Uthman Ibn Affan al-Umawi al-Qurashi was a close Companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the third righteous Caliph (644-656). He had such human qualities as generosity and willingness to help, so the Prophet entrusted him with the issues of offerings and gifts.
Biography
It is said that Uthman (RA) was born and raised in Taif, and this had a certain influence on the formation of his personal qualities.
Whether Uthman (RA) was born in Mecca or Taif, it is certain that he grew up in a rich family that conducted an extensive trade.
The Umayyad branch of the Quraysh joins the family of the Prophet (PBUH) on Abdumanaf. It occupied a prominent place in Mecca.
At the time of jahiliya, the Quraysh were divided into several groups or clans, the largest of which was considered to be the Hashim clan, then the Makhzum clan. The Umayyads were one of these families, thus belonging to the top of the Meccan nobility.
The Quraysh were very fond of Uthman (RA). There was even a saying: “May the Merciful love you like the Quraysh of Uthman”. This clearly shows the place he held in the hearts of his fellow tribesmen.
Uthman (RA) converted to Islam almost immediately after the prophecy was revealed, at the age of 30. Abu Bakr (RA) played an important role in this.
When Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) converted to Islam, his uncle turned on him, demanding that he return to the religion of his ancestors. But Uthman (RA) was adamant and defended his faith. In the end, his uncle also accepted it.
His generosity
Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) was one of the most respected and wealthy residents of Mecca. He inherited 30 million dirhams from his father and skillfully increased them in trade. With the advent of Islam, he generously sacrificed his possessions in the way of Allah. Here are just a few examples of his charity.
When Uthman migrated to Madinah, he learned that the Muslims there were having trouble with water. The water in all the wells of Medina was bitter and salty. And only in the well of Ruma, which belonged to a Jew, the water was fresh and pleasant to the taste. The Jew earned his livelihood by selling water from this well. Uthman (RA) immediately bought the well and gave it to the Muslims.
During the campaign for Tabuk, when the Muslims were experiencing drought and famine, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urged Muslims to make donations to outfit the troops. Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) surprised everyone by donating 940 camels and 60 horses to the army, that is, a total of one thousand riding animals.
During the reign of Abu Bakr, the Muslims experienced a very difficult time of drought and famine. Then Uthman (RA), who came to the city with a huge caravan loaded with various goods, and discovered the deplorable state of the Muslims, gave the whole caravan as alms.
Making copies of the Qur’an
The greatest achievement of Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) was that four copies of the Qur’an were compiled under him. These copies were taken to the regional centers of the Caliphate, and they were copies that were taken from the copy that Abu Bakr collected. Drawn up and that they were circulated to regional centres of the Caliphate, the top of all the brilliant activities of Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) value to the world, since these copies are the primary source copy of the Quran for Muslims living in every corner of the Caliphate.
Many of Ibn Affan’s undertakings and deeds were fateful for the state and the entire Muslim world. Many of Umar’s undertakings were continued by him. Ibn Affan paid special attention to judicial matters. Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) built the first courthouse in the history of Islam and the Muslim world, under him the court became an institution, and he is also the founder of the police in the Islamic state.
Under his rule, with the Mercy of Allah, a correct and effective financial policy was conducted, which led to the expansion of the state, the growth of general welfare, and even the spread of luxury in the Ummah.
Uthman (RA) passed away at the age of 82, but history has preserved for us his great qualities, such as modesty, generosity, mercy and patience as well as his hatred of bloodshed even in the face of mortal danger. I think we should pay more attention to the lives of such people and learn to be better from them.
Read more about people who made great contributions to the development of Islam here.
References:
Caliph Uthman Murdered – History Today
- Uthman ibn Affan – Oxford Islamic Studies Online
- Uthman ibn Affan: A generous and pious person – Arab News
