"I was present at the house when 'Uthman looked out over them and said: 'I adjure you by Allah and by Islam, are you aware that when the Messenger of Allah came to Al-Madinah, and it had no water that was considered sweet (suitable for drinking) except the well of Rumah, he said: "Who will buy the well of Rumah and dip his bucket in it alongside the buckets of the Muslims, in return for a better one in Paradise?" and I bought it with my capital and dipped my bucket into it alongside the buckets of the Muslims? Yet today you are preventing me from drinking from it, so that I have to drink salty water.' They said: 'By Allah, yes.' He said: 'I adjure you by Allah and by Islam, are you aware that I equipped the army of Al-'Usrah (Tabuk) from my own wealth?' They said: 'By Allah, yes.' He said: 'I adjure you by Allah and by Islam, are you aware that when the Masjid became too small for the people and the Messenger of Allah said: Who will buy the plot of the family of so and so and add it to the Masjid, in return for a better plot in Paradise? I bought it with my capital and added it to the Masjid? Yet now you are preventing me from praying two Rak'ahs therein.' They said: 'By Allah, yes.' He said: 'I adjure you by Allah and by Islam, are you aware that when the Messenger of Allah was atop Thabir -the Thabir in Makkah- and with him were Abu Bakr, 'Umar and myself, the mountain shook, and the Messenger of Allah kicked it with his foot and said: Be still, Thabir, for upon you are a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs?' They said: 'By Allah, yes.' He said: 'Allahu Akbar! They have testified for me, by the Lord of the Ka'bah' -i.e., that I am a martyr."
The Book of Endowments - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3608
This narration from 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) serves as a profound testament to his noble character and immense sacrifices for Islam. The Caliph reminds the people of his three great services: purchasing the Well of Rumah for public benefit, financing the Army of Distress (Tabuk), and expanding the Prophet's Mosque - all seeking divine reward over worldly gain.
Scholarly Commentary on the Well of Rumah
The Well of Rumah represents one of the earliest examples of Islamic endowment (waqf). 'Uthman purchased it not for personal benefit but to serve the Muslim community, demonstrating the Islamic principle of seeking Allah's pleasure through public welfare. His complaint about being prevented from drinking from it highlights how even righteous deeds can be misunderstood over time.
The Army of Al-'Usrah (Tabuk)
This refers to the expedition of Tabuk, where 'Uthman single-handedly equipped one-third of the entire army. Scholars note this as a magnificent example of financial sacrifice in the path of Allah, showing that wealth when spent rightly becomes a means of drawing closer to the Almighty.
Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque
'Uthman's purchase of adjacent land to expand the mosque demonstrates the importance of facilitating worship for Muslims. His subsequent exclusion from praying there illustrates how political circumstances can affect even the most deserving, reminding believers to judge by intentions rather than appearances.
The Prophecy of Martyrdom
The incident at Mount Thabir contains the glad tiding of 'Uthman's martyrdom. Classical scholars explain that this prophecy was fulfilled when he was martyred while reciting the Quran, establishing him among the ten promised Paradise. This serves as consolation for believers facing trials while remaining steadfast in faith.