Uthman (RA) was an incomparably modest and extremely generous great companion who made a unique contribution to preserving the Quran. Get to know him in brief.
* Full name: Uthman ibn Affan ibn Abi al-As al-Qurashi al-Umawi
* Kunya: Abu Abdullah
* Title: Dhun-Nurayn (Possessor of Two Lights)
* Tribe: Banu Umayyah (Quraysh)
* Birth: Approximately 576-579 CE, Mecca
* Martyrdom: 35 AH (656 CE), Medina (martyred by rebels while reciting the Quran)
Special status
1. The third-greatest person of this ummah, after the prophets.
2. One of the earliest converts to Islam.
3. Married two of the Prophet’s daughters, one after the other, for which he was given the title “Dhun-Nurayn.”
4. One of the 10 companions given the glad tidings of Paradise.
5. Elected the third caliph of the Muslim ummah.
6. Compiled the Quranic mushaf into a single text and sent copies to various regions.
7. The Islamic state expanded significantly during his rule.
8. Donated generously for the Tabuk expedition and endowed the well of Ruma for Muslims.
What the Prophet (peace be upon him) said about Uthman (RA)
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Should I not feel shy before a man before whom even the angels feel shy?” — referring to Uthman. (Muslim: 2401)
[Primary sources: Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (Ibn Kathir), Hadith BD — chapter on the virtues of Uthman (RA)]