Companions
Uthman ibn Affan
ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān
The third Rightly-Guided Caliph, called "Dhul-Nurayn" (Possessor of Two Lights) for marrying two daughters of the Prophet ﷺ. He compiled the Quran into one standard text.
Who is Uthman ibn Affan?
Uthman ibn Affan, Dhu al-Nurayn, is the third caliph of Islam and one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet ﷺ. He was an early convert, renowned for his modesty, gentleness, and extraordinary generosity, and was the only man to marry two daughters of the Prophet ﷺ. He is among the ten promised Paradise.
The Generous Companion
Uthman was a wealthy merchant who spent lavishly for the sake of Islam. He bought the well of Ruma and gave it as charity for the Muslims, and he equipped a third of the army for the difficult expedition of Tabuk. The Prophet ﷺ said of him on that day: "Nothing will harm Uthman after what he has done today" (Tirmidhi).
The Caliph and the Quran
During his caliphate (644-656 CE), the Islamic state continued to expand. His most enduring legacy was the standardisation of the Quran: he commissioned authoritative copies of the Quran in one unified script and distributed them across the lands, preserving the text from variation — a service for which the entire Muslim ummah remains indebted.
His Virtues and His Martyrdom
- The Prophet ﷺ spoke of his great modesty: "Should I not feel shy before a man before whom the angels feel shy?" (Muslim 2401)
- He was promised Paradise and described as a martyr
- He was killed by rebels while fasting and reciting the Quran, an event that opened the door to the First Fitna
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Uthman called Dhu al-Nurayn?
Because he married two daughters of the Prophet ﷺ — Ruqayyah, and after her death, Umm Kulthum — a distinction unique among all the companions.
What is Uthman's greatest legacy?
The standardisation and preservation of the Quran in a unified written form, distributed throughout the Muslim world, which safeguarded the text for all generations.
Etymology & origin
Uthman (عثمان) is an old Arabic personal name (said by some to refer to a young snake or bustard chick in origin). His full name was Uthman ibn Affan. He carries the unique title Dhu al-Nurayn ("Possessor of the Two Lights"), because he married two daughters of the Prophet ﷺ, Ruqayyah and then Umm Kulthum, one after the other.
References
- Quran:
- 9:100, 24:37, 39:9, 57:10
- Hadith:
- Muslim 2401 (the angels feel shy before Uthman); Tirmidhi 3701 (equipping the army of Tabuk); Bukhari 2778 (the well of Ruma); Tirmidhi 3704 (every prophet has a companion — mine is Uthman)
Related terms
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
The closest friend of the Prophet ﷺ, first adult man to embrace Islam, his companion in the Hijra cave, and the first Rightly-Guided Caliph.
Ali ibn Abi Talib
The fourth Rightly-Guided Caliph, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet ﷺ, first youth to embrace Islam. Renowned for his knowledge, courage, and eloquence.
First Fitna
The first Muslim civil war (656-661 CE), beginning after the killing of Caliph Uthman, which divided the community and reshaped its political future.
Khilafah (Caliphate)
The institution of the caliphate — leadership of the Muslim community as successor to the Prophet in worldly governance, headed by a caliph.
Muhammad ﷺ
The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all worlds. He received the Quran, established Islam, and is the seal of the prophets — none comes after him.
Rashidun Caliphate
The era of the four "Rightly Guided" caliphs — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (632-661 CE) — regarded by Sunnis as a model of Islamic governance.