Date of Martyrdom of Sayyidunā ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān رضي الله عنه – Authentic Historical Account
Written by: Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amrpuri
What is the correct date of martyrdom of Sayyidunā ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān رضي الله عنه?
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).
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.
Some mention 18th Dhul-Ḥijjah as the day of martyrdom, relying on Yaḥyā ibn ʿAbdullāh ibn Bukayr رحمه الله.
However:
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.
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.
هٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
This is what I understand, and Allah knows best what is correct.
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.
