Othman Ibn Affan

Died 656 in Medina. Third caliph of the Arabian caliphate (from 644). Cognomen, “the Pious.”

Othman was a member of the Umayyad clan and was one of the supporters of Muhammad. Under Othman the territory of the caliphate expanded considerably. An official redaction of the Koran was compiled at his order. Othman extended his patronage to the Meccan aristocracy, among whom he particularly distinguished the Umayyad aristocracy. He distributed major state posts and landed estates to his relatives and those close to him. His policies aroused discontent in the masses, in the army, and among some Arab aristocrats, particularly the provincial aristocracy. He was killed by his enemies during a rebellion dominated by the Shiites, the supporters of Ali.