OTHMA'N-B-A'FFA'N (1)

24-35 H (2)

وكَانَ مِنْ فِتْنَتِـهِ مَا كَانَـا (3) 
قَتَلَ مَنْ يَقْصُدُ كُلَّ حَسَنَـهْ (5)

مِنَ السِّنِينَ فَأَصَابَهُ القَدَرْ (6)

وبَايَعُوا مِنْ بَعْـدِهِ عُثْمَانَـا 
بَينَ اثنتيِن وثمـانين سنـهْ (4)
وقَدْ بَقِيْ خَلِيْفَةً اِثْنَى عَشَرْ

 Sassanid dirham – Khosrow  Year of mint: 27 H | place: Nahawand

The face: The Sassanid King image 

Above the head there is winged crown decorated with jewelries

The name of Khosrow engraved in front of  the image  with the Fahloa font and Behind the image  Duaa’  was engraved   

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The back: A stove image guarded by

ALMozian

The place of the coin mining was engraved on the right side & on the left side the date of mint was engraved

(1) He is Othman-b-A'fan-b-Abi'l A'as-b-Umayya-b-Abdi Shams-b-Abd Manaf-b-Kusayy-b-Kilab-b-Murrah-b-Kaa'b-b-Luayy-b-Ghalib, al Kuraysbi al Umawi, Abu A'mr, called also Abu 'bdu'llah and Abu Layla ((The completed History 3/74) ((The history of Caliphs 165).

(2) He was sworn allegiance to as Caliph –mainly- in the 3rd of Muharram in 24AH -((The completed History 2/475) ((The history of Caliphs 171) (ALSira ALNabaweia & Akhbar Alkholapha 499 ) .

May Allah be pleased with him was assassinated -- probably -in Friday the 18th of Thul-Hijjah , 35 AH ((The completed History 3/68) ((The history of Caliphs 180) (((Khalifa Bin Khiat history 176 ) (ALSira ALNabaweia & Akhbar Alkholapha 520 ) .

(3) In the beginning and before detailing about the first Fitnah, we must be clear and crystal regarding  that Othman-b-A'fan may Allah be pleased with him was on the  right path , and he was Unjustly killed , but as said  it was (Fitna) , An Arabic word, meaning "sedition” where conspiracies & schemes has been made that falsehood many people who believed, as our Prophet Muhammad    said  in Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim ,that Othman-b-A'fan  on the truth  and will be killed oppressed and he is  a martyr .

Bukhari narrated in ALManaqib ( Sahaba Virtues  - Book: 62 Hadith: 3719 Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet once climbed the mountain of Uhud with Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman. The mountain shook with them. The Prophet said (to the mountain),“Be firm, O Uhud! For on you there are no more than a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs.  Also narrated by Tirmidhi in the  virtues, and Abu Dawood and Ahmad.

Narrated by Tirmidhi in virtues hadith Number ( 3701) and corrected by AlAlbani  Narrated by  'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah:

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That 'Uthman went to the Prophet    with one-thousand Dinar" - Al-Hasan bin Waqi (one of the narrators) said: "And in another place in my book: 'In his garment when the 'army of distress' was being prepared. So he poured them into his lap.'" - 'Abdur-Rahman said: "So I saw the Prophet ( ) turning them over in his lap, saying: 'Whatever 'Uthman does after today will not harm him,' two times.". Abu Eissa said that this is a Good Hadith but strange. Narrated by Ahmed also.

Narrated by Tirmidhi in virtues hadith Number (3703) and corrected by Al-Albani Narrated Thumamah bin Hazn Al-Qushairi:

