1.

Expansion and Administration

2. Compilation of Quran
3. Reasons for the Unrest-Rebillion in Madinah-Martydom
a) Causes for Revolt
b) Allegations/Charges
c) Events of his Death

Hazrat Usman’s (R.A) caliphate

Election as Caliph:
On his death bed, Hazrat Umar nominated a committee of six persons (Shura) to hold consultation and select
his successor from among themselves within three days then their choice was to be confirmed through
bayyat(oath of loyalty) by the Muslim population.
(1) HazratAli (2) Hazrat Usman (3) Zubair ibn awwam (4) Abdur Rehman bin Auf (5) Talha (6) Sa’ad
bin Abi Waqas
All these persons were among the most eminent companions of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), whom he had
given tidings of paradise in their lifetimes.
Despite long meetings the panel could not arrive at a decision, Abdur Rahman then withdrew his name
and it was decided that he would make the final decision regarding the selection. Of the remaining
nominees, Talha was not present at Madinah: therefore, the choice was now restricted to the remaining
four members. Abdur Rehman bin Auf consulted each one individually to get their opinion. Sa’ad
supported Hazrat Usman. While Zubair mentioned both Hazrat Usman and Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Usman
voted for Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Ali voted for Hazrat Usman. Abdur Rehman also asked from both Usman
and Ali that if elected, would they follow the Quran and Sunnah and the example of the first two caliphs.
Hazrat Usman agreed to this whereas Hazrat Ali said that he would follow the Quran and Sunnah but not
the first two caliphs.
Abdur Rehman asked the opinion of other prominent men as well and arrived at the conclusion that
the majority of the people favoured the succession of Hazrat Usman and, thus, he was declared as the
elected Khalifa. Abdur Rehman bin Auf was the first to take the Bayyat or Pledge and he was followed by
Hazrat Ali and other companions and then there was a general Bayyat in Prophet’s mosque. Hazrat
Usman became the third Khalifa of Islam on the 4th Muharram 23 A.H/644AD. He took the title of
“Khalifat Allah” i.e vicegerent of Allah.

Standard Compilation of Quran

• During ‘Uthman’s time as caliph, Islam had spread to other areas. Hazrat Huzaifa bin Yamaan
reported to Hazrat ‘Usman that people in different areas, in particular in Armenia and Azerbaijan,
were reciting the Qur’an in a different dialect. He requested him to take immediate action for the
removal of these differences; otherwise it might create a rift among the Muslims.
• Accordingly, Hazrat Usman acquired the copy of the Quran prepared by Zaid Bin Sabit from Hazrat
Hafsa. He appointed Zaid Bin Sabit along with three other knowledgeable Muslims , Abdur Rehman
bin Harris, Abdullah bin Zubair and Saad bin Aas, who assisted to make copies of the Quran from the
original text. They were told to follow the dialect of the Quraish in case of differences over the
language, as the Quran had been revealed in that dialect.
• The Quran was read out loudly from the beginning to the end in the Prophet (P.B.U.H) mosque from
these copies of the Quran, so that not a shadow of doubt remained in the mind of anyone that
changes had been introduced in the Quran.
• These copies were then dispatched to the capital city of every Province of the Muslims States with
instructions that in future copies should be made only from the official authentic text. Hazrat Usman
also ordered that if anyone had a copy with a different text, it was to be destroyed by fire. Hazrat
Usman also sent teachers to these areas to teach the correct dialect to the inhabitants of these areas.
• Hazrat Usman is Known as Jami-al-Quran. This means that he brought the Muslims around to a
uniform reading of the Quran.
 2

