ՙUthmān ibn ՙAffān
‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān was a prominent early Islamic figure, known for being a merchant from the influential Umayyad clan in Mecca. He was the first significant convert to Islam and faced persecution, leading him to seek refuge in Abyssinia around 615 CE. Recognized for his close ties to the Prophet Muhammad, particularly through his marriages to two of the Prophet's daughters, he rose to political prominence when elected as the third caliph after ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭtāb in 644 CE. His caliphate is noted for establishing a standardized version of the Qur’an and expanding the Islamic empire into regions such as Iran and parts of Armenia.
Despite these accomplishments, ‘Uthmān’s leadership faced criticism for perceived weaknesses and familial favoritism, particularly towards his cousin Marwān. Discontent among his opponents, including ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib, culminated in significant rebellions and unrest, ultimately leading to his assassination in 656 CE while he was reading the Qur’an. His death sparked a civil war that contributed to the division of the Muslim community into various sects, shaping the future of Islamic history.
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ՙUthmān ibn ՙAffān
Related civilization: Arabia
Major role/position: Religious leader
Life
ՙUthmān ibn ՙAffān (ooth-MAHN-ihb-uhn-af-FAHN), a merchant, was a member of the important Umayyad clan in Mecca. The first important convert to Islam, he fled briefly to Abyssinia circa 615 c.e. to escape religious persecution. Although known as Dhu al-Nǔǔrayn (“Possessing Two Lights”) because he married two daughters of the Prophet Muhammad, he did not play a major role in Islam until he was elected successor to ՙUmar ibn al-Khaṭtāb, the second caliph, in 644 c.e. His sudden political rise marks a resurgence in the power of the Umayyad clan.
His most significant act as caliph was the authorization of a single official version of the Qur՚an. He brought Iran, Ādharbāyjān, and portions of Armenia into the Islamic empire. He attempted to organize the Arabic tribes under a strong central power through the creation of landed fiefs and provincial governorships and drew power and wealth away from the army and into the hands of his own Umayyad clan.
ՙUthmān is often described as a pious but weak leader influenced by family members, especially his cousin and secretary, Marwān. Opposition to his authority, especially by ՙAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib and other members of the Prophet’s companions, led to rebellions in Egypt and Iraq in 650 c.e. and to an Egyptian march against ՙUthmān in Medina in 655 c.e. ՙUthmān was attacked in his house and killed while reading the Qur՚an.
Influence
ՙUthmān’s death led to a civil war that resulted in the eventual division of the Muslim world into three separate religious sects.
Bibliography
Saunders, J. J. History of Medieval Islam. New York: Routledge, 1990.
Von Grunebaum, Gustave E. Classical Islam: A History, 600-1258. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1996.