"I was present at the house when 'Uthman appeared above them saying: 'Bring me your two companions who have gathered you against me.'" He said: "So they were brought as if they were two camels, or as if they were two donkeys." He said: "'Uthman appeared above them and said: 'I ask you by Allah and Islam! Do you know that the Messenger of Allah ( ) came to Al-Madinah and there was no water in it that was sweet except the well of Rumah, so the Messenger of Allah ( ) said: 'Who will purchase this well of Rumah and place his bucket alongside the buckets of the Muslims, in exchange for better than that in Paradise?' So I bought it with the core of my wealth, and today you prevent me from drinking from it, so that I would have to drink from the water of the sea?' They said: 'O Allah! Yes!' He said: 'I ask you by Allah and Islam! Do you know that the Masjid, was insufficient for its people, so the Messenger of Allah ( ) said: 'Who will purchase the land of the family of so-and-so, and add it to the Masjid in exchange for better than that in Paradise?' So I bought it with the core of my wealth, and today you prevent me from praying two Rak'ah in it?' They said: 'O Allah! Yes.' He said: 'I ask you by Allah and Islam! Do you know that I prepared the 'army of distress' from my wealth?' They said: 'O Allah! Yes!' Then he said: 'I ask you by Allah and Islam! Do you know that the Messenger of Allah ( ) was on (mount) Thabir of Makkah, and with him was Abu Bakr, and 'Umar, and myself. The mountain began shaking until its rocks fell to the bottom.' He said: 'So he ( ) stomped it with his foot and said: "Be still O Thabir! For there is none upon except a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs?"' They said: 'O Allah! Yes!' He said: 'Allah is Great! Bear witness by the Lord of the Ka'bah that I am a martyr!' - three times.” Abu Hassan said that is a good hadith about Othman, narrated by Al-Nesaai in Al-Ihbas no.3608.

Narrated by Tirmidhi in virtues hadith Number (3704) and corrected by Al-Albani Narrated Abu Al-Ash'ath As-Sana'ani:

"Some people were delivering Khutbah in Ash-Sham, and among them were Companions of the Prophet ( ). So the last of them, a man called Murrah bin Ka'b, stood, and he said: 'If it were not for a Hadith I heard from the Messenger of Allah ( ), I would not have stood (to address you). He ( ) mentioned the tribulations, and that they would be coming soon. Then a man who was concealed by a garment passed by. So he said: "This one will be upon guidance that day." So I went towards him, and it was 'Uthman bin 'Affan. I turned, facing him, and I said: "This one?" He said: "Yes." Abu Eissa said that is a good and correct hadith.

Narrated by Tirmidhi in virtues hadith Number (3705) and corrected by Al-Albani, Narrated 'Aishah: That the Prophet ( ) said: "O 'Uthman! Indeed Allah may give you a shirt, and if they wish that you take it off, do not take it off for them." Abu Eissa said that is a good and weird hadith.

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Narrated by Tirmidhi in virtues hadith Number (3708) and corrected by Al-Albani Narrated Ibn 'Umar: that the Messenger of Allah ( ) mentioned the Fitnah and said: "This one will be wrongfully killed during it," about 'Uthman bin 'Affan [may Allah be pleased with him]. Abu Eissa said that is a good and weird hadith.

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ALBukhari narrated in AlManaqeb hadith No.(3698)  Narrated `Uthman: (the son of Muhib) An Egyptian who came and performed the Hajj to the Ka`ba saw some people sitting. He enquire, “Who are these people?” Somebody said, “They are the tribe of Quraish.” He said, “Who is the old man sitting amongst them?” The people replied, “He is `Abdullah bin `Umar.” He said, “O Ibn `Umar! I want to ask you about something; please tell me about it. Do you know that `Uthman fled away on the day (of the battle) of Uhud?” Ibn `Umar said, “Yes.” The (Egyptian) man said, “Do you know that `Uthman was absent on the day (of the battle) of Badr and did not join it?” Ibn `Umar said, “Yes.” The man said, “Do you know that he failed to attend the Ar Ridwan pledge and did not witness it (i.e. Hudaibiya pledge of allegiance)?” Ibn `Umar said, “Yes.” The man said, “Allahu Akbar!” Ibn `Umar said, “Let me explain to you (all these three things). As for his flight on the day of Uhud, I testify that Allah has excused him and forgiven him; and as for his absence from the battle of Badr, it was due to the fact that the daughter of Allah’s Apostle was his wife and she was sick then. Allah’s Apostle said to him, “You will receive the same reward and share (of the booty) as anyone of those who participated in the battle of Badr (if you stay with her).’ As for his absence from the Ar-Ridwan pledge of allegiance, had there been any person in Mecca more respectable than `Uthman (to be sent as a representative). Allah’s Apostle would have sent him instead of him. No doubt, Allah’s Apostle had sent him, and the incident of the Ar-Ridwan pledge of Allegiance happened after `Uthman had gone to Mecca. Allah’s Apostle held out his right hand saying, ‘This is `Uthman’s hand.’ He stroke his (other) hand with it saying, ‘This (pledge of allegiance) is on the behalf of `Uthman.’ Then Ibn `Umar said to the man,‘Bear (these) excuses in mind with you.’

