The third Khalifah Uthman’s decision to “liberalize” the economy, though well-intentioned, resulted in creating an enterprenuerial class. Its effect on the Muslim society was negative and created schisms whereby there emerged the haves and the have-nots.
During ‘Uthman’s rule as khalifah, certain policies were implemented that while good-intentioned had negative consequences for the future of the Ummah.
Uthman’s decisions in appointing his Umawiy relatives to important positions was not done with malice but their ultimate result was negative for which the Muslim Ummah paid a heavy price.
In this article, Abu Dharr discusses why and how Sa ‘d ibn Abi Waqqas, a very early Muslim and companion of the Prophet (pbuh), was mistreated by Uthman when he became the ruler. Properly understanding early Islamic history will enable us to arrive at the correct conclusions.
In his ongoing series from early Islamic history, Abu Dharr discusses the contrasting behaviour of ‘Umar and “Uthman when they ruled the Islamic heartland and beyond. The rapidly expanding Islamic domain also had its impact.
In moving away from ‘Umar’s policy of keeping the newly-converted Makkans to Islam under strict observation, the third Khalifah, ‘Uthman opened the floodgates of elitism and nepotism. This proved disastrous from the Islamic polity.
In his continuing series, Abu Dharr sheds light on the role of latter-day Muslims—al-Tulaqa (amnestied combatants in the words of the Prophet (pbuh)) and how Usman’s policies, unintentionally, facilitated their rise into power.
The late-comer Makkan elite to Islam were Muslims of convenience. They harboured deep animosity toward Muslims and waited for an opportune moment to strike. Umar dealt with them sternly while Usman showed leniency resulting in serious consequences for the Islamic polity.
What had started as a goodwill gesture to help the needy and poor in society during Uthman’s rule, turned into exploitation by the rich and powerful. It resulted in serious consequences for the Ummah.
‘Uthman, the third successor to the Prophet (pbuh), opened the Treasury to benefit the people. It led to the emergence of a class of people who thought it was their right to expect large stipends. The consequences were disastrous for the Ummah.
In his early years as Khalifah, Uthman followed the policies of his predecessors. This is apparent from the letters he sent to governors and miltary commanders. Diversion from these lofty principles came later.
Muslims faced two serious internal challenges in early Islamic history: one from the group called the munafiqeen and the other from the tulaqa (amnestied prisoners). They both caused immense damage to the body-politic of Islam. Muslims must understand this history properly.
The third Khalifah ‘Usman’s temperate nature was exploited by some unscrupulous individuals and groups to undermine the Islamic polity that ultimately resulted in serious damage to the political system of Islam.
How ‘Uthman became the third Khalifah and details about Ubaid Ullah ibn Umar’s killing of the three persons who had assassinated his father, Khalifah Umar ibn al-Khattab.
Some Muslims, perhaps many, are too wedded to information passed on to them in their books about early Islamic history based on a particular sectarian slant. It is important to revisit this information as Abu Dharr shows in this ongoing series of articles.
In his regular column, Abu Dharr continues to clear the web of confusion surrounding early Islamic history that has engulfed Muslim minds for centuries.
After the Prophet (pbuh) left this earthly abode, those that took over leadership position of the Muslims did not impose themselves. Solidarity between the Muhajireen and Ansar was strong that enabled the Muslims to confront the challenge in the war of Riddah.
Uthman ibn Affan was the son-in-law of the Prophet (pbuh) and a generous companion. He provided immense financial support in various battles and provided equipment and other war material. Abu Dharr continues to shed light on the early history of Islam.
In his ongoing series about the early history of Islam after the Prophet (pbuh) passed away, Abu Dharr looks into the life of Uthman, the third Khalifah. He urges readers to rise above our pre-conceived notions when examining the lives of early personalities in Islam.
If Muslims study the early period of Islamic history after the Prophet (pbuh) left this earthly abode carefully, they will discover that there was no polarization between Umar ibn al-Khattab and Imam Ali. True, they had their independent opinions on issues but there was no ill-will whatsoever.
