Sufi Quotes of Uthman bin Affan in English and Arabic
Hello! Are you looking for explanations about the Sufi quotes of Uthman bin Affan in English and Arabic? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because that's exactly what I will be explaining in this article. So, you should read it until the end!
Specifically, there are several important aspects about the Sufi quotes of Uthman bin Affan in English and Arabic that I will explain in this article. The important aspects I am referring to are as follows:
Biography of Uthman bin Affan
Uthman bin Affan was one of the great companions. He was the third caliph in the history of Islamic governance, succeeding Umar bin Khattab. I will not delve deeply into that in this article because it is not directly related to the main topic of our discussion.
Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, in his book titled "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," categorizes Uthman bin Affan as one of the great first-generation Sufis after Umar bin Khattab. I think this is not an exaggeration because (as evidence generally shows) the caliph who migrated twice, to Ethiopia and Medina, and was known as "the possessor of two lights," was a Muslim who lived his life in complete obedience. During the day, he fasted and did good deeds towards others, especially Muslims. At night, he devoted himself to Allah by performing extra prayers.
Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, in his book "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," also explains that Uthman bin Affan freed around two thousand slaves and "purchased" Paradise twice: when he bought the well of Rumah (a well owned by a Jew) to donate it to the Muslims and when he prepared the Muslim army during the Battle of Tabuk.
Read Also: Sufi Quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib in English and Arabic
Despite being the caliph, Uthman bin Affan would sleep in the mosque alone without any guards from his troops. He would only have his son accompanying him from behind. He gave speeches wearing a very coarse Adn cloth, which cost only four or five dirhams. He would feed people with palace food while he himself only ate vinegar and oil. He never touched his private parts since becoming a Muslim.
From the brief descriptions in the paragraphs above, we can understand that Uthman bin Affan was one of the first-generation Muslims who deeply understood and internalized the teachings of Islam and practiced them in his daily life very well. Because of this, among other reasons, he became one of the great inspirations in the world of Sufism.
Sufi Quotes of Uthman bin Affan in English and Arabic
There are many Sufi quotes of Uthman bin Affan. Unfortunately, due to certain reasons, I cannot explain them all right now. In this article, I will only discuss some of his Sufi quotes.
Some Sufi quotes of Uthman bin Affan in English and Arabic that I refer to are as follows:
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on the Quran
The Quran is the holy book of Muslims. Muslims must take it as a guide for life. There are many explanations about this in Sufism. One of them is the Sufi words of Uthman bin Affan below:
[1]هَذَا كِتَابُ رَبِّي وَلَا بُدَّ لِلْعَبْدِ إِذَا جَاءَهُ كِتَابُ سَيِّدِهِ أَنْ يَنْظُرَ فِيْهِ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ لِيَعْمَلَ بِمَا فِيْهِ
This (the Quran) is the Book of my Lord. A servant, when the Book of his Master comes to him, must contemplate it every day so that he may be able to practice the teachings within it.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan specifically urges Muslims to reflect on the teachings of the Quran and practice them in their daily lives. The goal is for them to become good Muslims who can understand and apply the teachings of Islam, not merely recite them.
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on What Corrupts Islam
Islam is a holy religion. The understanding of it is very diverse. There are understandings that are good and can lead to the teachings of Islam being well accepted. But there are also misunderstandings that can make the teachings of Islam seem unfavorable, thus tarnishing the image of Islam.
In Sufism, there are many discussions about the things that corrupt Islam or its image in the eyes of society. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
إِنَّ لِكُلِّ شَيْئٍ آفَةً , وَإِنَّ لِكُلِّ نِعْمَةٍ عَاهَةً , وَإِنَّ آفَةَ هَذَا الدِّيْنِ , وَعَاهَةَ هَذِهِ النِّعْمَةِ , عَيَّابُوْبَ طَعَّانُوْنَ يُبْدُوْنَ لَكُمْ مَا تُحِبُّوْنَ , وَيُسِرُّوْنَ مَا تَكْرَهُوْنَ , طَغَامٌ مِثْلُ النَّعَامِ , يَتَّبِعُوْنَ أَوَّلَ نَاعِقٍ[2]
Indeed, every matter has its affliction, and every pleasure has its suffering. The affliction of this religion and the suffering of this pleasure are those who like to criticize and tarnish the honor of others. They show you something you like while hiding what you dislike. They are fools like ostriches, following the first one to squawk.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that those who enjoy criticizing and dishonoring others are the ones who corrupt Islam or its image. Such actions stem from a lack of proper understanding of Islam. Moreover, such behavior can lead to division within society, which is why it is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on the Laws of Allah Through Power
Power is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be a means to prosper society, maintain state stability, and so on. On the other hand, it can become a "terrifying specter" if misused.
