Hadhrat Uthman - Excellence and eminence

His martyrdom

He was martyred on 18 Dhul Hijjah, 35 Hijri, Friday after Salaat Ul ‘Asr.  His blessed grave is in Jannatul Baq‘ee.  It is given in Usdul Ghaba:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Ma’ashar (May Allah be well pleased with him), he said:  Hadhrat ‘Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) was martyred on Friday, 18 Dhul Hijjah, 35 Hijri.  His caliphate was for 12 years less 12 days.  (Usdul Ghaba Li Ibn Atheer)

Rioters laid siege to his house for 49 days.  Before his martyrdom, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told him:  If you want, break your fast with us and if you desire so, you will be helped.  Hadhrat ‘Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) chose to break his fast, as given in Noor Ul Absaar:

Translation: Hadhrat ‘Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) said:  Tonight, I saw the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Verily, He was present in that window and he gestured towards the window in the upper part of the house.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  O ‘Uthman!  They have besieged you?  I said:  Yes.  He said:  They have kept you thirsty?  I said:  Yes.

Hadhrat ‘Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) said:  Then He gave me pail.  I drank from it.  I can still feel the coolness of it in my bosom and between my shoulders.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  If you want, you break your fast with us and if you want it so, you will be helped against them.  I selected the honor of breaking my fast with Him. 

‘Allama Ishaq has related this Hadith.  (Noor Ul Absaar Fi Manaqibi Aali Baitin Nabiyyil Mukhtaar Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, Pg. No. 85)