Uthman

Third and longest-reigned Rashidun Caliph, known for standardizing the Quran.

Chronology: 574 – 0656-06-17

Origins & Early Life

Uthman ibn Affan (Arabic: عُثْمَان بْن عَفَّان, romanized: ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān; c. 576 – 17 June 656) was the third and longest-reigned Rashidun caliph, ruling from 644 until his assassination in 656. He was also a second cousin, son-in-law, and senior companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and played a major role in early Islamic history. He is most famously known for the compilation and distribution of the standardized version of the Quran during his reign, known as the Uthmanic codex.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

This standardization established a uniform written text of the Quran, and the Uthmanic codex forms the basis of the Quran used by Muslims today. Before the second caliph Umar died, he had appointed a council of six companions to select his successor. Uthman, then aged 68, was elected to succeed him, becoming the oldest person to ascend to the caliphal office. During his reign, the caliphate expanded further into Persia and reached as far as the provinces of Khorasan and Transoxiana in the east, to Ifriqiya and the Iberian Peninsula in the west. Uthman also instituted centralized reforms aimed at creating a more cohesive administrative structure and fostered rapid economic growth.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, the last...

Source: Wikipedia