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Friday Sermon Summary 19th March 2021: ‘Rightly Guided Caliphs – Hazrat Uthman (ra)’

After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Uthman (ra).

His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad - life of Hazrat Usman

A Dream About the Martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman (ra)

His Holiness (aba) said that Madinah remained in the hands of the rebels and they did not allow Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) body to be buried for 3 days. 

His Holiness (aba) mentioned that the Holy Prophet (sa) saw a dream in which he was informed of the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman (ra) and that he will have to pass through very difficult circumstances. Hazrat Anas (ra) relates that once the Uhud mountain was shaking and the Holy Prophet (sa) told it to halt for there was a Prophet, a Siddiq (truthful) and two Shaheeds (martyrs) upon it. This was an indication to the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman (ra) as well.

With regards to the inheritance that Hazrat Uthman (ra) left behind, on the day of his martyrdom his treasurer had 30.5 million dirhams and 150,000 dinars which was all looted. He also left behind 1,000 camels in a palace called Rabazah. There were also other places in which he would give alms. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) had wealth he would spend it all on the welfare of the people and give it to charity.

Narrations of the Companions Regarding Hazrat Uthman (ra)

His Holiness (aba) then presented narrations of the companions regarding Hazrat Uthman (ra). Hazrat Ali (ra) stated that Hazrat Uthman (ra) was deemed Dhun-Nurain (possessor of two lights) even in the heavens. He was at the forefront in reconciling between people. When Hazrat A’ishah (ra) received news of his martyrdom she said even though they have martyred him, he was the best and reconciling and most God-fearing of all people.

His Holiness (aba) then said that there is a prayer of the Holy Prophet (sa) regarding his sons-in-law in which he supplicated to God that none of them should be made to enter the Fire, nor any of his fathers-in-law.

The Appearance & Attire of Hazrat Uthman (ra)

His Holiness (aba) then presented some narration regarding the attire of Hazrat Uthman (ra). One companion saw him riding a mule whilst wearing two yellow cloths. Another companion witnessed Hazrat Uthman (ra) delivering a speech whilst wearing a black cloth. In another narration a companion saw him wearing a Yemeni cloth which was worth 100 dirhams.

In relation to the appearance of Hazrat Uthman (ra) the companions stated that he was neither short nor very tall, he had a handsome face, soft skin, a full beard, strong joints, broad shoulders, full hair on his head and he would dye his beard yellow.

One companion relates that when Hazrat Uthman (ra) would deliver a sermon he would take his staff and use it to support him as he stood. Another companion stated that Hazrat Uthman (ra) was the most handsome of men. 

The Ring of the Holy Prophet (sa)

His Holiness (aba) related in incident with regards to the ring of the Holy Prophet (sa). When the Holy Prophet (sa) decided to write a letter to the governor of Rome, Hazrat Uthman (ra) said that if there is no seal on this letter, they will not read it. Thereupon, the Holy Prophet (sa) had a silver ring made upon which it was engraved Muhammad Rasul Allah. This ring was then passed on to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), then to Hazrat Umar (ra), and then in the caliphate of Hazrat Uthman (ra), a companion accidentally lost the ring. Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented a large reward for anyone who could find it. After despairing of this, he ordered that another ring be made just like the first which Hazrat Uthman (ra) wore until his demise. But that ring was taken away from him thereafter.

Esteemed Rank of Hazrat Uthman (ra)

His Holiness (aba) mentioned that Hazrat Uthman (ra) was part of the ten people who were given the glad tidings of paradise.

The Holy Prophet (sa) spoke of Hazrat Uthman (ra) being with him in paradise. He stated that every prophet has a dear friend and my one in paradise will be Hazrat Uthman (ra). 

Once, the Holy Prophet (sa) with a group of muhajirin (migrants from Makkah to Madinah) in which there were many esteemed companions. The Holy Prophet (sa) told everyone to stand with their companion, upon which he himself stood next to Hazrat Uthman (ra), stating that he is his friend in this life and the next.

When the rebels had surrounded the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra), his freed slave said that they should fight these mischief-makers. Hazrat Uthman (ra) replied that by Allah, he would not fight them for the Holy Prophet (sa) had promised him something and he wished for that to be fulfilled.

His Holiness (aba) mentioned that the hypocrites often raised allegations that Hazrat Uthman (ra) remained behind during the battle of Badr among other battles. When hearing these allegations, Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) defended Hazrat Uthman (ra) and disclosed the truth to them for each and every allegation that they had raised.

Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) Role in the Expansion & Reconstruction of Masjid Nabawi

Hazrat Uthman (ra) bought a plot of land for 10,000 dirhams for the expansion of Masjid Nabawi and offered it to the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet (sa) said that he will buy this from him and in exchange a house in heaven will be given to Hazrat Uthman (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa) had placed the foundation stone of this mosque in the first year after the migration. The first expansion of the mosque happened in 7 AH. It was further expanded in the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (ra) but he did not change the way in which it was originally constructed. Then, during the caliphate of Hazrat Uthman (ra), Masjid Nabawi was expanded once more, and he replaced the structure with stone walls and beautified it a great deal. Thereafter, upon the consultation of his companions and with the need for a new building, Hazrat Uthman (ra) spoke before the people and informed them that they would rebuild Masjid Nabawi. Apart from a few companions, the majority were in agreement with the proposal. Hazrat Uthman (ra) did not wish to force this upon anyone so he purchased the nearby homes of those who did not wish for the reconstruction to affect them. Thus, the reconstruction of Masjid Nabawi was completed in 30 AH. Hazrat Uthman (ra) continued to expand it in all directions and beautified the walls and doors. Hazrat Uthman (ra) also built a wall for the Mihrab so that it would be protected and that the congregation could see the Imam. 

The Promised Messiah (as) stated that he compares Hazrat Uthman (ra) to Hazrat Sulaiman (as) as they both had a love and passion for construction. Due to the dissension in the time of Hazrat Ali (ra) much of this was put on hold and the majority of this work was actually completed in the time of Hazrat Uthman (ra).

Masjid-e-Haram was also expanded in 26 AH by Hazrat Uthman (ra). He purchased the surrounding properties to allow for this. He made every effort to reconcile with those who wished not to sell their homes and when they raised a clamour, Hazrat Uthman (ra) told them that it was only due to his compassion that they do so, otherwise they had not dared to do so in the time of Hazrat Umar (ra) when the same was asked of them.

The First Naval Mission

The first naval mission happened in the time of Hazrat Uthman (ra). Ameer Mu’awiyah had requested in the time of Hazrat Umar (ra) to do so, but he did not grant him the permission. Then in the caliphate of Hazrat Uthman (ra), he requested permission once more and having granted this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) admonished him to not compel anyone to participate in such a battle and to help those who wished to. Under the leadership of Abdullah bin Qais Jasi (ra) 50 battles were fought, in which none of the Muslims drowned or were harmed.

The Holy Prophet (sa) once said that the one who resembles him the most in morals was Hazrat Uthman (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa) even repeated this to his daughter and told her to therefore treat him very kindly. 

His Holiness (aba) said that he would continue to mention incidents from the life of Hazrat Uthman (ra) in future.

life of Hazrat Uthman

Funeral Prayers

His Holiness (aba) said that he would offer the funeral prayers in-absentia of the following:

Mubashar Ahmad Rind

Mubashar Ahmad Rind, son of Ahmad Bakhsh, Mu’allim of Waqf-e-Jadid Rabwah, passed away on 10th March. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. He was from the village of Rinda in Dera Ghazi Khan. He began his services as a Mu’allim Waqf-e-Jadid in 1990 and worked in different places thereafter. He would always be ready when called upon and never complained. Everyone has written that he was very hardworking, kind and humble. He would not tolerate any talk against the Community. He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. His Holiness (aba) prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased mercy and forgiveness.

Muneer Ahmad Farrukh

Muneer Ahmad Farrukh, former Ameer Jama’at of Islamabad, passed away in Canada at the age of 84 on 9th March after a long period of illness. His grandfather was Hazrat Munshi Ahmad Bakhsh Sahib, a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). Muneer Sahib’s father was Dr Chaudhary Abdullah Sahib who dedicated his life after Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) encouraged the youth to take up science. Muneer Ahmad Farrukh Sahib had a degree in electrical engineering and worked for the government of Pakistan in starting up the telegraph and telephone services. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. His Holiness (aba) prayed that his children are enabled to follow in his footsteps. He served the Community in many capacities right up until his final breath. After Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) migrated to England, Muneer Sahib would travel to attend the Jalsa every year and would work in the translation department. His son says that his father would always encourage them to serve the Community. His Holiness (aba) prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased mercy and forgiveness.

Bregadier Muhammad Latif

Bregadier Muhammad Latif, former Ameer of the Rawalpindi district, passed away on 28th February at the age of 77. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. He accepted Ahmadiyyat with his father in 1955. His father passed away in 2000, after which Latif Sahib was the only Ahmadi in his family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. His Holiness (aba) prayed that his children are enabled to follow in his footsteps. After his retirement in 2000 he dedicated all his time in service to the Community and he deemed this a grace of God. Even in his final illness he was serving the Community. His Holiness (aba) prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased mercy and forgiveness.

Konok Baik Omur Bakuf

Konok Baik Omur Bakuf, an Ahmadi of Kyrgyzstan, passed away on 22nd February at the age of 67. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. The national president of the Kyrgyzstan Jama’at writes that he knew him for over 15 years. He was one of the pioneer Ahmadis in Kyrgyzstan after accepting Ahmadiyyat in 2000. He regularly attended Jama’at functions and donated towards schemes of the Community on a regular basis. He was well-known for his honesty and integrity and would sell Jama’at literature in his free time. He played a big role in making corrections in the Russian translation of the Holy Qur’an. He is survived by his wife and 7-year old son. He also has children from his first marriage. His Holiness (aba) prayed that they are enabled to accept Ahmadiyyat and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased mercy and forgiveness and that He elevate all the deceased in their rank.

Summary prepared by The Review of Religions.