Death·Rashidun
Martyrdom of Caliph Uthman
- Date
- 17 June 656 CE18 Dhu al-Hijjah 35 AH1,370 years ago
- Place
- Medina
- People
- Uthman ibn Affan, Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr
On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 35 AH, rebels entered Uthman's house in Medina and killed him, according to most accounts while he was reading the Quran. Accounts name Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr as one of the attackers. Uthman's death is widely seen as the start of the First Fitna, a period of civil war among Muslims. He was buried in Medina after some delay.
Why it matters
His killing deepened the split among leading companions and set the stage for the First Fitna and the Battle of the Camel.