Uthman ibn Affan (RA) - Dhun-Nurayn
Learn about Uthman (RA), the third caliph, known as 'Possessor of Two Lights.'
Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) was the third caliph of Islam. He was known as 'Dhun-Nurayn' — the Possessor of Two Lights — because he married two of the Prophet's daughters: first Ruqayyah, and after she passed away, Umm Kulthum. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'If I had a third daughter, I would give her to Uthman.' Uthman (RA) was among the earliest to accept Islam. He was known for his extreme generosity. When the Muslim army needed equipment for the expedition of Tabuk, Uthman equipped one-third of the entire army and brought 950 camels with 50 horses. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Nothing will harm Uthman after what he has done today.' During drought in Madinah, Uthman bought a well of water for the Muslims and dedicated it to the public. As the third caliph, Uthman (RA) is most famous for compiling the Quran into one standardized book. He ordered the creation of master copies and sent them to different regions, ensuring the Quran would be preserved in its original form forever.
Qur'an Verses
لَقَدْ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ يُبَايِعُونَكَ تَحْتَ الشَّجَرَةِ
Laqad radiya Allahu 'ani al-mu'minina idh yubayi'unaka tahta ash-shajarati
Translation: Certainly was Allah pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muhammad], under the tree.
Authentic Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever dug the well of Ruma will be in Paradise.' Uthman (RA) had dug that well.
Explanation
This hadith shows how Uthman's generosity — digging a well for public use — earned him a place in Paradise. It demonstrates the reward for providing water to the community.
Generosity and dedication to preserving Allah's word are among the greatest virtues. Uthman (RA) spent his wealth for Allah's cause and preserved the Quran for all future generations.
- 1.Why was Uthman called 'Dhun-Nurayn'?
- 2.What did Uthman do for the expedition of Tabuk?
- 3.What was Uthman's greatest achievement as caliph?
1. What did Uthman do for the expedition of Tabuk?
2. What did the Prophet do when Uthman was absent at Ridwan?
3. Was Uthman pleased with by Allah (according to the Quran)?
4. What well did Uthman buy for the Muslims?
5. Was Uthman among the earliest Muslims?
6. What was Uthman's defining quality?
7. After Ruqayyah passed away, who did Uthman marry?
8. What do we learn from Uthman?
9. What does 'Jam' al-Quran' mean?
10. What event does Surah Al-Fath 48:18 refer to?
11. Which of the Prophet's daughters did Uthman marry first?
12. Why was Uthman called 'Dhun-Nurayn'?
13. Who was the third caliph of Islam?
14. Did Uthman standardize the Quran?
15. Was Uthman generous?
16. What title was Uthman known by?
17. What did the Prophet say about the well of Ruma?
18. Is Uthman considered one of the greatest companions?
19. Was Uthman present at the Pledge of Ridwan?
20. What was Uthman's greatest achievement as caliph?
21. How many camels did Uthman bring for Tabuk?
22. Did Uthman also bring horses?
23. What did the Prophet ﷺ say after Uthman's Tabuk contribution?
24. What did the Prophet say about Uthman and a third daughter?
25. What does 'Dhun-Nurayn' mean?
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