When
the insurgents went to Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) he took a solemn oath that
he knew nothing about the letter. But they did not believe him and said,
"Whether you wrote it or not, you are unfit to be the Khalifah and you
must abdicate." They threatened to kill him on which Hadrat Uthman
(R.A.) replied, "I do not fear death, but I do not want to shed Muslim
blood."
When
Hadrat'Ali saw that the insurgents were not in control and Hadrat
Uthman did not want to use force against them, he left for Ahjar, a
place few miles away from Medina, because his position was becoming
difficult as the insurgents wanted to drag him in the dispute.
Afterwards
the insurgents demanded Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) to give up the "Khilafat".
He rejected their demand and said, "I can't take off the robe of honour
with my own hands that Allah has bestowed upon me." Consequently the
insurgents laid a siege to his house and did not allow him to come out
except for offering Salats in the Masjid. But later on they did not
allow him to come out even for the Salats. The siege went on for forty
days. During the last few days they also stopped supply of water. Some
brave Muslim youths like Hadrat Hasan, Husain, Muhammad bin Talha,
'Abdullah bin Zubair (R.A.) were guarding the gate of the house so that
nobody among the insurgents could enter the house. Beside Hadrat Uthman
and his wife, Nailah, Marwan bin Hakam was also in the house. He did not
allow any person to fight with the insurgents although a fight took
place between Hadrat Hasan, Husain and Marwan and the insurgents when
they did not allow Umm-ul-mu'minin Hadrat Habibah (R.A.) to supply meals
to Hadrat Uthman. Hadrat Hasan received minor injuries but Marwan was
seriously hurt. However the insurgents did not fight with Hadrat Hasan
and Husain because of the fear of Hashmites. During the siege Hadrat
Uthman sent Abdullah bin ’Abbas to Mecca to lead the Hajj and also to
inform people about the insurgents. He also sent messengers to
provincial governors.
When
hardship grew, some eminent Companions like Hadrat Mughirah bin Shu'bah
requested the "Khalifah" to take action against the insurgents and said
that all the people of Medina were ready to fight for him but he did
not agree to shedding of blood of Muslims. Then they proposed that he
should leave the house through the back door and either go to Mecca or
to Damascus where he would be safer but he accepted neither of the
proposals. The things got worse day by day, and at last the crisis
arrived.
Martyrdom of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.)
The
only weapon with Hadrat Uthman was his kindness and soft nature. He
addressed several times the insurgents from the roof of his house and
reminded them about his family relations with the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam), and the services he had rendered to
Islam but they never listened to him.
The
insurgents were afraid that the Hajj was coming to an end and after the
Hajj a number of supporters of the "Khalifah" would come to Medina.
They decided therefore to assassinate him without delay. As stated
before, they did not want to fight with Hashmites like Hadrat Hasan,
Husain and 'Abdullah bin Zubair who were standing guard at the main gate
of Hadrat Uthman's big residence. The reason not to fight with
Hashmites was that they had incited a number of people against Banu
Umayyah (Hadrat Uthman’s family) in favour of Banu Hashim (Hashmites).
So the insurgents climbed the back walls of the house and entered the
room where Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was reciting the Holy Qur'an.
On
seeing Hadrat Uthman, one of the insurgents hit his head with an axe
while the next struck him with a sword. His wife, Nailah tried to shield
her husband but she also got several wounds and her fingers were
chopped off. Chronicles record that Muhammad bin Abu Bakr was the leader
of the assassins. He got hold of Hadrat Uthman’s beard and pulled it.
On this Hadrat Uthman remarked, "0 my dear nephew if your father (Abu
Bakr) were alive you would not have done this." The remarks of Hadrat
Uthman cut him to the quick and he turned back and did not take part in
the assassination.
After giving severe injuries to Hadrat Uthman, one af insurgents, an Egyptian named 'Amr bin Hamq cut off Khalifah's head.
Hadrat Uthman (Radiallahu 'Anhu) was assassinated on Friday, the 17th Dhul-Hijjah, 35 A.H. (the 17th July, 656 A.D.).
A great Martyr
Hadrat Uthman was a great martyr as prophesied in the following Hadith quoted by Bukhari and others
Hadrat
Anas (R.A.) narrated that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa
Sallam), Abu Bakr,'Umar, and Uthman went up Uhud (the mountain near
Medina) and when it quivered because of them the Holy Prophet kicked it
with his foot and said, "Keep steady, 0 Uhud, for there are a prophet, a
Siddiq and two martyrs on you."
