Usman's Caliphate (Administration) Flashcards
When did Hazrat Uthman’s caliphate begin and end, and what qualities earned him respect?
- His caliphate began in 644 and ended in 656.
- His mercy, generosity, and efficient administration earned him the respect of his people.
- He skillfully managed the vast empire, following the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the practices of the first two caliphs.
What was Hazrat Uthman’s first popular administrative act as Khalifa?
As khalifa, Usman (R.A) added 100 dirhams to the annual stipends and began increasing the central government’s control over the affairs of garrison cities.
What administrative changes did Hazrat Uthman make to the provinces?
- He continued Hazrat Umar’s administrative arrangements, regrouped some provinces, and created new ones for newly conquered territories.
- For example, Jordan and Palestine were united into one province, Syria.
How did Hazrat Uthman address the authority of provincial governors?
- He continued Hazrat Umar’s policy of reducing the immense authority of provincial governors by creating the new post of financial administrators, who managed tax revenue.
- He also established a permanent secretariat and appointed salaried ‘Inspectors of Markets.’
How did Hazrat Uthman maintain and use the Majlis-e-Shura?
- He maintained the Majlis-e-Shura and introduced periodic conferences of district authorities.
- He also heard public complaints after Friday prayers and kept strict watch over governors, deposing Saad bin Abi Waqas for financial misconduct.
What land policy did Hazrat Uthman implement for Arabs?
- He relaxed restrictions imposed by Hazrat Umar, allowing Arabs to acquire agricultural lands in conquered territories and exchange them with lands in Arabia.
What public works were carried out during Hazrat Uthman’s caliphate?
- Projects included embankments in Madina
- clean water provision
construction of :
- state markets
- state stables
- guesthouses
- extensions to the Prophet’s mosque, and building a port at Jeddah.
What was the significance of the fleet built during Hazrat Uthman’s caliphate?
- A fleet of nearly 500 ships was built to combat the Greeks on the Mediterranean Sea, marking the first time a Muslim navy was established.
How did Hazrat Uthman improve military infrastructure?
To improve military infrastructure:
- He extended cantonments
- constructed more barracks for soldiers
- expanded stables for cavalry.
What steps did Hazrat Uthman take to propagate Islam?
- He sent religious teachers to India and had the Qur’an copied from the Mushaf e Hafsah, distributing it to the far corners of the caliphate.
How did Hazrat Uthman ensure financial accountability?
- He inspected accounts diligently
- overhauled the Diwan salary rolls
- required accounts and provincial surpluses to be forwarded to the treasury in Madina.
What challenge accompanied Hazrat Uthman’s reforms and projects?
- All reforms, building projects, and administrative improvements were achieved amid ten years of continuous warfare on nearly all frontiers of the Muslim Empire.
