Who are the Salaf?
It is important as Muslims to have sound knowledge of who the companions of the Prophet are, appreciate and follow their paths, where Allāh’s guidance and eternal pleasures lie.
According to the scholars, the Salaf are the Sohābahs (riḍwānullāhi ʿalayhim). The Sohābah were those who lived in the time of the Prophet, believed in him, and met him. The least among them is better than the Tābiʿīn, the followers of the companions of the Prophet. Allah found the hearts of these Sohābahs to be the best of hearts.
This virtue was also affirmed by the Prophet in one of his ḥadīth:
The best of my generation is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.
These are indeed the pious predecessors (Salaf) with whom Allah is pleased.
Lessons from the Sohābahs
In Sūrah At-Tawbah, verse 100, Allah says:
And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhājirūn and the Anṣār, and also those who followed them exactly (in faith). Allah is well-pleased with them, and they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.
This verse attests to the fact that Allah is pleased with the Companions of the Prophet, and they too are pleased with Allah. Hence, it is important for us to follow their path, as they were defined by their īmān, not by wealth.
Undoubtedly, it is a sign of great misfortune and misguidance for a person’s faith to be grounded in slandering the companions of the best of mankind (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), or in arguing endlessly about the disputes that arose among them, rather than engaging in deeds that will benefit him in both worldly and spiritual affairs.
The companions are perfect examples for us. In a ḥadīth, the Prophet said:
My Sohābah are like stars. Whoever among you follows them will be guided.
This highlights how vital the companions of the Prophet are as guides and models for the entire Muslim community.
The Noble Origin of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān
His name was ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān ibn Abī al-ʿAs ibn Umayyah ibn ʿAbd Shams ibn ʿAbd Manāf ibn Qusayy ibn Kilāb—a noble lineage from the prestigious Umayyad clan of the Quraysh tribe in Makkah.
He was born six years after the birth of the Prophet. His father was ʿAffān ibn Abī al-ʿAs and his mother, Arwā bint Kurayz, was a cousin of the Prophet. This made ʿUthmān (RA) related to the Prophet through his maternal side, as the mother of ʿUthmān’s mother was a sibling of ʿAbdullāh, the Prophet’s father.
Tracing back through history, ʿAbd Manāf is a common ancestor of both ʿUthmān and the Prophet. This shows that the closest person to the Prophet among the four caliphs—after Abū Bakr—was ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān.
His Character and Early Acceptance of Islam
Known for his wealth, modesty, and generosity even before Islam, his character stood out even in the days of ignorance. He accepted Islam without an iota of doubt.
ʿUthmān (RA) was among the first four people to embrace Islam. Like Abū Bakr (RA), he never bowed to idols and kept his heart pure from shirk. He never drank alcohol nor engaged in any form of promiscuity.
After he became a Muslim, he was persecuted like the others. However, because he came from a wealthy and influential family, the persecution he faced was not as severe as that faced by the weaker companions.
He was the first to migrate in Islam, along with his wife Ruqayyah. The Prophet also sent him as the first ambassador of Islam to Madinah. During the Battle of Badr, he was exempted from participating because his wife, Ruqayyah, was seriously ill at the time.
He earned the unique title Dhū al-Nūrayn (“the possessor of two lights”) by marrying two daughters of the Prophet: first Ruqayyah, and upon her passing shortly after the Battle of Badr, he married Umm Kulthūm.
His Loyalty and Generosity
During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, ʿUthmān (RA) was sent as an envoy to the Quraysh. Because of his respected position among them and his strong family ties in Makkah, he was able to enter the city safely. When the Quraysh offered him the chance to perform ʿUmrah, he refused out of deep respect for the Prophet, saying he would not perform tawāf until the Messenger of Allah did so. This moment reflects his unwavering loyalty and honour.
The Prophet also testified to the unparalleled generosity of ʿUthmān (RA), stating that nothing would harm him after the day on which he displayed such exceptional charity. His giving was unlike that of anyone else. Among his most remarkable acts was the purchase of the Well of Rūmah in Madinah—a well the Muslims desperately needed—acquired at a very high price. Historical reports state that the cost reached up to 35,000 dirhams, which he then endowed entirely as a continuous charity for the ummah. He later purchased land to expand the Prophet’s Mosque, seeking nothing but the pleasure of Allah and the reward of Jannah.
ʿUthmān (RA) was also among the Asharah Mubasharah—the ten companions whom the Prophet personally promised Paradise during their lifetime.
When the Prophet and the Muslims set out from Madinah intending to perform ʿUmrah, the companions were overjoyed. However, the Quraysh prevented their entry. ʿUthmān (RA) met with the leaders of Makkah and explained that the Muslims came only to perform ʿUmrah, not to fight. Despite his clear message, the Quraysh insisted that the Muslims return and come back the following year—a condition that later formed part of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
His Leadership, Contributions, and Martyrdom
During his caliphate, ʿUthmān (RA) saw the Islamic state expand significantly. Under his rule, Muslim armies advanced into regions including Anatolia, North Africa, and Central Asia, reaching its greatest extent by around 654 CE.
One of his most enduring contributions was the standardization of the Qurʾān. He appointed a committee, led by Zayd ibn Thābit, to produce a single, authoritative codex. He then distributed copies of this “Uthmānic Mushaf” to major Islamic centers to preserve unity in recitation, and ordered that variant personal codices be reconciled or burned.
When Uthmān became caliph, he also strengthened the administration of the empire. Classical sources mention that he delegated authority, built up the military, and established naval power, reaching territories that his predecessors had not fully controlled.
In a tragic turn, ʿUthmān (RA) was martyred in his home during a siege, remaining steadfast in worship while reciting the Qurʾān. His death stands as a testament to his patience, devotion, and unwavering commitment to Allah and His Messenger.
Take-Home Reflections
The life of ‘Uthmān ibn ʿAffān (RA) stands as a beautiful reminder that true honour lies not in wealth or lineage, but in purity of heart, humility, obedience, and unwavering devotion to Allah and His Messenger. His modesty softened the hardest of hearts, his generosity strengthened the ummah, and his loyalty preserved the dignity of the Prophet and the early Muslims.
From the Sohābah, we learn that guidance comes through following their example, loving them, and defending their honour. From ʿUthmān (RA), we learn that:
- Faith is strengthened by modesty.
- Wealth becomes meaningful only when spent for Allah.
- Loyalty to the Prophet is a doorway to Jannah.
- Gentleness and humility never diminish greatness—they complete it.
As we reflect on his story, may our hearts find inspiration in his quiet strength and sincere devotion. May we strive to embody even a fraction of his generosity, patience, and love for Allah and His Messenger.
Abdulrazaq Tasleem
