Hazrat ‘A’ishah(ra) had gone for hajj and some companions, who were able to leave Madinah, also left. The remaining people except for a few prominent companions remained in their homes. Ultimately, even Hazrat ‘Uthman(ra) felt that the rebels would not settle through leniency and he dispatched a letter to all the provincial governors, the summary of which is as follows:
“After Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) and Hazrat ‘Umar(ra), without any desire or request of my own, I was included among those who were entrusted the duty of holding counsel regarding Khilafat. Then, I was elected to the office of Khilafat without any desire or request of my own. Without fail, I continued the works which the previous Khulafa’(ra) undertook and I did not introduce any innovations in the faith of my own accord. However, the seed of evil was planted into the hearts of certain people, mischief arose and then they began to plot against me; they expressed one thing before the people, while concealing another thing in their hearts. These people began to level such accusations against me as were levelled against the Khulafa’(ra) before me as well. However, I remained silent despite knowing of this. Taking advantage of my mercy, these people grew even more in their mischief. Ultimately, they attacked Madinah in the likeness of disbelievers. So, if there is anything you can do then please arrange for some help.”1
Similarly, a few days later, Hazrat ‘Uthman(ra) wrote a letter to the people who had come to perform hajj. The gist of [this letter] is set out below.
1 Tarikhut-Tabari, vol. 5, p. 154, Dhikru Masiri Mann Sara Ila Dhi Khashabin Min Ahli Misra....., Published by Darul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002 edition [Publishers]