Overview

Sayyiduna Uthman ibn Affan May Allah be pleased with him was a model of generosity, modesty and devotion. His immense sacrifices for Islam, his preservation of the Holy Qur’an and his righteous leadership as the third Caliph have secured him a unique place in Islamic history. His life remains an enduring example of faith, patience and selfless service to the Ummah. He was born in the blessed city of Mecca into the noble Banu Umayyah clan of Quraysh and was renowned for nobility, modesty, generosity and truthfulness from an early age. He is one of the Asharah Mubashsharah meaning Ten Companions promised Paradise and one of the closest companions of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. He is known as Dhun-Nurayn meaning The Possessor of Two Lights due to the unique honor of being married to two daughters of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.

Full Name

Hazrat Abu Abdullah Uthman ibn Affan ibn Abil Aas al-Qurashi al-Umawi May Allah be pleased with him.

Titles

Dhun-Nurayn meaning Possessor of Two Lights. Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen. Al-Ghani. Jami’-ul-Qur’an. Khalifat-ur-Rasool.

Lineage

He belonged to the noble Banu Umayyah clan of Quraysh. His lineage meets that of the Holy Prophet ﷺ at Abd Manaf. He was renowned for nobility, modesty, generosity and truthfulness.

Date of Birth

47 Before Hijrah corresponding to 576 CE.

Birthplace

Mecca.

Acceptance of Islam

He was among the earliest people to embrace Islam. He accepted Islam through the invitation of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddiq May Allah be pleased with him. He endured persecution for the sake of Islam with patience and steadfastness.

Marriage into the Blessed Household

He married Sayyidah Ruqayyah May Allah be pleased with her, daughter of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. After her passing, he married Sayyidah Umm Kulthum May Allah be pleased with her, another daughter of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Because of this unique honor, he became known as Dhun-Nurayn meaning The Possessor of Two Lights.

Migration for Islam

He migrated to Abyssinia known as Habashah for the protection of faith. He later migrated to Madinah Munawwarah. He was among the foremost Muhajireen.

Virtues and Excellence

He was one of the Asharah Mubashsharah meaning Ten Companions promised Paradise. He was one of the closest companions of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. He was known for exceptional modesty and generosity. The angels were said to feel shy before him due to his immense haya meaning modesty.

Services to Islam

He spent vast amounts of wealth in support of Islam. He purchased the Well of Rumah and dedicated it to Muslims. He financed the Expedition of Tabuk with enormous donations. He supported the poor, needy and Islamic causes throughout his life.

Compilation of the Holy Qur’an

During his Caliphate, he supervised the standardization and distribution of the Mushaf. He sent authenticated copies of the Holy Qur’an to major Islamic regions. He earned the title Jami’-ul-Qur’an for this monumental service.

Caliphate

He was the third Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam. He served as Khalifah from 23 AH to 35 AH. He expanded the Islamic state into new territories. He promoted justice, prosperity and Islamic learning.

Trials and Patience

He faced internal unrest during the later years of his Caliphate. He chose patience and restraint to prevent bloodshed among Muslims. He remained devoted to the Qur’an and worship until his final moments.

Shahadah Martyrdom

He was martyred while reciting the Holy Qur’an in his home. He sacrificed his life with patience and steadfast faith.

Date of Shahadah

18 Dhul-Hijjah 35 AH corresponding to 17 June 656 CE.

Place of Shahadah

Medina.

Special Distinctions

He was the third Rightly Guided Caliph. He was one of the Asharah Mubashsharah. He was the son-in-law of the Holy Prophet ﷺ through two daughters. He was instrumental in preserving the Qur’an for future generations.

Virtues Mentioned in Hadith

The Holy Prophet ﷺ said regarding him: Should I not feel shy before a man before whom the angels feel shy? Glad tidings of Paradise were given to him by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Mazaar Sharif

Jannat al-Baqi, Medina.

Legacy

Sayyiduna Uthman ibn Affan May Allah be pleased with him was a model of generosity, modesty and devotion. His immense sacrifices for Islam, his preservation of the Holy Qur’an and his righteous leadership as the third Caliph have secured him a unique place in Islamic history. His life remains an enduring example of faith, patience and selfless service to the Ummah.