Summary of Usman's Caliphate

Question 1

When did Hazrat Usman (R.A) become the Caliph, and how was he chosen?

Answer 1

• Hazrat Usman (R.A) became the Caliph in 24 AH / 644 AD.
• He was chosen by a council of six persons (Shura) set up by Hazrat Umar (R.A) as he was dying.

Question 2

What title did Hazrat Usman (R.A) adopt as Caliph, and how did he continue Hazrat Umar’s policies?

Answer 2

• Hazrat Usman (R.A) adopted the shorter title Khalifat Allah(vicegerent of Allah).
• He continued many of Hazrat Umar’s policies, including the expansion of Islamic rule.

Question 3

How far did the Islamic State expand during Hazrat Usman’s caliphate?

Answer 3

• The Islamic state expanded from Morocco to Kabul, with territories like Persia, Armenia, North Africa, and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean brought under the empire during his 12-year caliphate.

Question 4

Which close relatives of Hazrat Usman (R.A) were appointed as governors, and where?

Answer 4

• Muawiya Ibn Abi Sufyan: Governor of Syria (appointed earlier by Hazrat Umar, but granted more territory).
• Abdullah bin Aamir: Governor of Basra.
• Walid bin Uqba: Governor of Kufa in Southern Iraq.
• Abdullah bin Saad: Governor of Egypt.

Question 5

What was the reason Hazrat Usman (R.A) appointed his relatives as governors, and how was this perceived?

Answer 5

• He appointed his relatives to ensure loyalty and unity in the empire.
• However, many Muslims perceived it as favoritism toward his own family

Question 6

What financial decision of Hazrat Usman (R.A) led to criticism?

Answer 6

• He decided to allocate the wealth amassed in campaigns to governors for state purposes, rather than dividing it among the fighting men.
• This was seen as favoring his family, though his intention was administrative efficiency.

Question 7

What action did Hazrat Usman (R.A) take regarding the Quran, and how was it criticized?

Answer 7

• He ordered the burning of false copies of the Quran and circulated the official version prepared by Zaid Ibn Sabit, now known as the Uthmanic version.
• Some condemned this as destroying the Word of Allah.

Question 8

How did Hazrat Usman (R.A) continue administrative reforms from Hazrat Umar’s era?

Answer 8

• Maintained the Majlis-e-Shura.
• Heard public complaints after Friday prayers.
• Allowed Arabs to purchase or exchange land outside Arabia.
• Built a dam for drinking water supply.
• Built a fleet of 500 ships to fight the Greeks.
• Raised salaries and allowances by 25%.

Question 9

What were the key uprisings during Hazrat Usman (R.A)’s caliphate, and when did they occur?

Answer 9

• Uprising in Iraq, followed by unrest in Kufa and Egypt.
• In 35 AH / 656 AD, troops from these provinces marched to Medina to confront the Caliph

Question 10

How did the first siege of Hazrat Usman’s house end?

Answer 10

• The Egyptian force besieged Hazrat Usman’s house.
• When he agreed to their demands, they were pacified and began their journey home.
• However, upon hearing he had tricked them, they returned for a second siege.

Question 11

What were the events leading to Hazrat Usman’s (R.A.) assassination?

Answer 11

• During the second siege, Hazrat Usman (R.A) prevented leading Muslims from intervening.
• The Egyptian force, led by Mohammad, son of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A), entered his house and murdered him while he was reading the Quran.
• His blood was shed on its pages, and his wife Naila was injured while trying to protect him.

Question 12

How and where was Hazrat Usman (R.A) buried?

Answer 12

His family secretly buried his body due to the tense situation after his murder.