Causes of Revolt against Hazrat Usman

The first half of Hazrat Usman’s Caliphate, 644-650 AD, was very peaceful. During that time
the Muslims attained many victories. However, the later part of his caliphate was marked by a
terrible civil conflict.
Hazrat Usman (R.A) was a gentle and soft-hearted person, and those who sought to create chaos
among Muslims took advantage of his nature. Despite his good leadership qualities, his leniency
sometimes allowed evil elements to thrive in the Muslim state. He occasionally overlooked the faults
of his governors and officers, and his sympathetic nature led them to ignore his orders.
Abdullah bin Saba, a Yemenite Jew who outwardly accepted Islam, started a campaign against
Usman (R.A) and created a rift among Muslims by exploiting Hazrat Ali's name to instigate people
against him. Hazrat Usman (R.A) did not take timely action, merely expelling Abdullah from Basra,
Kufa, and Syria. This increased his influence, and eventually, he went to Egypt, where he incited more
people against Hazrat Usman (R.A).
Rivalry also existed between Arabs and non-Arabs in newly conquered areas, who resented their
defeat. Hazrat Usman (R.A) allowed Arabs to acquire lands and settle in these regions, increasing the
hostility.
Additionally, there was long-standing rivalry between the Quraish tribes, particularly the
Hashimites and Umayyads. This rivalry, suppressed during the time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the
first two Caliphs, re-emerged. The Hashimites could not tolerate the rule of the Umayyad for long,
and Usman could not muster the support of the Quraish because of his inclinations towards his own
relatives.

Charges / Allegations:
The People, who had once spoken highly of Hazrat Usman, brought several allegations against him .
1. One of the main allegations against Hazrat Usman was that he had appointed his inefficient
relatives as governors. Hazrat Umar had already appointed Hazrat Usman’s nephew Muawiya
Ibn Abi Sufiyan, governor of Syria. Other relatives of the caliph i.e Abdullah bin Aamir, Walid
bin Uqba, and Abdullah Bin Saad were appointed governors of Basra, Kufa and Egypt due to
the demand and wishes of the people. But to many Muslims, this action appeared to be
favoring his own family unfairly.
2. When he burnt the false copies of the Quran, he was condemned for destroying the Word of
Allah, though he may have intended to ensure that only the correct version should be read.
3. Additionally, it was also alleged that Usman was extravagant and gave money to his
relatives, thus misused the "Bait-ul-Maal." The allegation was absolutely false as Usman was
one of the wealthiest merchants in Arabia and his generiosty during Prophet's life was well
known and hence he was called "Ghani". Hazrat Usman rather than taking 60,000 dirhams after
his 12 year service, he contributed 60,000 dirhams towards the Bait-ul-Maal.
4. It was also alleged that he was too lenient and did not keep a check on his governors.
5. When he lost the Prophet’s (pbuh) ring, his adversaries took it as a divine sign that he should
no longer as caliph
 4

The annual pilgrimage in 655 was, as per custom, to be led by the Caliph and it was at this time that
Hazrat 'Uthman used to have an informal conference with all the key governors and advisers to discuss
issues confronting the Caliphate. In 655, though, delegates from disaffected armies at Fustat, Kufa and
Basra, were having their own meetings in which they agreed on a plan to march upon Madina Munawarah
some three months before the next Hajj and petition the Caliph-was to either sack his unpopular kinsmen or
step down from the high office he occupied.

Events of Revolt (Rebellion in Madina)

