The best of people are those of my era, then those after, then those after them

The one who stirred up fitnah and rebellion against Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani (RA) was Abdullah bin Saba. He was originally a Jew, and he is the one who originated Shiaism. Today many Shias outright deny Abdullah bin Saba. Let us read a few references about him from the reliable and foundational books of the Shia, then we will move to the event of Uthman’s (RA) martyrdom.  

 The well-known Rafidi historian of the 3rd century, Abu Muhammad al-Hasan bin Musa al-Nawbakhti, in his book _Firaq al-Shia_ p. 44; the famous Shia scholar of the 4th century, Abu Amr Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz, in his _Rijal al-Kashi_ vol. 2 p. 183; and the Shia scholar Mulla Muhammad bin Yaqub al-Kulayni in _Usul al-Kafi_ vol. 7 p. 257 — all affirmed the existence of Ibn Saba. They accepted that he was a Jew who claimed to be Muslim. He was the first to declare Ali al-Murtaza (RA) as the Prophet’s ﷺ _wasi_ (successor) and to preach the belief in the Prophet’s ﷺ _raj‘ah_ (return to this world before Qiyamah). He started abusing the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them all), and openly disavowed Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA) and their khilafah.  

 Now look at what the Orientalists say about Ibn Saba.  

Sir William Muir, whose hostility to Islam is no secret, writes:  

“Ibn Saba settled in Egypt and from there began an ideological war against Islam. He said that just like Isa (AS), Muhammad ﷺ would also return (_raj‘ah_) before Qiyamah, and that Ali (RA) was the Prophet’s ﷺ _wasi_ from whom Uthman (RA) had seized the khilafah. Justice demands that his rule be overthrown.”  

_The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline and Fall p. 217 by Sir William Muir_  

 Professor Nicholson writes in his: A Literary History of the Arabs

“Ibn Saba announced from Egypt that the Prophet ﷺ would return, and that just as every one of the previous thousand prophets had a _wasi_, likewise Ali (RA) was the Prophet’s ﷺ _wasi_. But Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA) took the khilafah from him.” _A Literary History of the Arabs, p. 215_  

Dr. Donaldson, in his book _The Shi‘ite Religion_, devoted an entire chapter to Ibn Saba. He writes:  

“Ibn Saba toured Islamic lands to spread his belief. Alongside this, he propagandized against Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA), accusing them of usurping the khilafah. He said that just like Isa (AS), the Prophet of the Muslims would also return to the world, and that Ali (RA) was the Prophet’s ﷺ _wasi_. Some of Muhammad’s ﷺ companions did not honor his will and betrayed Ali (RA). So it is obligatory on Muslims to pressure the usurpers to return to Ali (RA) the rights taken from him.”  

He also wrote at the end:  

“Ibn Saba considered Uthman (RA) a corruptor and mischief-maker, and he would openly say that after the Prophet’s ﷺ death, divinity had transferred into Ali (RA).”  

_Taken from Haqiqat-e-Rafidiyyat by Dr. Muhammad Yusuf Nagrami, p. 98_  

 The Sabaites spread propaganda against Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) in such a way that the youth and new Muslims were influenced and took it as truth. They did not bother to reflect that these were people whose goal was to uproot the foundation of the Islamic khilafah and to ignite rebellion in the conquered lands, so that the Muslims would not only be stopped from advancing but would be forced to withdraw from those territories altogether.  

*The accusations raised with great force against Uthman  (RA) and spread everywhere included:* 

1. Uthman RA) gives too much preference to his relatives and has given most government posts to his family members.  

2. Uthman Dhun-Nurayn (RA) removed those Sahabah (RA) who had been governors since Umar’s (RA) time and appointed others in their place.  

3. Uthman Dhun-Nurayn (RA) spends from the Bayt al-Mal without right and keeps favoring his relatives from it.  

4. Uthman Dhun-Nurayn (RA) opposed his predecessor Caliphs in some matters, so he no longer deserves to remain the Caliph of the Muslims.  