In
the above Hadith, Hadrat Abu Bakr had been said as the Siddiq (friend)
while 'Umar and Uthman (R.A.) had been prophesied as the martyrs.
The news of martyrdom
The
news of Hadrat Uthman's cruel assassination shocked everybody.
Hadrat'Ali (R.A.) received the news when he was returning from Ahjar to
see Hadrat Uthman. He was stunned on hearing the assassination of Hadrat
Uthman and exclaimed, "0 Allah, You know it, I am free from any blame."
He rebuked his sons Hasan and Husain (R.A.) and others who had stood
guard at the gate for not being more alert.
After
assassinating the Khalifah, the insurgents virtually took over charge
of Medina. They also looted the "Baitul Mal". Medinites were afraid of
them and did not come out of their houses. The corpse of the "Khalifah"
could not be buried for two days. At last some Muslims in succeeded
getting into the house and carried out the burial service. There were
only 17 Muslims who participated in the 'Burial Prayers". Hadrat Uthman
(R.A.) was 82 years old at the time of his assassination and remained in
the office of "Khilafas" for about 12 years. His words "I do not want
to spill Muslim blood to save my own neck", will be remembered for ever
in the history of Islam. He sacrificed his life to save Muslim blood.
Consequences of assassination
The
assassination of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was unparalled in Islamic history
and it had far reaching effects. Hadrat Hudhaifah (Rad.A) the secret
keeper of Holy Prophet's prophecies remarked on hearing the
assassination of Hadrat Uthman, "Ah, the assassination of Uthman has
divided the Muslims till resurrection, they would never be united
again." It proved to be true because just after the assassination civil
war started and continued up to the tragedy of Karbala. At that time the
Muslim community was divided into four groups
(i)
Uthmanis: The Syrians and Basrites were in favour of capital punishment
of the assassins. Syrians thought Hadrat Mu'awiyah the most suitable
person to punish the assassins while the Basrites wanted the Khalifah
from any of these two Talha or Zubair, as they were included in the
panel appointed by Hadrat Umar to select the Khalifah.
(ii)
Shi'an-i-'Ali: These people did not think Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) fit for
"Khilafat" and called themselves as the "Shi ‘an-i-'Ali" i.e., the
friends of ‘Ali. Kufans and some Egyptians were in this group. According
to Sunni historians, the assassins were from amongst this group.
(iii)
Murhibah: These were those people who were busy in "Jihad" (Holy Wars)
at the time when Hadrat Uthman was assassinated. They said: "Neither we
are with Uthmanis nor with Shi'as. We want to keep aloof from their
differences."
(iv)
Ahl-i-Sunnah wal Jama'ah: These were the bulk of the Companions and the
Muslims of various parts of the Islamic state including Mecca, Medina
and other parts of Arabia. They said, "We love both Uthman and 'Ali and
consider them as righteous and pious Companions. We do not curse any of
the Companions and the righteous Muslims. If any of the Companions
committed a mistake it was due to his "Ijtihad" (his disciplined verdict
based upon the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet) and he would
not be questioned for it. We follow the Sunnah (ways) of the Holy
Prophet and the Sunnah (ways) of his righteous jama'ah (i.e. the group
of ail the Companions).
The
first and the third viz. Uthmanis and Murhibah proved to be temporary
political groups but the other two viz. "Shi'as" and "Ahli Sunnah wal
Jama'ah" or Sunnis took the shape of permanent theological groups and
still exist.
Hearing
the news of Hadrat Uthman's assassination Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas
(R.A.), a prominent commentator of the Holy Qur'an remarked "Allah might
have stoned us as He stoned the people of Lot if majority of the
Muslims supported the assassinations of Hadrat Uthman."
Thamamah
bin 'Adi (R.A.) the governor of Yemen started to cry and weep hearing
the news of the assassination of Hadrat Uthman. Hadrat 'Abdullah bin
Salam (R.A.), well versed in the past scriptures, said: "By Allah, the
power of the Arabs has finished now." Hadrat 'Aisha (R.A.), the most
beloved wife of the Holy Prophet, said, "Ah, Uthman has been
assassinated most cruelly. His record of deeds is shining like a well
washed cloth."
Hearing
the news of the assassination Hadrat Abu Hurairah and Hadrat Zaid bin
Thabit (R.A.) started to weep continuously and their tears did not stop
for a long time.
The
shirt of Hadrat Uthman, which was spotted with his blood, and the cut
fingers of his wife, Nailah, were carried to Hadrat Amir Mu'awiyah
(R.A.), the Governor of Syria, in Damascus. When they were shown to the
Muslim public the whole gathering started to cry and shouted, "Revenge",
"Revenge".