In 656. the protesters fulfilled their plans with admirable speed and efficiency. Three columns of men
apparently on their way to Makkah for the pilgrimage left the garrison cities of Kufa, Basra and Egypt.
Once, they reached Madina they made separate camps in their accustomed camping grounds that
surrounded Madina. There was no violence, but the arrival of the armed men shocked the population into a
renewed support of Hazrat Usman.
The rebels sent deputations to the three most respected members of the inner council of the companions
Ali, Talha and Zubair . At first the companions got angry at the rebels for coming armed to the Holy City
and refused to to do anything for them.
As the deadlock intensified, Hazrat Ali agreed to act as the intermediary and advised Hazrat Usman that
the unpopular governor Abdullah bin Saad should be removed from the governorship of Egypt as this
would send the rebels back. This was also supported by Hazrat Aisha. The rebels insisted the
Muhammad bin Abu Bakr be made the governor. The caliph reluctantly agreed, and the rebels prepared
to march home. Three days into their march back, rebels from Egypt were overtaken by an African slave.
He was pursued, and brought back and a letter was found in his leather pouch with the caliph’s new seal on
it. The letter was opened: it requested Abdullah bin Saad to put them to death on their return.
The rebels were furious they turned around and rode hard to Madina. The rebels from Kufa and Basra
also joined them. Hazrat Ali once again agreed to arbitrate. Hazrat Usman denied all knowledge of the
letter but freely admitted that slave was from his household. The mystery surrounding the letter has
never been solved but its effect hardened the battle lines, for the rebels now feared for their lives if they left
Madina with the caliph still in place. Hazrat Usman promised to listen to the grievance of the rebels and
addressed them but he did not agree to step down from the office of caliph. He however refused to call the
army to flight his fellow Muslims.
DEATH
As the rebellion in Madina intensified and the rebels surrounded the house of the caliph, ʿAli, Talha
and Zubayr sent their sons to guard ʿUthman’s door from any direct assault. When the rebels got the
news that an elite force dispatched from Syria by the governor Muawiyya, was 120 km from Madina
they decided to act. They first attacked the caliph’s house which was bravely defended by Hasan, ʿAli’s
son, and Muhammad, Talha’s son. Marwan and his troops offered some resistance but were
outnumbered and Marwan was seriously wounded.
In the fight that followed, the rebels led by Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr reached ʿUthman just as the call
for Friday prayer was being given. He was alone in his room with his wife Naila, reading the Qur’an. As
the rebel’s sword pierced his forehead, drops of his blood fell on Verse 137 of Sura al Baqarah: "But
Allah will suffice thee against them; and He is all hearing, All Knowing." Uthman’s wife threw herself
over his body to protect it from indignity and did not move even after two of her fingers were sliced off.
This tragic event took place on Friday, 18th of Zil Hajj, 35 A.H/656AD. He was buried in Jannat ul Baqi in
Madinah.
Q: Write in detail about the policy followed by ‘Uthman as caliph in expanding and
maintaining the state. [10] {ON-2016}
Usman became the third caliph after succeeding Umar on 4th Muharram 644 AD. The Prophet
[PBUH] used to pray: “O God! I am pleased with Usman. I beseech (beg) you to be pleased
with him.’’ His devotion earned him the titles of ‘Al-Ghani, Zun Nurrain, among Ten blessed
companions, Bait e Rizwan was taken for him etc.,
Hazrat Usman’s caliphate started in 644 and ended in 656. His mercy, generosity and efficient
administration of the Islamic empire won him the respect of his people. He proved skillful in
handling the vast caliphate. His administration can be divided in two parts, the first six years
were marked by internal peace and tranquility, but during the second half of his caliphate a
rebellion arose. Upon assuming the caliphate Usman introduced various measures for the
expansion & administration of empire.

