Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA), also known as Usman Ghani (RA), was the third Caliph of Islam, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad ï·º, and among the Ashra Mubashra (the ten companions promised Paradise). He is remembered for his generosity, modesty, and the preservation of the Qur’an.
Early Life
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Born in 576 CE in Makkah, from the Umayyad clan of Quraysh.
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From a wealthy merchant family, but was known for honesty, modesty, and humility.
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Nicknamed al-Ghani (the Generous) because of his open-handedness.
Acceptance of Islam
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Accepted Islam at the invitation of Abu Bakr (RA), making him one of the earliest Muslims.
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Faced opposition from his family but remained steadfast.
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Married to Ruqayyah (RA), daughter of Prophet Muhammad ï·º.
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After her passing, he married her sister Umm Kulthum (RA).
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Because he married two daughters of the Prophet ï·º, he was honored with the title:
“Dhul-Nurayn” (The Possessor of Two Lights).
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Services During Prophet Muhammad ï·º’s Lifetime
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Migrated to Abyssinia to escape persecution, later to Madinah.
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Known for his charity:
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Purchased the Bir Ruma well and gifted it to the Muslims.
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Contributed a huge amount of wealth for the Battle of Tabuk, equipping hundreds of soldiers.
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Helped expand Masjid an-Nabawi.
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Loved deeply by the Prophet ï·º for his humility and generosity.
As the Third Caliph (644–656 CE)
He succeeded Hazrat Umar (RA) as Caliph and ruled for 12 years.
Major Achievements
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Compilation of the Qur’an
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Collected the Qur’an into a single, standardized text.
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Distributed copies across the Islamic world to preserve unity.
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This Qur’an is the same text Muslims recite today.
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Expansion of the Islamic Empire
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Islam spread into North Africa, Cyprus, Armenia, and Central Asia.
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Strengthened naval forces under commanders like Muawiyah (RA).
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Public Welfare
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Expanded Masjid al-Haram (Kaaba area) in Makkah.
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Built roads, bridges, and improved irrigation systems.
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Challenges and Opposition
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Faced political opposition in his later years.
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Some governors were accused of nepotism, leading to unrest.
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Rebels from Egypt and Iraq surrounded his house in Madinah.
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Despite being Caliph, he refused to fight back against Muslims, showing patience and reliance on Allah.
Martyrdom
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In 656 CE (35 AH), rebels broke into his house while he was reciting the Qur’an.
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He was martyred at age 82, his blood falling on the verse:
“So Allah will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Qur’an 2:137)
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Buried in Jannat al-Baqi, Madinah.
Character and Legacy
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Generosity: Called “Usman Ghani” because of his unmatched charity.
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Modesty: Known for extreme shyness; even angels felt shy before him (as said by Prophet ï·º).
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Preserver of the Qur’an: His biggest service to Islam.
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Martyr of patience: He bore hardships without raising his hand against Muslims.
⚔️ Titles:
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Usman Ghani (The Generous)
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Dhul-Nurayn (The Possessor of Two Lights)
📜 Famous Saying of Hazrat Uthman (RA):
“The world is only a temporary shade. Do not be deceived by its beauty, for the Hereafter is everlasting.”