A man came to perform the Hajj to (Allah's) House. Seeing some people sitting, he said, "Who are
these sitting people?" Somebody said, "They are the people of Quraish." He said, "Who is the old
man?" They said, "Ibn `Umar." He went to him and said, "I want to ask you about something; will you
tell me about it? I ask you with the respect due to the sanctity of this (Sacred) House, do you know
that `Uthman bin `Affan fled on the day of Uhud?" Ibn `Umar said, "Yes." He said, "Do you know
that he (i.e. `Uthman) was absent from the Badr (battle) and did not join it?" Ibn `Umar said, "Yes."
He said, "Do you know that he failed to be present at the Ridwan Pledge of allegiance (i.e. Pledge of
allegiance at Hudaibiya) and did not witness it?" Ibn `Umar replied, "Yes," He then said, "Allahu-
Akbar!" Ibn `Umar said, "Come along; I will inform you and explain to you what you have asked. As
for the flight (of `Uthman) on the day of Uhud, I testify that Allah forgave him. As regards his
absence from the Badr (battle), he was married to the daughter of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and she was ill, so
the Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, 'You will have such reward as a man who has fought the Badr battle will get,
and will also have the same share of the booty.' As for his absence from the Ridwan Pledge of
allegiance if there had been anybody more respected by the Meccans than `Uthman bin `Affan, the
Prophet would surely have sent that man instead of `Uthman. So the Prophet (ﷺ) sent him (i.e. `Uthman to
Mecca) and the Ridwan Pledge of allegiance took place after `Uthman had gone to Mecca. The
Prophet raised his right hand saying. 'This is the hand of `Uthman,' and clapped it over his other hand
and said, "This is for `Uthman.'" Ibn `Umar then said (to the man), "Go now, after taking this
information."
Narrated by Narrated `Uthman bin Mauhab:
Context
In this narration, Ibn `Umar recounts a conversation about `Uthman bin `Affan's absences during significant battles. Despite the criticisms he faced, Ibn `Umar affirmed that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had forgiven `Uthman and acknowledged his loyalty, highlighting the importance of understanding context and compassion in evaluating others' actions.
Modern Application
This hadith teaches us to approach discussions about others with empathy and understanding. In our daily interactions, we should consider the circumstances that may affect someone's decisions and offer support rather than judgment, fostering a more compassionate community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Historical Prophetic Events because it provides insight into the dynamics of early Islamic leadership and the Prophet's approach to forgiveness and loyalty.
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.
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.
They are the ones who disbelieved and obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram while the offering was prevented from reaching its place of sacrifice. And if not for believing men and believing women whom you did not know - that you might trample them and there would befall you because of them dishonor without [your] knowledge - [you would have been permitted to enter Makkah]. [This was so] that Allah might admit to His mercy whom He willed. If they had been apart [from them], We would have punished those who disbelieved among them with painful punishment
And when a faction of them said, "O people of Yathrib, there is no stability for you [here], so return [home]." And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying, "Indeed, our houses are unprotected," while they were not exposed. They did not intend except to flee.
This hadith is #3895 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated `Uthman bin Mauhab:.