HAZRAT UTHMAN AS (RA)

Duration of Caliphate: 12 years [24-35 AH/644-656

AD]
ELECTION

➤ Before the death of Hazrat Umar (RA), he had appointed a

panel of six men to choose a caliph from amongst them and
then their choice was to be confirmed through bay'a t (pledge)
by the Muslims. The panel, which was instructed to make the
choice in three days included Hazrat Uthman (RA), Hazrat Ali
(RA), Hazrat Talha(RA), Hazrat Zubair(RA), Hazrat
Abd-ur-Rehman bin Auf (RA) and Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqas
(RA). All were one of the ten Blessed companions. (USTAAZ)

➤ Despite long meetings the panel could not arrive at a

decision, Hazrat Abd-ur-Rehman bin Auf (RA) than
withdrew his name and it was decided that he would make the final
decision regarding the selection.
He consulted each member separately with the exception of
Talha (RA) who was not in Madinah at the time. Hazrat
'Uthman (RA) and Hazrat 'Ali (RA) proposed each other's
name whereas Hazrat Zubayr (RA) and Hazrat Sa'ad (RA) put
forward Hazrat 'Uthman's name.

➤ After more consultation Hazrat Abd-Ur Rahman (RA)

gave his decision in favour of Hazrat 'Uthman (RA)
and was the first to take bay'a on his hand and was followed by all
the other Muslims in the Mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
So, Hazrat Uthman (RA) became the 3rd Caliph of Muslims on the
4th of Muharram 24 AH/644 CE.

2.Administration of Hazrat Uthman (RA)

As caliph, Hazrat Uthman (RA) followed the sunnah of the Holy
Prophet (Peace be upon him) and the practice followed by the first
and the second caliphs.
He continued the administrative arrangements made by Hazrat
Umar, though he regrouped some of the provinces and created
new provinces for the newly conquered territories.
The Majlis-e-Shoora or council of consultation was maintained and
all affairs of the State were settled by this Council. .
He started the practice of holding periodic conferences of the
district authorities in order to keep himself informed of the
conditions in the country.
Hazrat Uthman (RA) also used to hear public complaints after
Friday prayers.
Hazrat Usman (RA) relaxed most of the restrictions that had been
imposed on the people by Hazrat Umar. He allowed the Arabs
to acquire agricultural lands in the conquered territories. The
Arabs purchased these lands and exchanged them with lands in
Arabia.
Hazrat Usman made extensions to the Holy Prophet's
[pbuh]mosque in Madinah and had new mosques constructed
at various places.
.He also ordered the construction of inns, border outposts and
guest houses.
He made arrangements for the supply of drinking water to
travelers by getting wells sunk by the sides of highways and
roads. A dam was also built to protect Madinah from floods.
During his Khilafat for the first time a fleet of nearly five hundred
ships was built to fight with the Greeks on the Mediterranean Sea.
More land was set apart as grazing pastures ,were reserved for
state horses.
Hazrat Usman raised the salaries of the officers and the armed forces. He also
increased the allowances paid
to the people by 25%. He took steps for
the propagation of Islam and is said to have sent religious teachers
to India to spread Islam.
Expansion of Islamic Empire/Conquests

✓ During his twelve-year caliphate Hazrat 'Uthman (RA) followed

the footsteps of the first two caliphs. He did a lot for the
consolidation and establishment of the military on firm grounds
and went on to expand on the territory that was left to him by
Umar (RA).
✓ During the early years, the process of expansion of the
Empire continued. The army moved in all
directions and for the first time in Islamic history, he utilized naval
force. Hazrat Uthman (RA) gave Hazrat Muawiyah (RA)
permission to build a navy after concerning the matter closely. For
the first time a fleet of nearly 500 ships was built to fight against
the Greeks on the Mediterranean Sea. The Muslim naval force
landed on the Island of Cyprus in 649.
✔ The islanders submitted to the Muslims, and agreed to pay a
tribute of 7,000 dinars per year. The conquest of Cyprus was the
first naval conquest of the Muslims. After Cyprus Muslim naval
fleet headed towards the island of Crete and then Rhodes and
conquered them without much resistance.
In 652-654, the Muslims launched a naval campaign against
Sicily and they succeeded in capturing a large part of the island.
His earliest focus was the Persian Empire in the East.
Khurasan, Merv, Tus, Sarakhs and then Khawarzim were
captured in 650 AD. On the Persian front, emperor Yazdegerd III
(1. 624-651 CE) was murdered by a local in Merv in 651 CE. His
death disorganized the Persian Empire even further and the
eastern Sassanid province of Khurasan was captured; the empire
spread so far eastwards as to include Sindh (in modern-day
Pakistan).
Towards North, the Syrian borders were also pushed as far as to
engulf all of Armenia and Azerbaijan in between 653-655 CE.

