"A man among the people of Egypt performed Hajj to the House, and saw a group sitting, so he said: 'Who are these?' They said: 'The Quraish.' He said: 'So who is this old man?' They said: 'Ibn 'Umar.' So he went to him and said: 'I will ask you about something, so inform me. I ask you by Allah! By the sanctity of this House! Do you know that 'Uthman fled on the Day of (the battle of) Uhud?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Do you know that he was absent from the Pledge of Ar-Ridwan, that he did not witness it?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Do you know that he was absent on the Day of (the battle of) Badr and did not participate in it?' He said: 'Yes.' So he said: 'Allah is Great' So Ibn 'Umar said to him: 'Come, so I can clarify to you what you have asked about. As for his fleeing on the Day of (the battle of) Uhud, then I bear witness that Allah has pardoned him and forgiven him. As for his being absent on the Day of (the battle of) Badr, then he was married to the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to him: "You have the reward of a man who participated in (the battle of) Badr, and his share (spoils of war)." , and the Pledge of Ar-Ridwan was after 'Uthman had departed for Makkah." He said: "So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said with his right hand: "This is the hand of 'Uthman," and he put it upon his own hand, and said: "This is for 'Uthman."' He said to him: "Go now, and take this (clarification) with you."
Narrated by Narrated 'Uthman bin 'Abdullah bin Mawhab:
Context
In this hadith, a man from Egypt inquired about 'Uthman ibn Affan's actions during significant battles, specifically Uhud and Badr. He sought clarification from Ibn 'Umar regarding 'Uthman's absence and perceived cowardice. Ibn 'Umar responded by affirming that Allah had forgiven 'Uthman for his flight during Uhud and explained that his absence from Badr was due to his marital obligations to the Prophet's daughter. This highlights the importance of understanding the context behind actions and the mercy of Allah.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith encourages us to seek understanding and context before forming judgments about others. It reminds us that circumstances can influence decisions, and compassion is essential when discussing someone's actions, especially in challenging situations.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds and Prophetic Authority because it illustrates the significance of understanding the context of actions and highlights the Prophet's endorsement of 'Uthman's character.
Allah has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhajireen and the Ansar who followed him in the hour of difficulty after the hearts of a party of them had almost inclined [to doubt], and then He forgave them. Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful.
May Allah pardon you, [O Muhammad]; why did you give them permission [to remain behind]? [You should not have] until it was evident to you who were truthful and you knew [who were] the liars.
Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.
Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muhammad] - they are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hands. So he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself. And he who fulfills that which he has promised Allah - He will give him a great reward.
Certainly was Allah pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muhammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest
This hadith is #3799 from Jami` at-Tirmidhi, in the Book of Chapters on Virtues. It is graded Da'if and narrated by Narrated 'Uthman bin 'Abdullah bin Mawhab:.