Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) as an Ambassador of the Muslims

The Holy Prophet(sa) saw this mischief of the Quraish and also heard of the state of anger and rage prevalent among the people of Makkah, from Khirāsh bin Umaiyyah. Therefore, in order to cool the Quraish and bring them aright, the Holy Prophet(sa) intended to send a prominent individual to Makkah who was from among themselves and was from a venerable tribe of the Quraish. Therefore, the Holy Prophet(sa) said to Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar bin Al-Khaṭṭāb that, “It would be best that you go to Makkah and fulfil the responsibility of an ambassador on behalf of the Muslims.” Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) said, “O Messenger of Allāh, you know that the people of Makkah are increasing in their enmity towards me and at this time, there is no prominent person from my tribe present in Makkah who possesses influence over the people of Makkah. For this reason, it is my view that in order to ease the road to success, ‘Uthmān bin ‘Affān be chosen to offer this service, whose tribe, the Banū Umaiyyah, are presently very powerful. Furthermore, the people of Makkah cannot dare to act wickedly against ‘Uthmān and there are greater prospects of success.” The Holy Prophet(sa) was pleased by this proposal and instructed Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) to go to Makkah and inform the Quraish of the peaceful designs of the Muslims and their intent to perform ‘Umrah.1 The Holy Prophet(sa) also gave Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān a personal letter which was addressed to the chieftains of the Quraish. In this letter, the Holy Prophet(sa) had expounded the purpose of his journey, and assured the Quraish that their purpose was merely the observance of a worship and that they would peacefully perform the ‘Umrah and return thereafter. The Holy Prophet(sa) also said to Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) that, “Try to meet the weaker Muslims as well and lift their spirits, and tell them to show a little more patience. For God is soon to open the door of success upon us.”2

Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) went to Makkah with this message, and after meeting Abū Sufyān, who was the Chieftain of Makkah at that time as well as a near relative, Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) was presented before a public gathering. In this meeting, Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) presented a letter sent by the Holy Prophet(sa) and this letter was also read individually by the chieftains of the Quraish.

However, despite this, all the people stubbornly clung to the view that either way, the Muslims could not enter Makkah that year.3 Upon the insistence of Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) they said, “If you are exceedingly desirous, then we can give you special permission to circumambulate the Ka‘bah, but no more.” Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) said, “How is this possible, that the Messenger of Allāh is stopped outside of Makkah and I circumambulate the Ka‘bah?” But the Quraish did not accept anything, and eventually disheartened, Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) prepared to return. Upon this instance, the wicked people of Makkah, perhaps with the thought that in this manner they should be able to secure more beneficial conditions for themselves in negotiations, detained Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) and his companions in Makkah. Upon this, rumour spread amongst the Muslims that the people of Makkah had martyred Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra).4