ALBukhari narrated in AlManaqeb, hadith No. (3695 )  Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet entered a garden and ordered me to guard its gate. A man came and asked permission to enter. The Prophet said, “Admit him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise.” Behold! It was Abu Bakr. Another man came and asked the permission to enter. The Prophet said, “Admit him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise.” Behold! It was `Umar. Then another man came, asking the permission to enter. The Prophet kept silent for a short while and then said,“Admit him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him.” Behold! It was `Uthman bin `Affan. `Asim, in another narration, said that the Prophet was sitting in a place where there was water, and he was uncovering both his knees or his knee, and when `Uthman entered, he covered them (or it). Muslim narrated in Sahaba Virtues.

 Narrated by Tirmidhi in virtues hadith Number (3708) and corrected by Al-Albani Narrated Abu Sahlah:"The day of the house (when he was besieged), 'Uthman said: 'Indeed the Messenger of Allah ( ) took a covenant from me, and I will abide by it.'

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I said:  the previous hadiths which was  chosen from many, are definate evidence on some of the virtues of Othman bin Affan may Allah be pleased Him, and  some miracle of the Prophet  who gave news of Some metaphysical affairs’, which was briefed by Allah. Also a proof that he was martyr, unjustly treated and was killed wrongfully.

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It was transmitted to me in writing by al-Sari—Shu'ayb—Sayf—'Atiyyah—Yazid Il-Faq'asi: 'Abdallah b. Saba’ was a Jew from San'a’, and his mother was a black woman. He converted to Islam in the time of 'Uthman, then roamed about the lands of the Muslims attempting to lead them into error. He began in the Hijaz,

and then [worked] successively in Basrah, Kufah, and Syria. He was unable to work his will upon a single one of the Syrians; they drove him out and he came to Egypt. He settled among the Egyptians’, saying to them, among other things, "How strange it is that some people claim that Jesus will return [to the earth], while denying that Muhammad will return. Now Almighty God has said, ’He who has ordained the Qur’an for thee shall surely restore thee to a place of return.’256 Now Muhammad is more worthy than Jesus to return.”

(Yazid al-Faq'asi) says: This gained the approval [of his listeners], and so he fabricated for them [the notion of] the Return (rai‘ah), and they discussed it among themselves?” Later on, (Ibn Saba’) said to them, ”Verily there have been a thousand prophets (nabi); every prophet has an executor (wasi) and 'Ali was the

executor of Muhammad He continued, ”Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, and 'Ali is the seal of the executors.” Then after that he said, ”Who commits a greater wrong than a man who has not carried out the testament of the Messenger of God, who has attacked the executor of the Messenger of God, and who has

usurped power over the Community?” Then he told them, ”Verily 'Uthmén has taken it without right, while this one [that is 'Ali is the executor of the Messenger of God. Therefore champion this cause and set it going. Begin by censuring your governors (umara'a’). Proclaim publicly the commanding of good and the for-

bidding of evil,259 and you will win over the people. Summon them to this cause.”

Then he dispersed his agents (du’ét) and wrote to those whom he had corrupted in the garrison towns. They returned his correspondence and secretly preached their notions [to others]. In public they proclaimed the commanding of good and the forbidding of evil. They began sending letters to the garrison towns, filling

them with censure of their rulers, while their brethren would write back to them in similar terms. Among (these dissidents) the inhabitants of each garrison town would write about their activities to another garrison town. Those involved would read this aloud in their various garrison towns, until finally they extended this [agitation] to Medina and spread his message throughout the earth. Their real aim was different from the one that they proclaimed in public, and what they kept secret was different from that which they presented openly. Thus, the inhabitants of every garrison town were saying,”We are secure from the trials facing everyone except the Medinese." As the latter became aware of

(The agitation) in all the garrison towns, they said, "We are secure from the situation facing the people.”