Mr.
Joseph Hell, a Western historian says: "The assassination of Uthman was
a signal for civil war." Mr. Wellhausen, a German historian says, "The
murder of Uthman was more epoch-making than, almost any other event of
Islamic history." Philip Hitti has remarked: "With Uthman's death the
political unity of Islam came to an end. Soon Islam's religious unity
was divided. Islamic society entered upon a period punctuated with
schism and civil strife that has not yet ended." A Muslim historian,
Prof. K. Ali, writes, "Unity of Islam which was maintained by the first
two "Khalifahs" was lost and serious dissensions arose among the
Muslims."
.
The
assassination of Hadrat Uthman was followed by great civil wars and
battles between the Muslims, the details of which would come later. The
system of centralised government initiated by Hadrat ‘Umar and developed
by Hadrat Uthman was shattered and a number of internal movements
started of which the Kharijite's movement was the most serious.
Victories
Hadrat
Uthman’s reign constituted a glorious period in the history of Islam.
The territories of Islamic state (caliphate) were immensely extended.
Though the conquests during his time were not so much in number as
during the time of ‘Umar, nevertheless they were not few. He ruled over a
vast part of the then known world, right from Kabul (Afghanistan) to
Morocco. He put down the rebellions with an iron hand.
During
Hadrat Uthman’s period Muslim naval force was developed and Muslims
started naval victories. The victory over the huge naval force of
Byzantine Empire comprising 500 ships has been termed as the Grand
Victory.
After
the capture of North African territories by Muslims and gaining full
control over Mediterranean, the mighty power of Byzantine and Roman
Empire had collapsed. Actually Islam was at the zenith of its glory
during the period of Hadrat Uthman.
Official manuscript of the Holy Qur'an
One
of the magnificent services to Islam done by Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was
to safeguard any possible change in the codex of the Holy Qur'an. After
the conquests by the Muslims hundreds of thousands of non-Arabs, whose
mother tongue was not Arabic, accepted Islam because of its teachings.
Hadrat Hudhaifah (R.A.), one of the prominent Companions of the Holy
Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam), went for "Jihad" (Holy War)
during that time and noticed many differences in the manner of
recitation (Qira't) of the Holy Qur'an. The Syrians recited in a way
different from that of Kufis while the Kufis differed from Basris and so
on. As a matter of fact these differences were due to the differences
in the way of writing Arabic. Seeing this condition Hadrat Hudhaifah
reported the matter to the Khalifah on his return from the "Jihad" and
suggested that the Medinese codex should be regarded as authentic, i.e.
the Holy Qur'an, which was written and compiled in Book form during the
time of Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) and was kept with Ummul-mumminin Hadrat
Hafsah (R.A.). Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) took that Book from Hadrat
Hafsah(R.A.) and canonised the Medinese codex. He asked Hadrat Zaid bin
Thabit (R.A.), the person who wrote it during the time of Hadrat Abu
Bakr, to make copies of the same with the help of some other Companions
like Abdullah bin Zubair and Sa'd bin 'As etc. Then he ordered all other
copies, beside the Medinese codex, to be burnt and destroyed throughout
the State. Those people who earned their living in the provinces as the
receptacles and expositors of the sacred text were not pleased with
this act. It has been discussed before that such persons criticised
Uthman for burning unauthentic texts. However for this great service
Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) is famous as the "Jami'ul-Qur'an" (The compiler of
the Qur'an).
Uthman (R.A.) as a great Scholar
Hadrat
Uthman had a beautiful handwriting because of which the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam) appointed him as one of the scribes of
the "Wahy" (Revelation).
His
style of writing was well recognised among the Companions. Arabic
knowing persons can recognise the fluency of his writings specially of
the letters and the orders he sent to various officers during his
Khilafat. Though he was not an orator but his way of lecturing was very
effective. His addresses and lectures can be seen in history books.
Hadrat
Uthman was a great scholar of the Holy Qur'an and was a "Hafiz"(i.e.
the one who commits the whole Holy Book to memory). He was well versed
in "Shan-i-Nuzul"i.e. the chronology of revelation of various verses and
the chapters of the Holy Qur'an, and was considered an authority in
this respect. He was one of the few Companions who excelled in deriving
laws from the verses of the Holy Qur'an.
Although
he was not a great jurist like ‘Umar and 'Ali (R.A.) nevertheless he
was well qualified in this respect. His verdicts and judgements have
been mentioned in books. He was considered an authority on the laws of
Hajj. Even ‘Umar (R.A.) asked Uthman about that during his time.
