“Is Talhah among the people?” Talhah said: “Yes.” He said: “Verily, to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return! I greet people among whom you are and they do not return the greeting.” Talhah said: “I returned the greeting.” `Uthman said: “This is not the way to return the greeting, I made you hear me but you did not make me hear you. O Talhah, I adjure you by Allah, did you hear the Prophet (ﷺ) say: “The blood of a Muslim is not permissible except in one of three cases: if he disbelieves after believing, or he commits zina after having been married, or he kills a soul and may be killed in return.” Talhah said: “Yes, by Allah.” `Uthman said takbeer, then he said: “By Allah, I have never denied Allah since I came to know Him. I never committed zina during the Jahiliyyah or in Islam. I abstained during the Jahiliyyah because I hated it and in Islam so as to maintain my chastity. And I have never killed anyone in return for which killing me would become permissible.”
Contextual Background
This narration from Musnad Ahmad 1402 in the Musnad of Abu Muhammad Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah concerns the Caliph 'Uthman ibn 'Affan's defense during the siege of his house. The exchange demonstrates 'Uthman's adherence to Prophetic teachings even when facing mortal danger.
Scholarly Commentary on the Greeting
'Uthman's complaint about unanswered greetings highlights the Islamic etiquette of responding to salam. Scholars note that returning greetings is wajib (obligatory), and 'Uthman emphasized the proper manner requires audible response, maintaining social bonds even in conflict.
Analysis of the Three Prohibited Cases
The Prophet's hadith cited establishes three exclusive scenarios where Muslim blood becomes permissible: apostasy (riddah), adultery by a married person (zina al-muhsan), and unlawful murder requiring qisas. Classical scholars clarify these are divinely legislated exceptions, not subject to human discretion.
'Uthman's Spiritual Defense
'Uthman's solemn oath demonstrates his certainty of innocence. His distinction between Jahiliyyah and Islamic periods shows continuous moral development. Scholars note his pre-Islamic abstinence from zina reflected innate fitrah (natural disposition), perfected through Islamic guidance.
Legal and Theological Implications
This incident establishes crucial legal principles: the presumption of innocence until proof of these specific crimes, the sanctity of Muslim life, and the requirement for strict evidence before implementing hadd punishments. 'Uthman's martyrdom despite his defense underscores the gravity of political fitnah (discord).