At this point (the narrator) is joined by Muhammad and Tal-hah: (The Medinese) came to 'Uthman and said ”0 Commander of the Faithful, have you heard what we hear concerning the people?” He answered,”No, by God. I have only heard about

order and security.” They continued”(Certain things) have come to our attention,” and they told him what had been communicated to them. Then ('Uthman) said,”You are my associates (shuraké’) and the men of probity (Shuhud among the Believers, so advise me.” They responded,”We advise you to send men whom you trust to the garrison towns so that they may bring back their reports to you.”

 Then he summoned Muhammad b. Maslamah and dispatched him to Kufah; he also sent Usamah b. Zayd to Basrah, 'Ammar b.Yasir to Egypt, and 'Abdallah b. 'Umar to Syria. In addition to these, he sent men to various other places. They all returned before 'Ammar and said,”0 people, we did not disapprove of anything [which we found during our tours of inspection], nor did the notables (a'lém) or commoners (‘awa'mm) among the Muslims.” They said also, “The affairs of the Muslims are in good order if only their governors (umaré') act equitably among them and keep watch over them." The people waited so long for 'Ammar that they imagined he had been murdered. Then unex-pectedly they got a letter from 'Abdallah b. Sa'd b. Abi Sarh, in-forming them that a band of men (qawm) in Egypt had focused all their efforts on 'Ammar and won him to their cause. Among these were 'Abdallah b. al-Sawda’ [that is, Ibn Saba’], Khalid b. Muljam, Sudan b. Humran, and Kinanah b. Bishr.

It was transmitted to me in writing from Il-Sari—Shu'ayb—Sayf—Muhammad and Talhah and 'Atiyyah: 'Uthman wrote to the inhabitants of the garrison towns [as follows]:”To proceed: I require the governors ('ummaI) to appear before me during the Pilgrimage season every year, and I have enjoined the Community (ummah) to command the good and forbid the evil ever since I took office. Nothing has been demanded from me or from any of my governors that I have not granted.

 Neither I nor my household claims any priority in rights over the subjects (ra'iyyah) save (the rights) bequeathed to them. Now the Medinese have represented to me that some groups are being vilified and others beaten. If then anyone alleges that he has suffered clandestine beatings or verbal abuse, let him come [before me] during the Pilgrimage season and obtain his due, whether it be from me or from my governors.

Beyond that is charitable, for God recompenses the charitable.’ When (this letter) was read out in the garrison towns, it caused the people to weep, and they invoked blessings upon 'Uthman, saying,”Verily the Community is groaning in labor with evil.” 'Uthman sent to the governors (‘ummal) of the garrison towns and they came to him: 'Abdalléh b. 'Amir, Mu’awiyah, and 'Abdallah b. Sa‘d. He also sought the counsel of Sa‘id (b. al-‘As) and ‘Amr (b.Al‘As). Then he said, Woe to you! What is this complaining and protest By God, I fear that you are rightly accused and that I alone will be reproached for (your misdeeds." They answered him, ”Did you not send [to us], and did we not inform you about the faction of malcontents (Your envoys) returned, did they not, without having heard anything untoward from anyone? No, by God, (these complainers) have not told the truth or been sincere, and we know of no valid basis for this situation. You are not a man who should allow someone to get you upset about things. All this is mere allegation that should not be taken seriously or inquired into.”

('Uthman) said, "Give me your advice, then.” Sa'id b. al-‘As said, ”This is a contrived affair, fabricated in secret so that it can be conveyed to some unknowing person. Then he will pass it on and in this way it will be discussed in their assemblies (majalis)." ('Uthman) said, ”What is the remedy for that?" (Sa'id) replied ,”First, seek out these dissidents; then kill those among whom this movement emerges.”

’Abdallah b. Sa'd said, ”Take from the people what they owe if you have given them what is theirs, for that is better than neglecting them.

 Mu'éwiyah said, ”You have made me a governor, and I rule a group of men (qawm) about whom you hear nothing but good.