Expansion
During his twelve-year caliphate Usman followed the footsteps of the first two caliphs. He did a
lot for the consolidation and establishment of the military on firm grounds and went on to
expand on the territory that was left to him by Umar. At the time of Hazrat Umar's burial, Hazrat
Usman had been heard saying, "Out of us who can equal Umar." Umar was held in high
regard not only by the Muslims but the rest of the world. As soon as the news of his demise
spread, revolts sprung up, as people saw his death as an opportunity to recover their
independence. Persia was effected by local rebellions so that from 644 to 649, the two great
Muslim armies at Kufa and Basra were fighting in a series of internal campaigns. The more
distant areas in the mountain territories of Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus quickly
repossessed their dominion. They fought off the determined counter attacks of the
Muslim forces destroying at least two of their armies. Five years of campaign and counter-
campaign at last re-established Muslims authority in the Persian Empire. By 650, the Muslim
armies conquered Herat, Merv, Balkh and Kabul. Two years later, the Persians emperor
Yazdegird was killed.
In the first year of Hazrat Usman caliphate, there was a revolt in Egypt supported by an
attack by the Byzantine Empire. The Greek-speaking population of the city rose in support
and killed 1000 Muslim soldiers. Hazrat Usman had replaced Amr ibn Aas with his cousin
Abdullah bin Saad as the governor of Alexandria. Hazrat Usman then reinstated Amr ibn Aas,
who once again was able to enter Alexandria as a conqueror in 646. In the following year 647,
Hazrat Usman ordered an attack on North Africa. After the African campaign, Navy became
operational in 649. The first joint naval attack led by Abdullah and Muawiyah proved to be
success and the island of Cyprus was occupied in 649. It is said that during Hazrat Usman’s
rule the Muslim Naval fleet comprised of 500 ships. As a result, besides defending its borders
the Muslim Empire was able to expand its influence in the Mediterranean capturing Cyprus
and Crete and raiding as far away as Sicily.
3(a) Give an account of the administration of the caliphate under ‘Uthman. [10]
Administration
He started his reign with a popular gesture by adding 100 dirhams to the annual stipends and, at the
same time, began to increase the central government’s control over the affairs of the garrison cities. He
launched a diligent inspection of accounts, started to overhaul the Diwan salary rolls, and asked for
the accounts and provisional surpluses to be forwarded to the treasury in Madina. He continued with
‘Umar’s policy of gradually splitting up the immense authority exercised by the provincial governors, who
also doubled as army commanders. He did this by creating the new post of financial administrator, who
exclusively looked after tax revenue. He established a permanent secretariat for the above task and
appointed a salaried ‘Inspector of Markets,’ which remained a key position in future Islamic states.
Usman maintained the pattern of political administration as it stood under Umar. Under Umar, Egypt was
divided into two parts, i.e., Upper and Lower Egypt. Usman made it one. Similarly, Syria, Palestine,
and Jordan were combined into one province. Each province was under the charge of an efficient
Governor called the Wali or Ameer. The wali was not only the ruler of the province but also the military
and religious head. Each province was divided into districts, administered by an Amil, and there were
over 100 districts in the country. Qazi was also present who was in charge of general administration. The
Majlis-e-Shura or council of consultation was maintained. Usman held periodic conferences of the district
authorities to keep himself informed of the country’s conditions.
The economic resources of the country were Zakat, Ushr, Jiziya, Fa’ey, Ghanimah, etc. During Usman’s
time, the income of the state increased greatly. Usman, being a trader, knew that trade could not flourish
under the strict economic policies imposed by Umar. Being a democrat by nature, Usman ended the
restrictions imposed by Umar regarding the sale of land and the movement of people. He also
allowed the eminent companions to draw loans from the public treasury. These economic reforms,
overall, led to the betterment of society. An effective system of Public Treasury (Bait ul Maal) was
maintained for the collection and distribution of funds. While Umar received 5,000 dirhams annually as an
allowance from the Public Treasury, Usman contributed 60,000 dirhams after his 12 years of service, as
he was wealthy with sufficient personal resources.
The land conquered from battles previously was not given to the army and soldiers as said by Umar that
‘Spoils belong to victors’ but ‘land to the state’. He also relaxed the strict measures of living
imposed by ‘Umar and allowed the Arabs to acquire lands in the conquered territories.
Many other public works were carried out, such as the construction of embankments to protect houses
in Madina from being swept away by periodic floods. Provisions for supplying clean water to the
population were undertaken. Usman purchased land and constructed purpose-built markets, whose
rents were used to feed the poor. Land was bought from the central treasury's funds for state animals to
pasture. He also built state stables and guesthouses for the use of travelers, messengers, and poor
pilgrims. The Prophet’s Mosque was extended by Usman, and he built many mosques, dams, border
outposts, and guesthouses. Wells were dug along highways and roads to supply drinking water to travelers.
Usman took steps towards the propagation of Islam and is said to have sent religious teachers to India to
spread the faith. He used to hear public complaints after Friday prayers and introduced two calls to
Friday prayer according to the Ijma (consensus) of the companions.
During his administration, the Qur’an was copied from the Mushaf e Hafsa and sent to the four corners of
the caliphate. Usman was also called the ‘Jami-al-Quran’ because he brought the Muslims to a uniform
reading of the Qur’an after Huzaifa saw dialectal differences between the soldiers of Iraq and Syria and
urged Usman to take action. Usman was one of the best Muslim leaders, and his great administration is
proof of it. He was a man who followed the Qur’an and Sunnah, and the Prophet (S) praised him by saying,
“There is for every Prophet, a friend. And my friend in paradise is Usman."
 6

