Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34234 — Reports on the virtue of Uthman bin

Asim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was mentioned in the presence of Ibn Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him), and a man began to say: Indeed, people revile him! At this he (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Woe to those who revile a man who entered upon the Negus, the king, in a group of the companions of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), all of whom except him fell into trial! The people asked: What trial did they fall into? He (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Whoever entered upon that king would bow his head and greet him. Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) refused to do so, and the king asked: What prevented you from prostrating as your companions prostrated? He (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I do not prostrate to anyone besides Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.