Now these two men [that is, Sa'id b. al-‘As of Kufah and 'Abdalléh b. Sa'd of Egypt] know best about their own districts.” ('Uthman) said, ”What do you advocate?” (Mu'éwiyah) replied, “Excellent discipline.” ('Uthmén) asked, ”What do you think, 'Amr?" ('Amr) replied, ”In my opinion you are too lenient; you have been lax in dealing with them. You have increased [their stipends] beyond the levels set by ’Umar. i believe that you must follow the path of your two

predecessors, showing severity or leniency according to the situation. Severity is the right policy for the man who constantly does evil to the people, while leniency is appropriate for one who deals with the people in good faith. However, you have shown leniency to both without distinction."

Then 'Uthmin arose. Praising and extolling God, he said, ”I have heard everything that you have advised me to do. Every affair has an exit door. The present affair has emerged, and on account of it one fears for this Community. The door (out of this affair) is bolted shut, and thus leniency, generous treatment, and the gratification [of desires] will be shown only in conformity with the commandments of Almighty God; for in none of these may one manifest any shortcoming. If something blocks [this door) kindness and generosity l will open it]. By God, [the door out of this affair) will surely be opened. Against me no man has any valid proof, and God knows that I have not neglected any good for the people or for myself. By God, the mill of revolt (fitnah) is turning; blessed will 'Uthmin be if he dies without having set it in motion. Restrain the people, bestow their rights upon them, and forgive them. But where God's rights are concerned, do not be lax in regard to those basis, then they will keep control of matters and the people will submit to them. But if they pay heed to the things of this world and seek them in a struggle for supremacy with one another, they will be deprived of (power) and God will give it back to those who used to lead them. Otherwise, let them beware of the vicissitudes of fortune, for God has the power to alter [His decree], and He can dispose as He wishes of the kingship and authority that are His. I have left among you an old man, so display good will toward him and protect him. Thereby you will be more fortunate than he.”

Then (Mu‘awiyah) bade them farewell and went on his way. 'Ali said, ”I see no good in this (man).” Al-Zubayr said, ”No, by God, there was never anything more distressing to you or us than he was this morning."

It was related to me by 'Abdallah b. Ahmad b. Shabbawayh—his father—'Abdallah—Ishaq b. Yahya—Musa b. Talhah that Uthman sent for Talhah, and I accompanied him. When he entered, in ‘Uthman's presence, there were 'Ali, Sa'd (b. Abi Waqqas), al-Zubayr, 'Uthman, and Mu'awiyah. Mu'éwiyah praised God and extolled Him as He merits, and then he said, "You are the Companions of the Messenger of God, the best [of His followers] on earth, and those charged with the affairs of this Community. No one other than you can hope for that. You have chosen your companion [as caliph] without compulsion or personal ambition.

He has grown old and his life has passed by. If you had waited for decrepitude [to afflict] him, that would be near at hand. However, I hope that he has revered God so that He will allow him to reach that stage of life. Talk has spread, and I fear it for your sakes, for you have not denounced it in any way. You have my aid (in this matter). Do not inspire the people to long for your government, for by God, if they desire that, you will never see them do anything but‘turn tail and flee. "'Ali replied, ”What is that to you, and what do you know about it? You have no mother!” (Mu'éwiyah) said, ”Leave my mother her place [in the Community]. She is not the worst of your mothers. She accepted Islam and swore fidelity to the Prophet?“ Now answer me in regard to what I am saying to you.”

Then 'Uthman said, ”The son of my brother has spoken the truth. I will tell you in regard to myself and my conduct in office that my two predecessors wronged both themselves and those who followed in their path. Indeed the Messenger of God used to bestow [public funds] upon his relatives, while my near kinsmen were impoverished and possessed few of life’s necessities. Thus, I laid my hands on some of that wealth because of my concern for them. It was my opinion that (this wealth) was mine. Now if you regard that as an error, return (the money); my authority will be subject to yours.”

They replied, “You are right and have done well.” They continued, "You gave [public funds] to 'Abdallah b. Khalid b. Asid and t0 Marwan,” alleging that he had given Marwan 15,000 [dirhams] and lbn Asid 50,000, and they took (these sums) back

from those two. They were satisfied with this and departed content.

