Date of Martyrdom of Sayyidunā ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān رضي الله عنه – Authentic Historical Account
✍️ Written by: Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amrpuri
❖ Question:
What is the correct date of martyrdom of Sayyidunā ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān رضي الله عنه?
❖ Answer:
Sayyidunā ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān رضي الله عنه was martyred on the 12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah, which falls during the middle of the Ayyām al-Tashrīq (Days of Tashrīq).
✿ Evidence from a Reliable Tābiʿī:
The Mukhḍaram Tābiʿī, Abū ʿUthmān al-Nahdī رحمه الله stated:
“ʿUthmān was killed in the middle of the Days of Tashrīq.”
(Ṭabaqāt Ibn Saʿd 3/79, Zawāʾid Musnad al-Imām Aḥmad: 546 – Chain is authentic)
📌 Therefore, the 12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah is affirmed as the correct day of his martyrdom.
✖ Rejection of the 18th Dhul-Ḥijjah View:
Some mention 18th Dhul-Ḥijjah as the day of martyrdom, relying on Yaḥyā ibn ʿAbdullāh ibn Bukayr رحمه الله.
However:
- He was born around 154 AH,
- While the martyrdom of ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه occurred in 35 AH,
- A gap of 119 years exists between the two.
Thus, his statement carries no weight compared to Abū ʿUthmān al-Nahdī رحمه الله — a trustworthy Tābiʿī who directly learned from numerous senior companions, including ʿUthmān himself. His report holds greater historical authenticity.
❖ Addressing the Objection: How Could He Fast on a Day When Fasting Was Forbidden?
An objection is raised:
How could ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه have been fasting on the 12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah, which is among the Days of Tashrīq, during which fasting is not allowed?
Response:
ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما narrated:
“ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه began the day speaking with the people and said: I saw the Prophet ﷺ in a dream. He said: ‘O ʿUthmān! Break your fast with us tonight.’ So he began the day fasting, and was martyred that very day — may Allah have mercy on him.”
(Al-Sharīʿah by Ājurri: 1431, al-Mustadrak by Ḥākim: 4554 – Chain is ḥasan)
✔ Though fasting is generally prohibited during Ayyām al-Tashrīq, in this exceptional case, the Prophet ﷺ appeared in a dream and invited him to break his fast with him.
✔ Sayyidunā ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه likely considered this dream directive specific to himself, so he observed the fast and was martyred in that very state — a sign of noble ending (ḥusn al-khātimah). And Allah knows best.
✅ Conclusion:
- Authentic date of martyrdom: 12th Dhul-Ḥijjah, during Ayyām al-Tashrīq.
- The narration suggesting 18th Dhul-Ḥijjah is not credible.
- His fasting on that day was a personal, spiritually significant act, based on a true dream of the Prophet ﷺ.
هٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
This is what I understand, and Allah knows best what is correct.