Character and Piety
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) was a very pious Companion and a man of high character.
He was the most modest of all the Companions. Once the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam) was sitting with some of his Companions
and the shin of this leg was not covered. In the meantime somebody
informed him about the arrival of Hadrat Uthman (R.A.). The Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu'Alaihi wa Sallam) immediately covered it and remarked:
"Even the angels have regard for the modesty of Uthman"
He
was a strict follower of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu
'Alaihi wa Sallam). Somebody asked him the reason for smiling after
wudu. He replied he had seen the Holy Prophet smiling after making wudu,
so he smiled to follow him. Once he demonstrated to Muslims the correct
way of making wudu according to the sunnah of the Holy Prophet
(Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam).
He
used to fear Allah very much. Tears used to roll down his face because
of Allah's fear. Whenever the consequences to be faced in the grave were
described before him, he used to weep so much that his beard could get
wet with tears. Sometimes he wept and cried seeing a corpse or a grave
because of fear of Allah. He used to say, "Grave is the first stage
among all the stages of the Hereafter. If a person is successful there,
he would be successful on the Day of Judgement too. If a person faces
difficulty in the grave, other stages would also be difficult for him."
He
used to do household work although he was one of the wealthiest persons
in the whole of Arabia. He would not wake his slave to take any help
from him when he got up to perform "Tahajjud" Salat.
Hadrat
Uthman was very soft spoken. If any person talked to him in a harsh
tone he always replied gently. Once he was delivering "Khutbah" of
Jumu'a Salat, a person shouted during the Sermon: "O Uthman, repent for
Allah’s sake and keep away from going wrong." He immediately turned his
face towards the Qiblah and exclaimed, "0 Allah, I am the first to
repent before Thee and to turn towards Thee."
He
never took any allowance from the "Bait ul-Mal" for his services as a
Khalifah. Hadrat ‘Umar got 5,000 darhams annually as an allowance from
the Public Treasury, thus Hadrat Uthman contributed 60,000 Drahms after
his 12 years service, towards the Public Fund.
Examples
of his generosity have already been given. He was the most generous
among all the wealthy Companions and never hesitated to spend his money
for the cause of Islam and Muslims. His house was one of the biggest in
Medina which he built near the mosque of the Holy Prophet. He
established a library in the back of his house for the education of the
Muslims.
Wives and Children
Hadrat
Uthman was first married to the Holy Prophet's daughter, Hadrat
Ruqayyah (R.A.) who died in Medina while the Holy Prophet was away on
the expedition of Badr. Then he was married to the younger daughter of
the Holy Prophet whose name was Hadrat Umm-i-Kulthum. She also died in
the year 9 A.H. His first wife, Hadrat Ruqayyah bore him a son,
Abdullah, who died at an early age. He had no child from Umm-i-Kulthum
(R.A.).
After
the death of his second wife Hadrat Umm-i-Kulthum, he married, the
following ladies from time to time: Fakhtah bint Walid; Umm-i-'Amr bint
Jundah; Fatimah bint Shaibah; Umm-i-Banin bint'Uwainah; Ramlah bint
Shaibah; 'Aishah; Umm-i-Aban; and Nailah bint Farafsah, his last wife
whose fingers were chopped by the insurgents.
Eleven
sons were born to him from different wives. Some of them died at an
early age. One of his sons, Aban became famous and held high positions
during the Umayyads. He had six or seven daughters.
No use of Force against Civilians
Hadrat
Uthman (R.A.) showed an exemplary tolerance against the insurgents. By
not using force against the civil public, he set the first example of
the highest democratic rule in human civilisation. If studied from this
point of view, it would be noted that Uthman (R.A.) was at the peak of
modern democratic principles. It is unfortunate that the masses at that
time were not trained for that highest form of democracy. They have had
experienced in the past of the tyranny of Persian and Roman Emperors and
their officers. However the base elements took advantage of the Islamic
democratic principles and incited some of the Muslim population against
the Khalifah. Hadrat Uthman used all the democratic principles, now
prevailing in the modern society, to satisfy the insurgents. He gave
before the public, full explanation of all the allegations brought
against him, and the public was fully satisfied with his explanation. He
acceded to the demands of the insurgents by appointing Muhammad bin Abi
Bakr as the Governor of Egypt. But he did not resign because the
majority of the Muslims were in his favour and only a few were the
mischief-mongers. His words: "I do not want to spill Muslim blood to
save my own neck" would be remembered for ever.