Here the narrative reverts to the account of Sayf and his authorities: On the morning that Mu'awiyah bade farewell to 'Uthman and departed, he said to him, "0 Commander of the Faithful, come with me to Syria before you are attacked by men

against whom you cannot defend yourself, for the Syrians are steadfastly loyal.” ('Uthman) answered, ”I will not exchange my proximity to the Messenger of God for anything, even if my throat is slashed because of that.” (Mu‘awiyah) said, ”I will send you an army from (Syria), which will remain among the Medinese to confront any ill fortune that may befall Medina or you.” ('Uthman) replied, "With an army quartered among them, I will stint the rations allocated to the neighbors of the Messenger of God, and I will create scarcity for the inhabitants of the Abode of

Refuge and Support (Dar aI-Hijrah wa’I-Nasrah).” (Mu'awiyah) said, ”By God, 0 Commander of the Faithful, you will surely be assassinated or attacked.” ('Uthman) responded, ”God suffices for me, and what an excellent guardian is He!” Then Mu'éwiyah said, "Little slaughter camels! Where are the slaughter camels?"

He set out until he came upon the band [of Companions mentioned above], and then he proceeded on.

Now the Egyptians had corresponded with their fellow partisans in Kufah and Basrah, and with all those who had agreed with them to rebel against their governors. They fixed a day when their governors would be away, but save for the Kufans, none of them carried (the scheme] out properly and rose in revolt. In

(Kufahl Yazid b. Qays aLArhabi rebelled and his comrades gathered around him. The military commandant was al-Qa'qi‘ b.'Amr. He came to (Yazid), and the people surrounded (Yazid’s followers) and implored them [to break off their revolt.

Then Yazid said to al-Qa‘qa', "What recourse do you have against me and these men? By God, I submit to authority, and l adheres to my Community (jiama'ah) and to them. However, land those whom you observe are calling for the termination of Sa'id’s govemorship. (Al-Qa'qi') answered, "The elite seeks to end a state of affairs with which the masses are content." He continued, “That is a matter for the Commander of the Faithful." Then he left them and [their] call for Sa'id's

Resignation, while they could proclaim nothing else. They encountered Sa'id and drove him back from al~jara'ah. The people concurred in Abu Musa [as their next governor] and 'Uthmin confirmed him in office.

When the governors returned [from their meeting in Mecca, the sect of lbn Sabi' al-Sabé'iyyah} had no way to get to the garrison towns. They wrote their adherents in the garrison towns that they should assemble in Medina in order to decide what they meant to do. They pretended that they were simply "commanding the good" and interrogating 'Uthman about certain issues.

Their aim was for these to circulate among the people and become verified against him.

Thus, they assembled in Medina, and as his envoys 'Uthman sent two men, one from the clan of Makhz'um and the other from the clan of Zuhr. He said,”Find out what they mean to do and learn all about them." These two men were among those who had

won 'Uthman’s respect by their refined behavior ,they patiently sought the truth and harbored no malevolence. When (the dissidents) saw them, they revealed their secrets to them and informed them of their aims. ('Uthman’s two envoys) said, "Who

among the Medinese supports you against this man namely,'Uthman)?" "Three persons," they answered. The two men said,"is there anyone else?” "No,” they said. The two (envoys) went on, ”So what do you intend to do?" They replied, "We want to

mention to ('Uthman) certain misdeeds that we have planted in the hearts of the people. Afterwards we shall go back to them and claim that we compelled him to confess these things, but that he did not abandon them or repent. Then we will set out in the guise of pilgrims until we reach [Medina]. We will surround him and

depose him, and if he refuses we will kill him.” And so it happened.

The two (envoys) returned to 'Utbman with the news, and he laughed, saying, "O God, preserve these {enemies of mine), for if You do not preserve them, they will be wretched indeed. As for 'Ammir lb. Yisir), he violently assaulted 'Abbis b. 'Utbah b. Abi Lahab. As for Muhammad b. Abi Bakr, he was highly regarded until he supposed that he was not bound by rights and obligations. As for lbn Sahlah, he faces trial and tribulation."

Then ('Uthman] sent to the Kufans and Basrans, and summoned them to pray in congregation. They assembled before him at the base of the pulpit, and the Companions of the Messenger of God came and surrounded them. Then ('Uthman) praised and extolled God, and told them the news of this band [of dissidents]. Then the two (former envoys] arose, and all (those present] said, ”Kill (the

dissidents]! Verily the Messenger of God has said, 'God's curse is on any man who has summoned [others] to join him or anyone else while there is an imam over the people, so put him to death.’

