Sayyiduna Uthman Al Ghani
Sayyiduna Uthman Al Ghani
Hazrat Usman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہ the third Caliph of Islam, is one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. His leadership, piety, and contributions to the Muslim community have left an indelible mark on the world. His رضی اللہ عنہ patronymic (Kunyaĥ) is Abū ‘Amr. He is also known as Zun-Nurain (i.e. Possessor of two Nurs), because the Noble Prophet gave two of his honorable daughters’ hands in marriage one after the other to the honorable Uthman Bin Affan رضی اللہ عنہ .
This article aims to explore the life of Hazrat Usman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہ highlighting his early years رضی اللہ عنہhis role during the Prophet Muhammad's صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم era, his caliphate, personal traits, and his enduring legacy.
The compiler of the Quran, the 3rd Caliph, Sayyiduna Usma رضی اللہ عنہwas born 6 years after the event of the Elephants in the Holy City of Makkah; his lineage merges with that of the Final Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم after 5 generations. (Tareekh-ul-Khulafa, p. 118)
He رضی اللہ عنہ was born in 576 CE into the wealthy and influential Umayyad clan of the Quraysh tribe in Makkah, Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan رضی اللہ عنہ was known for his handsome appearance, noble character, and business acumen. His father, Affan ibn Abi al-‘Aas, was a successful merchant, and his mother, Arwa bint Kurayz, belonged to a prominent family. Uthman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہ received a good education and was well-versed in Arabic literature and commerce.
Osman Ibn Affan’s رضی اللہ عنہ conversion to Islam was a significant event in his life and in the early Muslim community. He embraced Islam at the age of 34, influenced by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم and the persuasion of his close friend, Abu Bakr Siddiq رضی اللہ عنہ .
Othman Bin Affan رضی اللہ عنہ embraced Islam at the very advent of Islam. He is also known as Saḥib ul Hijratain (the one who migrated twice) because firstly he migrated to Ḥabshah (Ethiopia) and then to Madina al-Munawwarah.
Despite facing opposition from his family and tribe, Hazrat Usman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہ remained steadfast in his faith. His early contributions included financial support for the nascent Muslim community, which played a crucial role in its survival and growth.
As a close companion of Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم , Hazrat Usman رضی اللہ عنہ played a vital role in several key events. He participated in major battles, such as the Battle of Uhud and the Battle of Trench, displaying bravery and loyalty. One of his most significant contributions was the compilation of the Quran.
Sayyiduna Usman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہ was instrumental in the collection and preservation of the Quranic revelations, ensuring their accuracy and consistency. His marriage to two of the Prophet's daughters, Ruqayyah رضی اللہ عنھا and after her death, Umm Kulthum رضی اللہ عنھا , further solidified his esteemed position within the Muslim community.
Amir-ul-Muminin Sayyiduna Usman e Ghani’s رضی اللہ عنہ rank is very high indeed. In his life, he bought Paradise twice from the Merciful Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم . The first time, he purchased a well called ‘Bir-e-Rumah’ from a Jew and endowed it for the Muslims to drink from it. The second time was during the Battle of Tabuk.
Sayyiduna Abdur Raḥman Bin Khabbab رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated, ‘I was present in the blessed court of the Noble Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم who was motivating the Ṣaḥabah for the battle of Tabuk. Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan رضی اللہ عنہ stood up and said, ‘O Prophet I take it upon myself to donate 100 camels along with saddles and other related provisions.’
The Beloved and Blessed Rasul صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم then resumed his inspirational efforts.Sayyiduna Usman Bin Affan رضی اللہ عنہ stood up again and said, Ya Rasulallah! I bear the responsibility of contributing 200 camels with all the provisions.’
The Most Dignified Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم then resumed his motivational efforts once again. Hazrat Usman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہ stood up once again and said, ‘O Rasul of Allah! I take the responsibility of [donating] 300 camels with all the provisions.’
Elected as the third Caliph in 644 CE, Hazrat Usman's رضی اللہ عنہ leadership marked a period of significant expansion and consolidation for the Islamic empire. His caliphate saw the conquest of new territories, including parts of North Africa, Cyprus, and the Persian Empire, extending the reach of Islam.
Hazrat Usman' رضی اللہ عنہ administrative reforms included the establishment of a centralized treasury, standardization of currency and improvements in public welfare. His most notable achievement was the commissioning of the standardized version of the Quran, known as the Mushaf of Uthman, to prevent discrepancies in its recitation and transmission.
Hazrat Usman Ghani رضی اللہ عنہwas known for his exceptional qualities, including his generosity, humility, and devotion to Islam. He was often referred to as "Ghani" (the Generous) for his charitable acts, such as funding the construction of the mosque in Medina and providing for the needy. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of his people.
His contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and governance continue to influence Muslim societies today.
The later years of Othman Bin Affan’s رضی اللہ عنہ caliphate were marked by increasing unrest and opposition. The siege of his house by rebels in 656 CE lasted for several weeks, during which he refused to use force against his fellow Muslims. Despite the attempts of his supporters to defend him, Hazrat Usman رضی اللہ عنہ was assassinated while reciting the Quran.
Sayyiduna Usman رضی اللہ عنہ was oppressively martyred after 12 years of leadership (as Caliph) at the age of 82 on Friday 18 Zul Hijjah 35 AH while he was fasting.
After his martyrdom, Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Abbas رضی اللہ عنہ saw the Beloved Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم in his dream saying, ‘Indeed Usman has been made an exceptional groom in Paradise.’ (Riyad-un-Nadarah, vol. 3, pp. 73-76)
Hazrat Uthman Ghani’s رضی اللہ عنہlife and contributions have left a lasting legacy in the annals of Islamic history. His dedication to the faith, his leadership during a critical period of expansion, and his efforts in preserving the Quran have made him a revered figure.
The values he embodied and the principles he upheld continue to inspire Muslims around the world. Reflecting on his life reminds us of the importance of steadfastness, generosity, and commitment to justice in the face of adversity.
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