"We set out for Hajj, and came to Al-Madinah intending to perform Hajj. While we were in our camping place unloading our mounts, someone came to us and said: 'The people have gathered in the Masjid and there is panic.' So we set out and found the people gathered around a group in the middle of the Masjid, among whom were 'Ali, Az-Zubair, Talhah and Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas. While we were like that, 'Uthman came, wearing a yellowish cloak with which he had covered his head. He said: Is 'Ali here? Is Talhah here? Is Az-Zubair here? Is Sa'd here? They said: Yes. He said: I adjure you by Allah, beside Whom there is none worthy of worship, are you aware that the Messenger of Allah said: Whoever buys the Mirbad of Banu so and so, Allah will forgive him, and I bought it for twenty or twenty-five thousand, then I came to the Messenger of Allah and told him, and he said: Add it to our Masjid and the reward for it will be yours? They said: By Allah, yes. He said: 'I adjure you by Allah, beside Whom there is none worthy of worship, are you aware that the Messenger of Allah said: Whoever buys the well of Rumah, Allah will forgive him, so I bought it for such and such an amount, then I came to the Messenger of Allah and told him, and he said: Give it to provide water for the Muslims, and the reward for it will be yours?' They said: By Allah, yes. He said: 'I adjure you by Allah, beside Whom there is none worthy of worship, are you aware that the Messenger of Allah said: Whoever equips these (men), Allah will forgive him, -meaning the army of Al-'Usrah (i.e. Tabuk)- so I equipped them until they were not lacking even a rope or a bridle?' They said: By Allah, yes. He said: O Allah, bear witness, O Allah, bear witness."
The Book of Endowments - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3607
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a profound historical account where Caliph 'Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) defended his leadership by reminding the companions of his three major charitable endowments (waqf) performed during the Prophet's time.
Scholarly Commentary on the Three Endowments
The Mirbad Purchase: 'Uthman expanded the Prophet's Mosque by purchasing adjacent land, demonstrating his commitment to facilitating worship. The scholars note that such expansion of mosques brings continuous reward (thawab jariyah) for the benefactor.
The Well of Rumah: Previously owned by a Jew who charged Muslims for water, 'Uthman's purchase and dedication as public endowment exemplifies the Islamic principle of serving community needs. Classical commentators emphasize that providing water is among the most virtuous acts in Islam.
Equipping the Army of Tabuk: During the difficult expedition to Tabuk, 'Uthman generously funded the entire Muslim army. Scholars highlight this as the highest form of charity - supporting jihad fi sabilillah during times of extreme need.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The triple oath-taking before witnesses establishes the authenticity of these endowments. Classical jurists derive from this that public charitable acts must be properly documented and witnessed.
'Uthman's invocation "O Allah, bear witness" demonstrates the ultimate accountability to Allah. Scholars explain that this emphasizes deeds are ultimately for Divine pleasure, not human recognition.
The narration establishes the perpetual reward system for endowments in Islamic law, where benefits continue to reach people long after the donor's death.