Caliph·Rashidun
Uthman ibn Affan Becomes Third Caliph
- Date
- November 644 CEMuharram 24 AH1,382 years ago
- Place
- Medina
- People
- Uthman ibn Affan, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, Ali ibn Abi Talib
After Umar died, a council of six senior companions chose Uthman ibn Affan as the third caliph. He was chosen in Muharram 24 AH, which is late 644 CE. Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf led the council. Uthman belonged to the Umayyad branch of the Quraysh and was one of the wealthiest companions. During his reign the Muslim state expanded further east and north, and armies advanced into Persia and North Africa.
Why it matters
His rule began a period of growing tension between leading families, which led to his death and the First Fitna.