In Islam, power plays a crucial role in the implementation of Allah's laws. There are many explanations regarding this. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
[3]مَا يَزَعُ اللهُ بِالسُّلْطَانِ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا يَزَعُ بِالْقُرْآنِ
The forbidden deeds that Allah prohibits through power are more numerous than those He prohibits through the Quran.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that Allah's laws concerning prohibited actions are more often explained (and enforced) through power rather than through the Quran. The reason is that human nature generally fears authority more than Allah. If someone commits a wrongdoing, authority will immediately punish them, but Allah does not act in the same way.
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on a Pure Heart
Having a pure heart is something everyone desires. Unfortunately, not everyone possesses it or is capable of striving to attain it.
In Sufism, there are many explanations about a pure heart. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
لَوْ طَهُرَتْ قُلُوْبُنَا لَمَا شَبِعَتْ مِنْ كَلَامِ اللهِ[4]
If our hearts were pure, they would never be satisfied with reciting the Words of Allah.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that if our hearts were pure, they would never be satisfied with reciting the Words of Allah or the Quran. If our hearts are not satisfied, then we ourselves will not be satisfied. We will constantly recite it, reflect upon it, and practice its teachings in our daily lives.
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on the Signs of an Envious Person
Envy is one of the most detestable traits in Islam. A person with envy is very dangerous. They can cause division within society and disrupt harmony.
In Islam, especially in Sufism, there are many explanations about the signs of an envious person. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
يَكْفِيْكَ مِنَ الْحَاسِدِ أَنْ يَغْتَمَّ وَقْتَ سُرُوْرِكَ[5]
It is enough of a sign for you to recognize an envious person if they dislike seeing you happy.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that a sign of an envious person is that they do not like seeing others happy. There are many such people. Perhaps one of them could be you, me, or someone else. In Islam, this trait is highly detestable. Therefore, when others are happy, we are strongly encouraged to share in their happiness.
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on a Good Servant
Becoming a good servant or a good Muslim is the desire of all Muslims. They will gain numerous benefits if they can achieve this. Unfortunately, not all Muslims can realize their desire. This is generally because they do not know what it means to be a good servant or a good Muslim.
In Islam, particularly in Sufism, there are many explanations of what it means to be a good servant or a good Muslim. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
خَيْرُ الْعِبَادِ مَنْ عَصَمَ وَاسْتَعْصَمَ بِكِتَابِ اللهِ تَعَالَى[6]
The best servant is the one who seeks refuge and protection through the Book of Allah the Exalted.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that a good servant or a good Muslim is one who seeks refuge and protection through the Book of Allah, or the Quran. Seeking refuge and protection through the Book of Allah means seeking refuge and protection from Allah by fulfilling all the obligations outlined in it. This is something that all Muslims must do, as only Allah is capable of protecting them.
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on the Grave
The grave is always associated with death. In Islam, especially in Sufism, there are many explanations about the grave. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
وَنَظَرَ إِلَى قَبْرٍ فَبَكَى وَقَالَ : هُوَ آخِرُ مَنَازِلِ الدُّنْيَا وَأَوَّلُ مَنَازِلِ الْآخِرَةِ , فَمَنْ شُدِّدَ عَلَيْهِ فِيْهِ فَمَا بَعْدَهُ أَشَدُّ , وَمَنْ هُوِّنَ عَلَيْهِ فَمَا بَعْدَهُ أَهْوَنُ[7]
He (Uthman bin Affan) once looked at a grave and said, "It is the end of worldly life and the beginning of the afterlife. Whoever faces difficulty there will find the life that follows even more difficult. Whoever finds ease there will find the life that follows even easier."
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that the grave is the final connection to life in this world and the beginning of the afterlife. When a Muslim passes away, they are buried. This is the last event in their worldly life. If in the grave they face difficulties, such as struggling to answer the questions of Munkar and Nakir, facing punishment, and so on, then the life on the Day of Judgment and beyond will be even more difficult. However, if they find ease in the grave, answering Munkar and Nakir’s questions well, avoiding punishment, and so forth, then their life on the Day of Judgment and beyond will be easier.
May Allah make our life in the grave and after a life that is very easy and full of joy. Amen!
Sufi Quote of Uthman bin Affan on a Good Leader
Having a good leader is a blessing. Many people desire this, including Muslims. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what makes a good leader.
In Islam, especially in Sufism, there are many explanations about the characteristics of a good leader. One of them is the Sufi quote of Uthman bin Affan below:
[8]النَّاسُ إِلَى إِمَامٍ فَعَّالٍ أَحْوَجُ مِنْهُمْ إِلَى إِمَامٍ قَوَّالٍ
People need a leader who can work more than a leader who is merely good at speaking.
In the above Sufi quote, Uthman bin Affan explains that society needs a leader who can actually work rather than one who is just good at speaking. While this statement does not specifically outline the characteristics of a good leader, if we understand it, we realize that one of the traits of a good leader is the ability to fulfill their duties effectively, not just to speak well.
That concludes the discussion of some Sufi quotes of Uthman bin Affan in English and Arabic. If you have any questions, feel free to write them in the comments section.
I think that’s enough for this article. I hope it’s beneficial. Amen.
See you in the next article!
Source Citations
[1] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 150.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 151.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
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