✔ In North Africa, Libya, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia were

conquered by the middle of the 7th century. After the capture of
North African territories by Muslims and gaining full control over
Mediterranean, the mighty power of Byzantine and Roman
Empire had collapsed. .

✔ Though the conquests during his time were not so much in

number as during the time of Hazrat ‘Umar (RA), nevertheless
they were not few. He ruled over a vast part of the then known
world, right from Kabul (Afghanistan) to Morocco. He put down
the rebellions with an iron hand.
3
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I.

II.
•
III.

IV.
•

Standardization of the Quran during H.

Uthman's caliphate

By the time of Hazrat Uthman's caliphate Islam had grown beyond

Arabia. The new converts of conquered territories learnt the
Quran from Arab traders and Mujahideen and thus the Quran
had been learnt by different companions with different accents
as the Quran was revealed incorporating seven different dialects.

It has been reported by Anas Ibn Malik (RA), that a companion

named Huzaifa bin Yaman (RA) came to Hazrat Uthman (ra) at
the time when the people of Syria and Iraq were waging
wars to conquer Armenia and Azerbyjan in 645AD.
.

He spoke of the differences in the matter of the recitation of

Quran and said to Hazrat Uthman (ra); “0 Chief of the Believer;
save this Ummah before they differ about the Book as the Jews and
the Christians did before." Hazrat Uthman (ra) after consulting
companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) sent a message to
Hazrat Hafsa (RA) saying, "Send us the manuscript of Quran so
that we may preserve Quranic materials in prefect copies and
return the manuscript back to you."
Hazrat Hafsa (RA) agreed and sent the copy to Hazrat
Uthman (ra). Then Hazrat Uthman (ra) ordered Zaid bin
Thabit (RA) being head of the committee, assisted by Abdullah
Ibn al-Zubair (RA), Saad Ibn Aas (RA) and Abdur Rehman Ibn
Harith (RA) to rewrite the manuscript in prefect copies and
instructed the Quraishites, "In case you disagree with Zaid bin
Thabit (RA) on any point in the Quran, then write in the dialect
of the Quraish as Quran was revealed in their tongue." They did
so and when they had written a copy, Hazrat Usman (ra)
returned the original manuscript to Hazrat Hafsa (RA). Hazrat
Uthman (ra) sent to every Muslim Province one set of what they
had copied and all the previous copies of the Quran were
collected and burnt with the consultation of companions. This
prevented the possibility of different versions of the Quran evolving
over time..

The original copy was used for the purpose of reference and
kept in Madinah very carefully. This copy is known as copy of
Hazrat Uthman (Sahifah Uthmani). Due to this service to Islam,
Hazrat Usman (ra) is known as the Jami-ul-Quran. Afterwards,
hundreds and thousand copies of Uthman's (ra) edition were
made and spread in Muslim countries. It was in this way that there
came into existence the authorized version of Quran, which has
remained authoritative till today.
The reasons for the unrest against
'Uthman (RA)
or

Causes of Revolt and Charges against

Hazrat Uthman (RA)

By the time of Hazrat Uthman (RA) Islamic Empire had spread

from Kabul to Morocco. Expansion of Empire led to various
administrative problems that resulted in many revolts and
mismanagement on the part of local administrators. One was the
problem of quick administrative communication with the far off
provinces and areas.
.

The second and even more damaging factor was the conspiracies
of Jewish and Persian elements. The Islamic Empire was too great
and too powerful to be conquered externally, so it had to be
attacked within.