And 'Umar b. alkhattab said, “ 1 permit you only to kill (such a man], and i am your partner (in that deed).’ ”

Then 'Uthman responded, "Nay, but we do our utmost to pardon and accept and enlighten them, and we oppose no one until he violates a divine commandment or manifests unbelief.

Now these (dissidents) have mentioned various matters, concerning which you and they are equally well informed. However, they allege that they are bringing (these matters) to my attention in order to compel me (to respond] to them in the presence of those who remain uninformed.”

'Uthman’s retinue had dealt leniently with those bands [of dissidents]. The Muslims demanded nothing short of putting them to death, while ('Uthman] insisted on letting them go. Thus, (the dissidents) departed and returned to their own

provinces, having agreed to attack him283 [when they came back]in the guise of pilgrims in the company of [genuine] pilgrims.

They corresponded with one another, saying, ”Rendezvous in Shawwal at the outskirts of Medina.” Thus, in Shawwal of the year 12 [of 'Uthman’s reign; April 656] they erected tents in the manner of pilgrims and made camp near Medina.

The Egyptians’ set out in four companies under the leadership of of four commanders, the Kufans likewise set out in four companies and Amr b.Asamm was the overall commander. The Basrans also set out in four companies.

As for the Egyptians, they yearned for 'Ali [as calipha, while the Basrans desired Talhah and the Kufans al-Zubayr. They all set out simultaneously. The people had disparate [aims], and every faction was certain that it would obtain complete success to the exclusion of the other two. Thus, they proceeded until, three

days from Medina, a group of men from among the Basrans went forward and made camp at Dhu Khushub. A section of the Kufans made camp at al-A'was, and a group of Egyptians came to join them, having left the main body of [their compatriots) behind at Dhul al-marwaha.

Ziyad b. al-Nadr and 'Abdullah b. al-Asamm traveled back and forth between the Egyptians and Basrans saying, "Do not be over-hasty or force us to rush, so that we can enter Medina and explore the situation for you. We have in fact heard that (the Medinese)have mobilized their troops against us. By God, if the Medinese

fear us and deem it lawful to fight us when they have no solid knowledge about us, they will be even more hostile when they do obtain this, and our movement will fail. 0n the other hand, if they do not deem it lawful to fight us and we find that what we have heard is false, then we will bring that news back to you."

(The Basrans and Egyptians) said, "Go ahead.”

Thus, the two men entered Medina and met with the wives of the Prophet and with 'Ali, Talhah, and al-Zubayr. They said, "We have only come here to seek from this ruler [that is, 'Uthman) the removal of certain of our governors. We have come only for that." The two men sought their permission for the people to enter Medina, but every one of them utterly refused, saying, "Surely an egg will hatch, Then (Ziyid and 'Abdullah retuned to (their camp).

Then some Egyptians banded together and came to 'Ali while a party of Basrans came to Talhah and a few Kufans to al- -Zubayr.

Each of these groups said, ”if (the loyalists in Medina) render the oath of allegiance to our companion, [well and good) Other-wise, we shall plot against them, shatter their unity and cohesion and then turn round and take them by surprise."

The Egyptians reached 'Ali while he was with an army at Ahjir al-Zayt. He was wearing a white-striped cloak and a turban wound from a strip of red Yemeni cloth, he was girt with a sword but did not have on a shirt. He had dispatched al-Hasan to 'Uthman along with those who had joined him [in his camp].

Thus, al-Hasan was staying with 'Uthman while “Ali was at Ahjar al-Zayt. The Egyptians greeted him and presented [their aims] to him. He shouted at them and drove them away, saying, "The upright know that the armies at Dhu al-Marwah and Dhu Khushub have been cursed by the tongue of Muhammad. Go back, and may God be no friend to you!” They said, "So be it," and thereupon departed from him.

The Basrans came to Talhah while he was with another group of men [encamped] adjacent to 'Ali. He had sent his two sons to [support] 'Uthman. The Basrans greeted him and presented [their aims] to him. He shouted at them and drove them away, saying, ”The Believers know that the armies at Dhu al-Marwah and Dhu Khushub and al-A'was have been cursed by the tongue of Muhammad.”

”The Kufans came to al-Zubayr while he was with yet another body of men. He had sent his son 'Abdullah to [support I 'Uthman.)

