"We were with 'Uthman when he was under siege and we could hear what was said from Al-Balat. 'Uthman came in one day, then he came out, and said: 'They are threatening to kill me.' We said: 'Allah will suffice you against them.' He said: 'Why would they kill me? I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: It is not permissible to shed the blood of a Muslim except in one of three cases: A man who reverts to Kufr after becoming Muslim, or commits adultery after being married, or one who kills a soul unlawfully. By Allah, I did not commit adultery during Jahiliyyah or in Islam, I never wished to follow any other religion since Allah guided me, and I have never killed anyone, so why do they want to kill me?'"
The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed] - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4019
This narration from the esteemed companion 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) presents a foundational Islamic legal principle regarding the sanctity of Muslim blood. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly delineated the only three circumstances under which a Muslim's life may be lawfully taken according to Islamic jurisprudence.
Scholarly Commentary on the Three Exceptions
Apostasy after Islam: The one who abandons Islam after embracing it, persisting in disbelief. Classical scholars clarify this applies to those who openly renounce Islam and refuse to repent when given the opportunity.
Adultery after marriage: This refers specifically to a married person (muhsan) who commits unlawful sexual intercourse and admits to it or has four upright witnesses testify against them, with all stringent conditions of evidence met.
Unlawful killing: The intentional murder of a soul without legal right, for which the prescribed punishment (qisas) may be applied if the victim's heirs demand it and all legal conditions are satisfied.
'Uthman's Self-Defense and Its Significance
The Caliph 'Uthman's profound declaration demonstrates his certainty of his innocence regarding these three capital offenses. His statement "I never wished to follow any other religion since Allah guided me" affirms the permanence of his faith. His mention of not committing adultery during Jahiliyyah or Islam indicates comprehensive moral integrity. His assertion of never killing anyone underscores his adherence to the sanctity of life. This incident serves as a timeless lesson in the gravity of accusing Muslims without evidence and the profound protection Islam affords to innocent life.