Therefore, the Jews who had been exiled by the previous caliphs
and kept away from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, now
started conspiracies against the caliph. Abdullah bin Saba was
one of the clever Yemenite Jews who had accepted Islam only in
self-interest. He spread false and baseless rumors to instigate
people against the Caliph.
.Hazrat Uthman (RA) belonged to Banu Umayyah (Umayyad).
Mischief mongers provoked Banu Hasim (Hashemites) by
saying that Uthman (RA) was placing Umayyads in
positions of power. So rivalry between Banu Hashim and the
Umayyad also contributed to this revolt.
V. Many non-Arabs entered the fold of Islam. Some of these
had done so in self-interest and remained loyal to their previous
beliefs. They were angered at the loss of their prestige and
burning with revenge, they instigated Muslims against the Caliph.

VI.
He was a man soft nature; his leniency and kind attitude were
taken as his weakness. Sometimes he overlooked the minor faults
of his governors that made them bold and as a result unrest
spread in the provincial capitals which grew to engulf the
entire Islamic state.
VII. Abdullah bin Saba and his followers propagated false
allegations against Hazrat Uthman (RA) and
instigated common people to rebel against the caliph.

Allegations /Charges
1. One of the greatest charges was that he had appointed his
inefficient relatives as governors. This allegation cannot be
justified as there were 12 provinces in the country and he appointed
four governors in Egypt, Syria, Kufa and Basra. All the
governors appointed by him were people of great caliber.

Hazrat Ameer Muawiya (RA), a nephew of Hazrat Uthman (RA)

and Hazrat Abdullah bin Saad (RA), his foster brother were
appointed by Hazrat Umar (RA) as the governor of Syria and
Egypt. He just let them continue their jobs because they were
doing it well.
Hazrat Uthman (RA) appointed Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas
(RA) as governor of Kufa. When he was unable to control the
situation there, he was replaced by Hazrat Walid bin Uqba (RA),
Hazrat Uthman's foster brother) who proved his worth.
Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari (RA) was deposed at the demand of
the people of Basra and was replaced by Abdullah bin Amir
(Hazrat Uthman 's cousin) according to the wishes of the people.
He proved very successful. Thus, none of the governors appointed
by him proved a failure.
2. It was also alleged that he was too lenient and did not keep a
check on his governors. He, unlike Hazrat
Umar (RA), gave the governors a free hand in running the
provinces and did not interfere in their day to day affairs.
.

3. Hazrat Uthman (RA) was alleged that he was extravagant and

gave away money to his relatives, thus
wasted the "Baitul Mal". The allegation was absolutely false as
Hazrat Uthman (RA) was one of the wealthiest merchants in
Arabia due to which people called him "Ghani" (The Richman).
He used to spend his money in the way of Allah during the
Prophet's [pbuh]time. His generosity continued in the same way
during his caliphate. He spent his own money to help the poor, and
also his relatives but never took anything wrongfully from the
"Baitul Mal". Even he did not accept any salary from the
"Baitul Mal" for his services as Caliph.
4. Another allegation against Hazrat Uthman (RA) was that he
called Hakam bin'As his uncle to Madinah ,who was exiled by
the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). However, this step of
Hazrat Uthman (RA) was not too comprehensive. Not only had this but
he also appointed Hakam's son Marwan as his chief secretary who
was not liked by some prominent companions and common
Muslims.
5. He was also alleged that he had burnt the Qur'an, the word of
Allah. In reality it was done after consultation with the other
companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). It was one of his
great services that he rendered to Islam and kept the Muslims
united on the single dialect of the Quran.
6. It was alleged that Hazrat Uthman (RA) wrote to the governor
of Egypt to kill Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (RA) whom he had
appointed to replace 'Abdullah bin Saad (RA), the governor of
Egypt, on demand of rebels. This, too, was false as he did not
write any letter, the confiscated letter was fake.
Martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman (RA)

As the time of Hajj in the year 35 A.H. (656 CE) came near rebels
started to put their plans into action. In the month of Shawwal,
they started coming from Basrah, Kufa and Egypt to Madinah.
All of them wanted Hazrat Uthman (RA) to step down, but there
was some difference of opinion regarding the next "Khalifah". Ibn
Saba's followers, (the Egyptians) wanted Hazrat 'Ali (R.A.),
Kufits preferred Hazrat Zubair (RA) while Basrites were in
favour of Hazrat Talha (RA). They approached to them
individually but all of the three companions strictly refused to
accept the rebels' proposals.