Loss of the Holy Prophet’s Ring

Despite the campaigns and wars the years 644 to 650 were a peaceful period of Hazrat Usman Caliphate. He
had then ruled for six remarkable years each one full of achievement. In the following year 651 a mishap
reversed this flow of fortune and the next six years of his caliphate brought the young Islamic state to the brink
of the civil war. The aged caliph once again concerned about the safe supply of drinking water for the people
of Madina was directing a team of workers who were deepening the Arees Well in Madina. As he leaned over
the wall of the well, his old hand gripped the stone wall, the signet ring of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) which had
been passed down from one caliph to the next, slipped from his fingure into the depths of the well. Despite
every effort to find it it was never recovered and this loss of the signet ring of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) inscribed
‘Allah the best of potentates’ went on to divide the Caliphate of Hazrat Usman.

Summary/Main events of caliphate:

Hazrat Usman succeeded to the caliphate in 24 AH/644AD, chosen by the council of six persons
(Shura) set up by Hazrat Umar as he was dying. He adopted a shorter title than he predecessors,
Khalifat Allah, though he continued many of Hazrat Umar’s policies, including the expansion of Islamic
rule. Persia, Armenia, North Africa, and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean were all brought under the
growing empire during his 12 years in the caliphate and the Islamic state expanded from Morocco to
Kabul.
1One of the main allegations against Hazrat Usman was that he had appointed his inefficient relatives
as governors. Hazrat Umar had already appointed Hazrat Usman’s nephew Muawiya Ibn Abi Sufiyan, governor
of Syria. Other relatives of the caliph i.e Abdullah bin Aamir, Walid bin Uqba, and Abdullah Bin Saad were
appointed governors of Basra, Kufa and Egypt due to the demand and wishes of the people. But to many
Muslims, this action appeared to be favoring his own family unfairly.
When he burnt the false copies of the Quran which had been gathered from the different parts of
the empire. He was condemned for destroying the Word of Allah, though he may have intended to ensure
that only the correct version should be read and tried to bring the Muslims to a unified reading dialect.
Some Muslims also thought him to be surrounded by people who gave bad advice and took advantage of his
age and weakness. Additionally, it was also alleged that Usman was extravagant and gave money to his
relatives, thus misused the "Bait-ul-Maal." The allegation was absolutely false as Usman was one of the
wealthiest merchants in Arabia and his generiosty during Prophet's life was well known and hence he was
called called "Ghani". Hazrat Usman rather than taking 60,000 dirhams after his 12 year service, he
contributed 60,000 dirhams towards the Bait-ul-Maal.

