Uthman ibn Affan: The Compiler of the Quran

Uthman ibn Affan (576-656 CE)

Early Years and Conversion

Uthman belonged to the powerful Umayyad clan of Quraysh. He was among the first to accept Islam, invited by Abu Bakr. His conversion angered his uncle, who bound and beat him. Uthman earned the title of "muhajir" for his double migration to Abyssinia and Medina.

Married to Two Daughters of the Prophet

Uthman married Ruqayyah, the Prophet's daughter. When she died, the Prophet married him to his other daughter, Umm Kulthum, earning him the title "Dhul-Nurayn" (the one with two lights).

His Caliphate (644-656 CE)

Uthman continued imperial expansion: Armenia, the Caucasus, Cyprus, North Africa, and parts of Persia. He created the first Islamic navy, which defeated the Byzantine fleet at the Battle of the Masts (655 CE).

Standardization of the Quran

Uthman's most lasting achievement was ordering a unified copy of the Quran. Based on Abu Bakr's compiled text, he sent copies to major provinces and ordered divergent versions burned. This text, known as the "Uthmanic Codex," is the same Quran Muslims use today.

Criticism and Opposition

Criticism arose over his appointment of family members to key positions. Accusations of nepotism grew. Opposition groups marched toward Medina to protest.

His Death

Rebels besieged his home for weeks. Uthman, aged 80, refused to shed Muslim blood in self-defense. He was killed while reading the Quran, whose blood stained the open pages. His death triggered the first great civil war (fitna) of Islam.