They greeted him and presented [their aims] to him, and he shouted at them and drove them away, saying, ”The Muslims know that the armies at Dhu al-Marwah, Dhu Khushub, and al-A'was have been cursed by the tongue of Muhammad"

Then the dissidents (aI-qawm) departed and made a show of going back [to their homes]. They withdrew from Dhu Khushub and al-A'was until they reached their encampments, situated three days away, they intended for the Medinese to disperse, and then they would turn around and come back. At their departure the Medinese did in fact disperse. When the dissidents reached their encampments, they wheeled around to attack (the Medinese). They took the Medinese by surprise, and all at once the cry ”God is most great!" was heard throughout the city. [The dissidents) occupied the sites of the encampments [previously established by 'Ali, Talhah, and al-Zuhayr] and surrounded 'Uthman.

"Whoever restrains his hand land does not resist usl," they announced, "will be secure."

'Uthman led the people in prayer for some days, but the people stayed in their houses. [The dissidents] prevented no one from discussing [the situation], and so the people, 'Ali among them, came and talked with them. ['Ali] said, ”What brought you back after you had changed your minds and gone?" They responded ,”We seized a letter [ordering] us to be killed from an official courier “ Then Talhah came and the Basrans said the same thing, as did the Kufans with al-Zubayr. The Kufans and Basrans said, "We are united in supporting and aiding our brothers, as they were promised." Then 'Ali said to them, ”How, 0 men of Kufah and Basrah, did you know what had befallen the Egyptians,for you traveled a certain number of days and then turned back toward us? By God, this is a conspiracy woven [while you were] in Medina." "Explain it however you wish," they said. "We reject this man [namely, 'Uthman]. Let him be removed from us!

He still leads [the people] in prayer, and they perform the prayer behind him. Anyone who wishes comes to visit [him].

When it was the hour of the Friday prayer in the mosque of the Messenger of God, which fell immediately after the Egyptians had set up camp, 'Uthman came forth to lead the people in prayer.

Then he stood up on the pulpit and said, "0 you enemies! Fear God, fear God! By God, the Medinese know that you have been cursed by the tongue of Muhammad, so wipe out your errors by doing what is right. For verily Almighty God only eradicates evil through what is good.”

Muhammad b. Maslamah arose and said, ”I bear witness to that.” Then Hukaym b. Jabalah seized him and forced him to sit down. Zayd b. Thabit stood up and said, ”Get the letter [from 'Uthman to the governor of Egypt] for me.” From another side

Muhammad b. Abi Qutayrah stood up beside him and with harsh words made him sit down. Then the dissidents (aI-qawm) all rose up together and threw stones at the people until they had driven them from the mosque. They threw stones at 'Uthman until he fell unconscious from the pulpit. He was carried off and brought into his house. Now the Egyptians expected support from only three men among the Medinese, for these had been in correspondence with them: Muhammad b. Abi Bakr, Muhammad b. Abi Hudhayfah, and 'Ammar b. Yasir.

It was transmitted to me in writing by al-Sari—Shu'ayb—Sayf—Abu 'Amr—al-Hasan: I (namely, Abu 'Amr] said to him,"Did you witness the siege of 'Uthman?" (Al-Ham) responded ,"Yes. At that time I was a youth [and was] in the mosque with associates of mine. When the clamor grew intense, I rose to my knees or stood up. Then the dissidents came and ensconced them-selves in the mosque and its environs. A certain group among the Medinese gathered around them, saying that what they had done was distressing, while the dissidents approached the Medinese with threats. As they were thus clamoring around the gate,'Uthman arose, and it was as if a fire had been extinguished. He went over to the pulpit and mounted it. He praised God and extolled Him. One man got to his feet and another made him sit down, then yet another arose and someone else forced him to sit down. Then the dissidents rose up and threw stones at 'Uthman until he fell unconscious. He was carried away and brought to [his house]. For twenty days he led them in prayer, and then they

barred him from attending the prayer.

A.And the hadith, Hafiz Ibn Hajar said (Al-Fath 13/214): The beginning of the appeal, until the matter turned to his killing, was six years after his succession. A.H. Similarly in (Al-Bidaya wa Al-Nihayah 7/189).