Uthman and Sufism

Uthman as a Sufi

The Sufis regard Uthman as one of themselves. In his book Kashful Mahjub, Data Ganj Bakhsh refers to Uthman as one of the prominent Sufis. The attributes of Sufism which were very conspicuous in Uthman were his modesty, his piety, his humility, his charity and his resignation. :

Uthman's modesty

It is recorded in the traditions on the authority of Ibn Umar that the Holy Prophet said that the angels stood abashed before Uthman as they stood abashed before God and His Apostle. It is recorded on the authority of Hasan that about the modesty of Uthman the Holy Prophet said: "If it were that .Uthman was in the middle of his house, and the door was closed upon him, and he were to put aside his clothes to pour water upon himself, modesty would prevent him to straighten his back."

Uthman's piety

Uthman was most virtuous and pious. He spent a greater part of the night in prayers. He would recite the whole of the Quran during one night.

Uthman's humility

Data Ganj Bakhsh observes in his book Kashful Mahjub that Uthman possessed four hundred slaves, but one day he was found coming forth from his plantation of date prams carrying a bundle of firewood on his head.

He was asked why he was carrying the bundle himself and why he had not allowed any of his slaves to carry the burden, he said that by carrying the load himself he was making a trial of himself.

It is also related that during nights he would not disturb any of his servants to help him in making the ablutions, or attending to other needs. When asked the reason for that he said that the night was meant for their repose.

Uthman's charity

Uthman spent liberally in the way of God. He purchased the Bir Rauma well from a Jew and dedicated it to public use. He financed the project for the extension of the Prophet's mosque. He met a greater part of the expenses for the financing of the expedition to Tabuk. In the event of a famine the traders in Madina offered to purchase his stock of food grains after allowing him considerable profit. He distributed the entire stock among the people free, and declared that thereby he would earn a ten times profit from God. which no merchant could offer him.

Resignation of Uthman

It is related by Abdullah b Rabah and Abu Qatada that they were with Uthman on the day when his house was attacked. His slaves seeing the crowd of rebels gathered at the door took up arms. Uthman said tc them, "Whoever of you does not take up arms is a free man". Uthman thus forbade his slaves to take up arms on his behalf.

It is also related that Imam Hasan came to Uthman, and wanted his permission to draw sword against the rebels. Uthman said to him, "O my cousin go back to your house and sit there until God brings His decree to Pass. I do not wish to shed blood"

Data Ganj Bakhsh observes in his book Kashful Mahjub" that these words betoken resignation, and show that Uthman had attained the rank of a friend of God. The Sufis take Uthman as their exemplar in sacrificing life, and in resigning his affairs to God in sincere devotion.