When Hazrat Uthman (RA) heard about the insurgents he

sent some of the leading Companions including Hazrat 'Ali
(RA) to them. Hazrat 'Ali (RA) assured the rebels that their
complaints would be listened to. They put certain demands
including the dismissal of the governor of Egypt and
appointment of Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (RA) as the new
governor. Hazrat Uthman (RA) agreed to their demand without any
question. Hazrat 'Ali (R.A.) then again assured the rebels and they
seemed to be satisfied and started to go back. All the Muslims at
Madinah thought that the trouble had ended.
The rebels were on their way home when they got hold of a
letter supposedly from Hazrat Uthman (RA) to the governor of
Egypt to have the leaders of the group put to death on their
return.

After having read the letter, the rebels returned to Madinah,

shouting for revenge. They laid down siege of the caliph's house
and did not allow food and water to reach him.

Hazrat Ali (RA) deputed his sons, Hazrat Hassan (RA) and
Hazrat Hussain (RA), and Hazrat Zubair(RA) deputed his son
Hazrat Abdullah (RA) to protect him. .

Beside Hazrat Uthman (RA) and his wife Nailah (RA), Marwan
bin Hakam was also in the house. He did not allow any person to
fight with the insurgents although a fight took place between Hazrat
Hasan (RA), Husain (RA) and Marwan and the insurgents
when they did not allow Hazrat Um-e- Habibah (R.A.), the
mother of faithful, to supply meals to Hazrat Uthman (RA).
Hazrat Hasan (RA) received minor injuries but Marwan was
seriously hurt. However, the insurgents did not fight with
Hazrat Hasan (RA) and Husain (RA) because of the fear of
Hashmites.

When hardship grew, some eminent Companions like Hazrat

Mughirah bin Shu'bah (RA) requested Hazrat Uthman (RA) to
take action against the insurgents and said that all the people of
Madinah were ready to fight for him but he did not agree to shed
Muslims' blood in the sacred city of Madina-tun- Nabi. Then they
proposed that he should leave the house through the back door
and either go to Makkah or to Damascus where he would be safer
but he accepted neither of the proposals. The things got worse
day by day, and at last the crisis arrived.

The siege lasted for 50 days and finally some rebels jumped into
his house, injured his wife Naila (RA) and killed him while he was
reciting the Quran. The copy of that particular Quran still exists
with his blood on it. He died on Friday, 18th of Zil hajj 35 AH.

What does his death tell us about his character?

Hazrat Uthman (R.A) showed an exemplary tolerance against

the insurgents. By not using force against the civil public, he set
the first example of the highest democratic rule in human
civilization. If studied from this point of view, it would be noted
that Uthman (R.A) was at the peak of modern democratic
principles. It is unfortunate that the masses at that time were not
trained for that highest form of democracy. They have had
experienced in the past of the tyranny of Persian and Roman
Emperors and their officers. However, the base elements took
advantage of the Islamic democratic principles and incited some
of the Muslim population against the Khalifah.
Hazrat Uthman (RA)used all the democratic principles, now
prevailing in the modern society, to satisfy the insurgents. He
gave before the public, full explanation of all the allegations
brought against him, and the public was fully satisfied with his
explanation. .
He acceded to the demands of the insurgents by appointing
Muhammad bin Abi Bakr as the Governor of Egypt. But he did not
resign because the majority of the Muslims were in his favour and
only a few were the mischief-mongers. His words: "I do not want to
spill Muslim blood to save my own neck" would be remembered for
ever.

The Consequences of 'Hazrat Uthman (RA)'s

Martyrdom

It was a great tragedy with far reaching consequences. His murder

reflected the growing strength of anti Islamic forces that had long
been busy in hatching conspiracies against the Muslim
community secretly. 'Hazrat Uthman 's murder led to Hazrat Ali
(RA)'s controversial election, supported by rebels from the
provinces and divided the Ummah.

The same conspirators would create difficulties for the 4th Caliph,
Hazrat Ali (RA). After assuming the office of caliphate Hazrat Ali
(RA) changed the governors appointed by his predecessor with
those who supported him.
❖ Hazrat Talha (RA), Hazrat Zubair (RA), Hazrat Ayesha
(RA) and the Umayyads, in particular Hazrat
Mu'awiya called for avenging the murder of 'Hazrat Uthman (RA).
However, his slow response against the murderers of 'Hazrat
Uthman (RA) led to strong reactions which led to the first civil
wars in Islam e.g. the battles of Camel and Siffin.
❖ It marked the start of sectarianism among the Muslims. The
future events proved it.

