`Uthman ibn `Affan (may Allah be pleased with him)

Venerable Companions in lines of light (3)

Episode (3) `Uthman ibn `Affan

`Uthman was a story of extreme shyness, pure faith, innocent heart, and lovable piety.

A blooming flower and a tall palm that grew in the shade of monotheism and in the shade of the Glorious Qur'an.

His eyes flowed with tears for fear of Allah, his bright face flowed with glad tiding, and his soul was more pure than ice and than a white cloud in the sky. He was known for his good-manners, the softness of his nature, and delicacy of feeling. Moreover, he was one of the ten persons who were given glad tiding of entering Paradise.

He is `Uthman ibn `Affan who was born in At-Ta'if 47 years before the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and was nicknamed by Abu `Amr.

He was surnamed by Dhul-Nourayn because he married two daughters of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): Ruqyyah and Um Kulthum.

He migrated twice (to Abyssinia and to Madinah) and was one of the scribes of revelation.

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The one who would dig the well of Rumah will enter Paradise." So, `Uthman dug it. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The one who would equip the army of `Usrah shall enter paradise." And `Uthman equipped it. How generous you were `Uthman! And how keen you were to help Muslims! What a high spirit you had in giving charity!

Let us think about the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about `Uthman: "Shall I not be shy of a person of whom angels are shy."

He was the third Caliph of Muslims. He was known for asceticism, piety, generosity and frequent giving of charity.

Of his prominent works (may Allah be pleased with him) was writing down the Glorious Qur'an in one copy that was known as the Copy of `Uthman of which he sent copies to all Islamic countries.

He (may Allah be pleased with him) kept also expanded Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) when it became narrow and could not encompass those who offered Salah therein.

Then, in year 26 after migration he (may Allah be pleased with him) sent an army under the leadership of `Abdullah ibn Abu As-Sarh to Tunisia to open it for Islam as he opened Nubia in year 32 AH.

This is the biography of the pious caliph who gave Islam and Muslims love, money, time, and thinking throughout 12 years which was the duration of his caliphate.

He was martyred in year 35 AH at the age of 82 (may Allah be pleased with him) and rewarded him the best for what he did to Islam and Muslims.