Uthman Ibn Affan (ra), the third Caliph of Islam ruled for twelve years, the longest among the rightly guided Caliphs. During his rule people became economically more prosperous and he further undertook such activities and projects which also improved their overall quality of life. He was a peace loving, liberal and kind hearted ruler. Uthman Ibn Affan (ra), had all the qualities of the good Muslim but his generosity and modesty stood out. He was the richest person among the Quraish but he spent most of his wealth in the well being of his people and in the cause of Islam. In particular he helped the orphans and the widows. In spite of being rich and powerful he was extremely humble and lived a simple life. Uthman Ibn Affan (ra), was very religious and a man of principles and whatever might be the circumstances he never compromised with his beliefs and principles. Thrice he received the glad tidings of Paradise from the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The first four caliphs of Islam—Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with all of them, are known as ‘the rightly guided caliphs.’ These pious caliphs were among the closest Sahabah (Companions) of the Prophet Muhammad. Their lives are a source of inspiration and motivation for believers of all time. These caliphs, though the successive heads of a large empire, lived very simple lives, like ordinary men. Their exemplary conduct and high moral character are a shining example for us. We are hugely indebted to them for their sacrifice and dedication, which helped in the preservation of the Quran and the spread of Islam throughout the world. Of the Sahabah, the Prophet once said, “My Companions are like stars. If you follow any of them, you will be guided to the right path.” In the light of this saying of the Prophet, the stories of the Sahabah act as guidance and a source of spiritual uplift for all of us. We should draw lessons from their lives, so that we may be guided to the right path—the path that pleases the Almighty Allah.

Uthman bin Affan was one of the early men who accepted Islam in Makkah. From the first moment he became a Muslim, he put all his wealth under the service of Islam. He spent most of his resources to satisfy the needs of poor Muslims. Recognizing his generosity and devotion to Islam, the Prophet told him that his place would be in Paradise on the Hereafter. He married Ruqayah the Prophet's daughter. After she died, he married her sister Um Kulthum, for that, the people at that time called him Dhun Nurain, "The Man with the Two Lights."--Page 4 of cover