Why Hazrat Usman (RA) encountered difficulties in the latter

years of his caliphate and was assassinated?

During the last years of his caliphate, Caliph Uthman faced

serious difficulties that eventually led to his martyrdom in 35 AH
(656 AD). There were a number of reasons behind it. A strong and
highly organized gang of insurgents had started its nefarious
plans to create differences among the Muslims. Uthman's own
mild and lenient temperament was exploited by these insurgents
who unleashed a campaign of poisonous propaganda against the
Caliph in a very cunning manner. They were led by the ring
leader Abdullah bin Saba and hence became. known as the
Sabaites. Abdullah bin Saba was a Jewish hypocrite and was
assisted by such prominent figures as Malik al Ashtar. The
rebellion gained such momentum that many prominent
personalities such as Ammar bin Yasir and Muhammad bin Abu
Bakr were innocently swept along with it.

Abdullah bin Saba and his hypocrite followers established their

headquarters in Egypt and began to circulate forged letters that
contained complaints against the Caliph, his governors and other
state officials. Efforts were made to highlight the long-forgotten
rivalry between Banu Hashim and Banu Umayya. Highly
publicized false allegations were made against the Caliph
himself. Through forged letters it was shown that prominent
companions like All, Talha and Zubayr also shared their views.
Even some of the noblest steps of the Caliph were mis projected
before the public; for example, the standardization of the Quran and
expansion of the compound of the Kaba.

These anti-Islam elements went to the extent of twisting the

meaning of the Quranic verses. The pious Caliph did not
immediately lash out against these conspirators as it was his
desire to avoid bloodshed in the sacred city of Madinah.
Finally, the State Treasury (Bait al-Maal) began to overflow
with riches and this further fueled the greed of the rebels. Now
keeping in mind, the vast Muslim empire and its associated
complexities it was simply not possible to curb these elements.
The conspirators exploited this situation and spread false
propaganda about the differences between the Caliph and other
sincere companions. As a result of all this the conspirators paved
the way for the brutal murder of the 3rd Caliph of Islam.

Topical Past Papers and

Markings Schemes
Q1. (a) What major events took place during the caliphate of
'Hazrat Uthman (RA)? [10] {May/June-10} ‘Hazrat Uthman (RA)
was the third caliph. He continued the policy of expanding the Islamic
territories. He expanded the state towards the east and in the Mediterranean
and crushed many rebellions. Details of areas conquered and rebellions put
down could be given here. The first Muslim naval fleet was built during the
reign of 'Hazrat Uthman (RA). It was ‘Hazrat Uthman (RA) who during his
term as caliph ordered a full edition of the Qur'an to be made and for this
appointed Zayd Ibn Thabit to lead the compilation. He ordered all
unofficial copies of the Qur'an to be burnt. Some candidates may well
discuss that it was because of this action of his and the charge that he had
appointed inefficient relatives as governors that his rule caused disquiet and
led to several uprisings. They could go on to mention the uprisings in Iraq,
Kufa and Egypt and say how finally in 35 AH troops from all three
provinces arrived at Medina to take their complaints directly to the
caliph.
(b) Explain why 'Hazrat Uthman (RA) encountered difficulties in
the later years of his caliphate and was assassinated. [4]
{May/June-10}
His appointment of family members in important positions was regarded as
favouritism. The burning of the copies of the Qur'an to be replaced by the
official version prepared by Zayd Ibn Thabit was seen as destroying the
word of Allah. Yet ssanother reason was that some Muslims questioned his
ability to rule. To get to the higher level of marks the candidates must write
about his assassination as well. Here the stronger candidates could
state that after 'Hazrat Uthman (RA) had pacified the Egyptians they
were on their way home when they got a hold of a letter supposedly from
'Hazrat Uthman (RA) to the Governor of Egypt to have the leaders of the
group put to death on their return. Seeking vengeance they returned and
killed him. Evaluation of some of the points discussed above is needed to get
to the top levels.