He continued the administrative reforms of Hazrat Umar e.g Majlis-e- Shura was maintained. He
used to hear pulic complaints after Friday prayer. He relaxed some of Hazrat Umar’s restrictions e.g by
allowing Arabs to purchase or exchange land outside Arabia. A dam was built for the supply of drinking
water. For the first time a fleet of 500 ships was built to fight against the Greeks. During his time the income of
state increased greatly. He did keep a strict watch on governors and other adminsitrators e.g, Saad bin Abi
Waqas drew money from the Bait-ul-Maal and did not return if for which he was deoposed by Usman.
However, he overlooked simple mistakes of his governors.
 7

Disquiet about Hazrat Usman’s policies, and his ability to rule, erupted after six years of his
caliphate. First there was an uprising in Iraq, then in Kufa, a then in Egypt. Finally, in 35 AH/656AD, troops
from all three provinces advanced on Medina to take their complaints directly to the caliph. The force from
Egypt arrived first and angrily besieged Hazrat Usman in his house, but when he agreed to their demands
they were pacified. They began their journey home, but hearing he had tricked them, they turned back and
began a second siege.
This siege lasted some time, during which some leading Muslims tried to help Hazrat Usman but were
prevented by him, and eventually the Egyptian force, led by Hazrat Abu Bakr’s son Mohammad, entered
the house and murdered the Caliph. It is said that they came upon him while he was reading the Quran, and
that his blood was shed on its pages, and also that his wife Naila was injured in the affray, while trying to
protect him. His family in secrecy buried the Caliph’s body.

Questions from Past Papers

M/J 2010
3 (a) What major events took place during the caliphate of ‘Uthman? [10]
O/N 2014
3 (a) What were the causes of the revolt against ‘Uthman and what charges were made against
him? [10]
O/N 2016 (21)
3 (a) Give an account of:
(i) the election of the caliph ‘Uthman, and
(ii) the compilation of the Qur’an that took place during his caliphate. [10]

O/N 2016 (22)

3 (a): Write in detail about the policy followed by ‘Uthman as caliph in expanding and maintaining
the state. [10]

M/J 2019
3(a) Outline the reasons for the unrest against ‘Uthman and write an account of the rebellion in
Madina that led to his martyrdom. [10]
O/N 2020
3(a) Give an account of the administration of the caliphate under ‘Uthman. [10]
M/J 2022 (22)
4 (a) Write an account of the martyrdom of ʿUthman and the election of ʿAli as caliph. [10]
O/N 2023
3 (a) Write an account of ‘Uthman’s administration and military achievements during his
caliphate. [10]
 8

3.(b) How justified were the criticisms against ‘Uthman for burning the copies of the
Qur’an? Give reasons for your answer. [4]
• some people did criticise ‘Uthman for burning the copies of the Qur’an as they felt that it did
contain the words of God
• the allegations against ‘Uthman for burning the copies were unjustified as he was trying to save the
Qur’an from corruption.
• A word wrongly pronounced in Arabic can change the meaning of the word totally hence it was
important that only those copies were in circulation that were accurate.
• If he would not have done that, the unity of the Muslim community would be threatened due to
rival interpretations and different versions of recitation. Eventually, Muslims would not have a
single source of guidance and the authenticity of Quran would be compromised.

(b) Explain why ‘Uthman encountered difficulties in the later years of his caliphate and was
assassinated. [4]
Hazrat Usman faced several difficulties in the last 4 or 5 years of his caliphate which eventually led to his
assassination. His appointment of family members in important positions of control was regarded as
favouritism. The burning of the copies of the Qur’an to be replaced by the official version prepared by Zayd
Ibn Thabit was seen as destroying the word of Allah. Yet another reason was that some Muslims
questioned his ability to rule due to his old age and the autonomy he had given to his governors. After
‘Uthman had pacified the Egyptians, they were on their way home when they got a hold of a letter
supposedly from ‘Uthman to the Governor of Egypt to have the leaders of the group put to death on their
return. Seeking vengeance, they returned and killed him.

3.(b) Can Muslims today learn lessons from the martyrdom of ‘Uthman? Give reasons for
your answer. [4]
• yes
• ‘Uthman being a man of firm principles stood by what he deemed to be just;
• him not wanting to shed unnecessary Muslim blood;
• him wanting to reach a negotiated settlement.
• Muslims today should stand by what they believe is just and fair and not give up efforts to find
peaceful solutions to disputes even if it is at their own peril.