Assessment

Distinctions of Uthman

Uthman was a man of many distinctions. He had the honor of being the first and foremost in many things.

Unique distinction

Uthman had the unique distinction of having married two daughters of the Holy Prophet, one after the other. On account of this honor he came to be known as "Dhun Nurain"-the Possessor of two luminaries.

The first Umayyads

Uthman was the first among the Umayyads to become a Muslim. The Umayyads and the Hashimite were rival sections of the Quraish. Uthman was the first to rise above such rivalry by offering allegiance to the Holy Prophet who was a Hashimite.

Tidings of paradise

The Holy Prophet gave the tidings of paradise to ten persons in their lifetime. Uthman was one of these ten persons called Ashra Mubashshara Over and above this, Uthman was given the tidings of paradise on three other occasions; when he purchased the "B'er Rauma" well and dedicated it to the use of the Muslims; when he financed the project for the extension of the Prophet's mosque at Madinah, and when he made a liberal contribution for the financing of the expedition to Tabuk.

Resemblance to Abraham and the Holy Prophet

The Holy Prophet declared on several occasions that among the Muslims, Uthman resembled Abraham and the Holy Prophet himself most.

Embellishment of mosques and the Holy Ka'aba

Uthman was the first Caliph to extend and embellish the Prophet's mosque at Madina. and the Holy Ka'aba at Makkah.

Khyber campaign

In the Khyber campaign, Uthman was the first to climb the castle of the Jews.

Baiyat-ur-Ridwan

On the occasion of the Hudaiybiya campaign, the Holy Prophet chose Uthman as his emissary to the Quraish. On the occasion of Baiyat-ur-Ridwan, the Holy Prophet took the pledge on behalf of Uthman, and this was a unique honor not shared by any one else.

Uniform text of the Holy Quran

Uthman had the unique distinction of uniting the Muslim community on a uniform dialect of the Holy Quran.

The first to learn the Holy Quran by heart

He was the first person among the Muslims to learn the Holy Quran by heart.

The first to divorce non-Muslim wives

He was the first person among the Muslims to divorce his wives who did not accept Islam.

The first to migrate

Uthman was the first person among the Muslims to migrate in the way of Allah.

The first to command the first call to prayer

Uthman was the first to command the first call to prayer.

Pronouncement of the Takbir

Uthman was the first to lower his voice in pronouncing the Takbir.

Eid prayer

Uthman was the first who made the discourse precede the Eid prayer.

Lifetime of his mother

Uthman was the first person among the Muslims to become the Caliph during the lifetime of his mother.

Meals during the Ramadan

Uthman was the first Caliph who provided meals for all persons during the month of fasting.

Stipends for the Muadhdhins

Uthman was the first Caliph who allowed stipends for the Muadhdhins.

Ban on the flying of pigeons

Uthman was the first Caliph to impose a ban on the flying of pigeons in the matters of wagers.

Naval action

Uthman was the first Caliph under whom the Muslims constructed fleets. and undertook naval warfare.

Occupation of Persia

It was under Uthman that the Sassanian empire was finally overthrown, and the whole of Persia was occupied by the Muslims.

Longest rule

Among the rightly guided Caliphs, Uthman was the longest lived, and his rule was the longest.

The richest Caliph

Among the rightly guided Caliphs, Uthman was the richest.

Purchase of land in conquered territories

Uthman was the first Caliph to permit the purchase of land bv the Arabs in conquered territories.

Enclosing of pastures

Uthman was the first Caliph to order to enclosing of state pastures.

Liberation of slaves

Uthman liberated the largest number of slaves. It is recorded that he used to liberate a slave every week.

The first Caliph to be assassinated

Uthman was the first Caliph to be assassinated by the Muslims.

Immunity from judgment

Uthman was the only person about whom the Holy Prophet granted general immunity with regard to future judgment. On the occasion of the expedition to Tabuk the Holy Prophet declared that Uthman was not to be judged for any acts that he did thereafter.