 Along with these and many similar accusations, the demand was made that Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) should announce he was stepping down from the khilafah, otherwise rebellion would be launched against him. As we mentioned, the ringleader and founder of this fitnah was a Jew named Abdullah bin Saba who put on the cloak of Islam and started this movement against Uthman (RA).  

"كان مبدا الطعن على امير المؤمنين عثمان بن عفان افساد عبدالله بن سباء"  

_Mukhtasar Tarikh Dimashq vol. 16 p. 182_  

A group of people driven by desires joined him. Then he called his like-minded faction to seize the khilafah from Sayyiduna Uthman (RA), saying he had no right to it anymore. He sent letters to people in different regions, inciting them, and prepared a sizeable group. It went so far that in the letters sent to various areas, he used the names of Ali, Talha, and Zubayr (RA). In their names he urged people to rise against Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) and said that rising against him was helping the religion.  

“وزورت كتب على لسان الصحابة الذين بالمدينة على لسان على و طلحة و زبير يدعون الناس الى قتال عثمان ونصر الدین وانہ اکبر الجهاد اليوم" 

_Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah vol. 7 p. 173_  

When Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani (RA) learned that a conspiracy was being plotted inside, he swore an oath and said, “The millstone of fitnah is about to turn. It is better for Uthman (RA) to depart from this world and not be counted among those who stir up trials.”  

_Tabari vol. 3 p. 249_  

Then he consulted his companions about the reports being spread against his governors. Everyone agreed that a group should be sent to investigate whether these reports were true or false. So Uthman Ghani (RA) sent his companions to different regions.  

_Tarikh al-Tabari vol. 5 p. 348_  

*Among those he appointed:*  

1. Muhammad bin Maslamah (RA), whose honesty and integrity were accepted, and Umar (RA) also trusted his investigations. He sent him to Kufah.  

2. Usama bin Zayd (RA) was chosen. This is the same Usama (RA) whom the Prophet ﷺ made commander of an army in his final days and instructed that the army be dispatched under his leadership. He sent him to Basrah.  

3. Ammar bin Yasir (RA), whose greatness and status no Muslim is unaware of. He sent him to Egypt.  

4. Abdullah bin Umar (RA), whose piety and trustworthiness are beyond doubt. He sent him to Syria. Other reliable companions were sent to other regions. After full inquiry, they came back and reported that it was only propaganda being spread against his governors. They saw nothing objectionable there, and neither the elite nor the common people knew of any unpleasant matter. The Muslims had control over their affairs, and their rulers were dealing with them justly and looking after them.  

_Tabari vol. 3 p. 347_  

 Yet his opponents wanted to throw the Muslims into fitnah regarding the Islamic khilafah. Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) asked, “How should we deal with these troublemakers who are playing a dangerous game against the Islamic state?” Some of his companions urged him to deal with them harshly. He said, “My opinion is that harshness should not be used. But if anyone falls short in the limits set by Allah, then no leniency will be shown in that.”  

Even though it was only propaganda, Uthman Ghani (RA) wrote a letter to the people of various cities so that the truth of this propaganda would become clear to them too. He wrote:  

“I have made it binding on all officials to meet me every Hajj season. Since I became Caliph, I have laid down this principle for the Muslim Ummah: enjoin good and forbid evil. So whoever brings a rightful claim before me or before my officials, that right will be fulfilled. And the rights of my subjects take precedence over the rights of my family. The people of Madinah have come to know that some people are speaking ill of the people of Madinah and some are even beating them. To criticize, rebuke, insult, and strike people in secret is an extremely evil act. Whoever has a claim, let him come to me during the Hajj season and take his right, whether it relates to me or to any of my governors. Or if you yourselves forgive, then Allah will reward those who forgive.”  

_Tabari vol. 3 p. 348_  

When this letter was publicly read in the various cities, the people were moved to tears. They prayed for Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) and remarked that signs of a great trial were becoming apparent.