Q2. (a) What were the causes of the revolt against Hazrat ‘Uthman
(RA) and what charges were made against him? [10] [Oct.14]
In answer to this question the candidates need to give a detailed and
descriptive account of all the causes and charges made against Hazrat
Uthman which could include the allegation that he had appointed his
relatives as governors of the various provinces; he allocated the wealth
amassed in the campaigns to the governors rather than dividing it
between the fighting men themselves; the granting of a fifth of war booty to
an individual, his cousin Marwan ibn Hakam; the circulation of the official
copies of the Qur'an and the burning of older copies; some thought that
he was surrounded by people who gave bad advice and took advantage of
his age. Some or all of these points could be made and it is the detail and
development of them that will get the candidates to higher levels. .
(b) Can Muslims today learn lessons from the martyrdom of
‘Uthman? Give reasons for your answer. [4] If candidates say yes
to the question then they could write about either one or more lessons
learnt from the martyrdom of Hazrat 'Uthman and evaluate them in some
detail. Some examples of what could be expected in the answers are:
'Uthman being a man of firm principles stood by what he deemed to be just;
him not wanting to shed unnecessary Muslim blood; him wanting to reach a
negotiated settlement. These and other points could be made to show how
Muslims today should stand by what they believe is just and fair and not
give up efforts to find peaceful solutions to disputes even if it is at their
own peril. If some candidates however write that no lessons can be
learnt from 'Uthman's martyrdom then they need to back that view with
reasons as well. All valid answers must be duly credited.

Q3. (a) Outline the charges levelled against Hazrat 'Uthman by his
opponents, and describe the main events of the revolt against him. [10]
[Oct.15]
A descriptive response stating what the charges against 'Uthman were
e.g. it was alleged that he had appointed inefficient relatives as
governors in four provinces; it was also alleged that he was too lenient
and did not keep a check on his governors; another charge against him was
that he had burned copies of the Qur'an and also that he spent on his
relatives from the Bait-ul Maal could be given as the primary charges
against him. Candidates need to also write about the revolt that took place
against 'Uthman that led to his martyrdom. Some of the candidates
could give the causes of the revolt and say: His soft nature was taken
advantage of, the fact that he sometimes overlooked the faults of his
governors made them bold and as a result caused unrest in the provincial
capitals which grew to engulf the entire Islamic state; Abdullah bin Saba, a
Yemenite Jew who outwardly accepted Islam embarked on a subtle campaign
of creating dissension amongst the Muslims and 'Uthman did not take timely
action against him. Rivalry between the houses of Hashim and the Umayya
also contributed to this revolt and finally candidates need to describe how the
rebels laid siege to his house which continued for fifty days and finally killed
him as he was reciting the Qur'an.
.

(b) What do you think was the most harmful outcome of ‘Uthman's
assassination? [4]
Candidates need to give their view of what they think was the worst
outcome that resulted from the martyrdom of ‘Uthman. They could say
that the unity of the Muslims suffered a huge blow and led to the civil
wars in the caliphate of 'Ali or any other reason which makes a valid
response could be given and credited as such.

Q4. (a) Give an account of:

(i) the election of the caliph 'Uthman (RA), and
(ii) the compilation of the Qur'an that took place during his
caliphate. [10] [Oct.16]

Candidates could begin their answers by saying that before the death
of 'Umar he had appointed a panel of six men to choose a caliph from
amongst them and then their choice was to be confirmed through bay 'a
by the Muslim population. The panel, which was instructed to make the
choice in three days included 'Uthman, ‘Ali, Sa'd bin Abi Waqas,
Talha, Zubayr and Abdul Rahman bin 'Auf. Despite long meetings the
panel could not arrive at a decision, Abdur Rahman than withdrew his name
and it was decided that he would make the final decision regarding the
selection. He consulted each member separately with the exception of
Talha who was not in Madina at the time. 'Uthman and ‘Ali proposed
each other's name whereas Zubayr and Sa'd put forward 'Uthmans name.
After more consultation Abdur Rahman gave his decision in favour of
'Uthman and was the first to take bay'a on his hand and was followed by
all the other Muslims in the mosque.

