In various Ahaadith, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم had prophesized that a fitnah would break out during the era of Hazrat ‘Uthmaan’s رضي الله عنه khilaafah. Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم also mentioned that Hazrat ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه would be on the haq in this fitnah, however he would be martyred.
Some of these Ahaadith are:
Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما reports the following: On one occasion, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم made mention of a fitnah that was to occur in the future. At that moment, a certain Sahaabi passed by while covering his head with a shawl. Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم gestured towards him and said, “In that fitnah, this person, whose head is covered with a shawl, will be killed unjustly.” Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما then said, “When I looked at the man, I saw that he was none other than Hazrat ‘Uthmaan bin ‘Affaan رضي الله عنه.” (Fadhaa’il-us-Sahaabah lil-Imaam Ahmed #724)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reports that he heard Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم mention the following, “Indeed you will encounter after me a great fitnah.” Hearing this, one of the Sahaabah asked, “Who should we hold onto and follow during this fitnah, O Rasul of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم?” Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, “Hold onto the trustworthy one and his companions (referring to Hazrat ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه).” (Fadhaa’il-us-Sahaabah lil-Imaam Ahmed #723)
Hazrat ‘Aa’ishah رضي الله عنها reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم once addressed Hazrat ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه and said, “O ‘Uthmaan! Allah Ta‘ala will clothe you in the garment (of khilaafah i.e. Allah Ta‘ala will bless you with khilaafah). If there comes a time when people force you to remove this garment which Allah Ta‘ala has blessed you with (i.e. they want you to abdicate and step down from this position) then do not remove it for them (i.e. do not accede to their demands as you will be on haq).” (Sunan Tirmizi #3705)
The Inscription on His Ring:
Hazrat ‘Amr bin ‘Uthmaan رحمه الله mentions that the ring of Hazrat ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه had the following words inscribed on it, “I have brought Imaan in that Being who has created everything in its due proportion.” (Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa 2/156)
GLAD TIDINGS OF MARTYRDOM
Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once ascended the Mountain of Uhud with Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The mountain then began to tremble and shake (out of the excitement of these blessed personalities placing their feet on it). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) stamped his mubaarak foot on the mountain and addressed it saying, “Be still, O Uhud, for upon you are none other than a Nabi, a Siddeeq and two martyrs.”
(Saheeh Bukhaari #3686)
Martyrdom:
Hazrat ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was approximately 82 years old when he was martyred. (Taareekh-ul-Islam 2/481)
He was martyred on Friday the eighteenth of Zul-Hijjah in the year 35 AH (Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa 2/162)
Period of His Khilaafah:
Hazrat Qataadah رحمه الله reports that the period of the khilaafah of Hazrat ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was twelve years. (Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa 2/161)
(Ihyaauddeen.co.za)
REFLECTIONS
Subhan Allah!
Allah Ta’ala honoured Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم during their life and at the time of their death.
Sayyiduna Uthmaan رضي الله عنه together with all the glad tidings of Jannah he received during his lifetime from the Mubarak tongue of Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم, was honoured with martyrdom on the day of Jumuah after Asr in the sacred month of Zul-Hijjah.
كريم متى أمدحه أمدحه والورى
Such an honourable personality, if I praise him, the entire creation joins me,
معي، وإذا ما لمته لمته وحدي
But if I have to rebuke him, then I am left completely alone.
The above piece of poetry is a lesson for those who try to create a negative impression regarding the companions of Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم. Their negativity will be rejected and disgraced in the face of the Sahaabah’s رضي الله عنهم lofty credentials and position.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Tawfeeq to learn, make Taleem of the lives of Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم and imbibe their unabated commitment to Allah Ta’ala, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and the Deen of Islam. Ameen