Then, against the accusations made by the conspirators, he gave a full clarification. He answered every point, stopped them from creating divisions among Muslims, and tried to make them turn back from their mischief. But they did not stop and kept inciting people against him.  

 Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) then summoned the governors of the various provinces to Madinah for consultation. Each governor presented his opinion, and after listening to them all, Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) praised Allah and said:“I have heard the advice you gave me. But remember, there is a way to carry out every matter. What this Ummah fears most is bound to happen, and the door of fitnah that is closed should be kept closed with gentleness, patience, and forbearance. Yet there will be no slackness in protecting the limits and laws of Allah. Allah is witness that I have not fallen short in doing good for myself and for the people. Stop people from moving toward fitnah and disorder, fulfill their rights, and deal with them with forgiveness and leniency.

_Tabari vol. 3 p. 349_  

 Then he gave his governors important instructions and sent them back to act upon them in their regions. When Amir Mu‘awiyah (RA) was about to return, he sensed the gravity of the situation and said to Uthman Ghani (RA), “In these conditions it is not suitable for you to stay here. It is better that you come with me to Syria for a while.” "I will never leave the neighborhood of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, even if it costs me my life." Mu‘awiyah (RA) said, “If you permit, I will send an army for the protection of you and the people of Madinah.” He replied, “No. Their coming and staying here will affect the local economy, and I do not want the neighbors of the Prophet ﷺ — the people of Madinah — to suffer hardship. I will never put them in difficulty.” Mu‘awiyah (RA) said, “The situation shows you will be attacked suddenly and will have to face war.” Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) said, “Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”  

_Tabari vol. 3 p. 352_  

انا لا ابيع جوار رسول الله بشئ ولو کان فیہ قطع خيط عنقی ۔۔۔۔۔۔ قال عثمان لا اقترن على جيران رسول الله الارزاق بجند تساكنهم ولا اضيق على اهل بجرة والنصرة...... قال عثمان حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل

_Tarikh al-Tabari_  

In those days the Hajj season was also near. About five hundred people set out from Egypt toward Makkah under the leadership of Ghafiqi bin Harb. Likewise, the people of Kufah and the people of Basrah also set out with large numbers toward Makkah via Madinah. These three groups had their own aims, but their common goal was to end the khilafah of Uthman Ghani (RA). The people of Kufah favored Talha bin Ubaydullah (RA), the people of Basrah favored Zubayr bin al-Awwam (RA), and the people of Egypt had chosen Sayyiduna Ali (RA). Each group sent a delegation to the personality they preferred. When the people of Egypt came to Ali (RA) and expressed this desire, Sayyiduna Ali (RA) drove them out and said, “You people are cursed by the tongue of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.” Talha and Zubayr (RA) also answered them sternly. Then they realized they could not succeed this way.  

A narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) indicates that some people requested the replacement of a officials. Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) accepted their request. Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) called Muhammad bin Maslamah (RA) and said, “"Go to them, turn them back from me, satisfy them, and inform them that I will carry out the matters they requested and resolve the issues they spoke about."

“اذهب اليهم فارددهم عنى واعطهم الرضى واخبرهم اني فاعل با الامور التى طلبوا ونازع عن كذا بالامور التي تكلموا فيها."

_Tabaqat Ibn Sa‘d vol. 3 p. 47_  

Those who say this fitnah arose because of some actions of Uthman (RA) — their view is not acceptable. In reality this was a destructive movement by a conspiratorial group. They used a few issues as a pretext and began a campaign of character assassination against Sayyiduna Uthman (RA).  

 The tactic of these fitnah-makers was to use the names of some of the great Sahabah of the Prophet ﷺ, may Allah be pleased with them all, to mislead ordinary, simple Muslims and set them against each other. Imam al-Ajurri writes that Allah protected Ali, Talha, and Zubayr (RA) from the fitnah of this conspiratorial group. These wrongdoers used their names so that common Muslims would fall for the deception and they could succeed in their goal. Yet Allah saved those Sahabah (RA) from this fitnah.