As for the compilation of the Qur'an during 'Uthman's caliphate, it was

found that with the expansion of the empire there was a difference in the
pronunciation in the recitation of the Qur'an amongst the non-Arabs.
Hudaifa bin Yaman brought this matter to the caliph's attention and after
consultation with the other companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and with their
consent he sent for the Qur'an that was compiled during the period of
Abu Bakr and was now in the custody of Hafsa, the wife of the Prophet
(pbuh) and the daughter of 'Umar. He then asked Zayd ibn Thabit, Abdullah
ibn Zubayr, Sa'ad ibn Al-Aas and Abdul Rahman ibn Harith to make several
copies of the Qur'an with the inclusion of the accents to aid in the correct
pronunciation of the Qur'an and sent these copies to all the provinces. He
also sent to the various provinces strong reciters of the Qur'an in order for
them to teach the non-arab speakers and new converts of Islam the correct
way to read the holy book. He ordered all the other copies to be burnt and
destroyed throughout the caliphate and for this service he is known as the
Jame-al-Qur'an. The mark is not divided between the two parts but the
answer is to be read as a whole.

(b) Three of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs were martyred for the
decisions they made. Can Muslim leaders today learn anything from
this? Give reasons for your answer. [4]
Candidates could in response to this question say that Muslim leaders today
can learn from the example of the caliphs in how they fulfilled their
responsibilities. They remained steadfast and true to their convictions and
what they believed to be just and right at the cost of their lives. It shows that
they were strong leaders who believed in their principles and were no ready
to compromise them. 'Umar refused to give in to the unjust demand of Abu
Lulu and was fatally wounded by him. ‘Uthman and ‘Ali both stood by their
decisions which they thought were just. Also, lessons can be learnt by
present day Muslim leaders from the strength of faith that the caliphs
displayed, they were powerful men yet they remained humble and kept their
faith in God rather than increasing their personal security or using the state
resources to protect themselves. All valid responses to be credited. .

Q5. (a) Write in detail about the policy followed by 'Uthman (RA) as
caliph in expanding and maintaining the state. [10] [Oct.16]
During his twelve-year caliphate 'Uthman, to begin with followed, in the
footsteps of the first two caliphs. He did a lot for the consolidation and
establishment of the military on firm grounds and went on to expand on the
territory that was left to him by Umar by conquering North Africa, Barqa and
Marakish completely and adjacent countries of Persia namely Afghanistan
and Khurasan. Armenia and Azerbaijan also came under Muslim
control and with the advancement in naval warfare he even conquered
Cyprus. He answered the naval attack of the Romans with a fleet of 500
ships.

(b) How justified were the criticisms against 'Uthman for burning
the copies of the Qur'an? Give reasons for your answer. [4]
He brought about administrative changes in some areas e.g. Jordan and
Palestine were united into one province Syria. To improve administration
he divided the power and set up a new department of police. He did
keep a strict watch on governors and other administrators. However, he
overlooked simple mistakes of his governors. He not only increased the
income of the public treasury but spent more generously on the masses. He
also started welfare projects for the masses as well as the state, new
buildings in provinces, bridges, roads and highways etc. were built. He not
only sent religious teachers to different tribes and cities but himself
preached to the prisoners of war. The greatest service he performed
during his caliphate was the compilation of the Qur'an. Candidates can
say that the allegations against 'Uthman for burning the copies were
unjustified as he was trying to save the Qur'an from corruption. A word
wrongly pronounced in Arabic can change the meaning of the word
totally hence it was important that only those copies were in circulation that
were accurate.

Q6. Outline the reasons for the unrest against ‘Uthman (RA) and write
an account of the rebellion in Madinah that led to his martyrdom. [10]
The years 651 to 656 were the years of trouble for the third caliph of Islam.
In their answer, candidates have to give the reasons for the unrest against
'Uthman. The main charges against him that could be given are:
•

Appointment of relatives and clan members in important posts of

government;
• Leniency shown to them in both their personal and professional
conduct;
• Burning of the copies of the Qur'an; and
•

Spending from the public treasury on his relatives.

Candidates need to develop these charges. Some may well give reasons
to say whether they were justified or not in their discussion, which should
be seen as development of the response. They also need to write an account
of the rebellion in Madinah against him that led to his martyrdom.
For the second part of the answer it could be said that three columns of men
left their garrison cities apparently for pilgrimage. .
Upon reaching Madinah they set up camp, they were armed. The rebels
sent their deputations to the three most respected members of the inner
council of Companions still alive. Their reaction followed by what ensued
should be included in the answer. The response should also include the
rebels' return after having their demand met by 'Uthman and their return
to Madina after intercepting a letter supposedly from the caliph to the
governor of Egypt to put the rebels to death upon their return etc. The
siege of the caliph's house and the events that led to his martyrdom
should all be given in the answer as well.

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