"By Allah, I adjure a man who heard the Messenger of Allah, on the day when the mountain shook with him, and he kicked it with his foot and said: 'Be still, for there is no one upon you but a Prophet or a Siddiq or two martyrs,' and I was with him." Some men responded and affirmed that. Then he said: "By Allah, I adjure a man who witnessed the Messenger of Allah, on the day of Bai'at Al-Ridwan, say: 'This is the Hand of Allah and this is the hand of 'Uthman.'" Some men responded and affirmed that. He said: "By Allah, I adjure a man who heard the Messenger of Allah say, on the day of the army of Al-'Usrah (i.e. Tabuk): 'Who will spend and it will be accepted?' And I equipped half of the army from my own wealth." Some men responded and affirmed that. Then he said: "By Allah, I adjure a man who heard the Messenger of Allah say: 'Who will add to this Masjid in return for a house in Paradise,' and I bought it with my own wealth." Some men responded and affirmed that. Then he said: "By Allah, I adjure a man who witness Rumah being sold, and I bought it from my own wealth and allowed wayfarers to use it." Some men responded and affirmed that.
The Book of Endowments - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3609
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a remarkable testimony of 'Uthman ibn 'Affan's virtues and services to Islam. The speaker, likely 'Uthman himself, calls upon witnesses to attest to five distinct occasions where he demonstrated exceptional devotion to Allah's Messenger and the Muslim community.
Scholarly Commentary on the Mountain Incident
When the mountain shook beneath the Prophet, this demonstrates the profound spiritual connection between creation and revelation. The Prophet's calming of the mountain shows his authority over natural phenomena through divine permission.
The mention of "a Prophet or a Siddiq or two martyrs" refers to the special status of those present. 'Uthman's inclusion indicates his elevated rank among the companions as a Siddiq (truthful one).
The Pledge of Ridwan and 'Uthman's Representation
The Prophet placing his own hand for 'Uthman during the Pledge of Ridwan signifies 'Uthman's unique status. This act symbolizes that 'Uthman's pledge was as valid as if he were physically present, demonstrating the Prophet's trust in him.
Scholars note this incident established 'Uthman's righteousness and the divine approval of his mission to negotiate with the Quraysh.
The Expedition of Tabuk and Generosity
When the Prophet called for contributions for the difficult Tabuk expedition, 'Uthman's provision of half the army's equipment represents the pinnacle of financial sacrifice in Islam.
Classical commentators emphasize that this level of charity, given at a time of extreme need, exemplifies the quality of spending "in the way of Allah" mentioned repeatedly in the Quran.
Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque
The Prophet's promise of a house in Paradise for expanding the mosque demonstrates the immense reward for serving places of worship. 'Uthman's purchase of the land with his personal wealth shows his understanding of eternal versus temporal value.
Scholars highlight that such endowments (waqf) become continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah), benefiting the donor even after death.
The Well of Rumah as Public Endowment
'Uthman's purchase of the Well of Rumah and making it available to all Muslims represents one of the earliest documented Islamic endowments. This act transformed private property into public utility, serving travelers and residents alike.
Traditional scholars cite this as a model example of waqf, where wealth is used to serve communal needs while earning ongoing divine reward.