Uthman
3rd Rashidun caliph from 644 to 656 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Uthman ibn Affan (Arabic: عُثْمَان بْن عَفَّان, romanized: ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān; c. 573 or 576 – 17 June 656) was the third caliph, ruling from 644 until his assassination in 656. Uthman, a second cousin, son-in-law, and notable companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, played a major role in early Islamic history. During his reign as caliph, he was known for ordering the official compilation of the standardized version of the Quran that is still being used today.
Uthman عُثْمَان | |
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3rd caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate | |
Reign | 6 November 644 – 17 June 656 |
Predecessor | Umar ibn al-Khattab |
Successor | Ali ibn Abi Talib |
Born | c. 579 (46 BH) Hejaz, Arabia |
Died | 17 June 656 (aged 83) (12[1][2]/18 Dhu al-Hijjah 35 AH)[3][4] Medina, Hejaz, Rashidun Caliphate |
Burial | Jannat al-Baqi, Medina |
Spouse |
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Issue (among others) | |
Tribe | Quraysh (Banu Umayya) |
Father | Affan ibn Abi al-As |
Mother | Arwa bint Kurayz |
Religion | Islam |
Before his predecessor, Caliph Umar (r. 634–644), died in office, he appointed a committee of trustees to elect a successor. Uthman, who was then aged 68–71 years, was elected to succeed him and became the oldest person to hold such a high position. During his premiership, the Caliphate expanded further into Persia in 650 and reached as far as the provinces of Khorasan in 651. Uthman instituted centralized reforms in order to create a more cohesive administrative structure and fostered rapid economic growth.
However, the last years of his reign were marked by discontent that eventually evolved into an armed revolt, leading to a siege upon his residence and ultimately culminating in his assassination. Sunni Muslim tradition considers him the third rightly-guided caliph.