In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Some Qualities of Uthman I and His Influence on Those Around Him

This became evident when the ruler of Prussia encountered him and embraced Islam. The Sultan bestowed upon him the title of Bey [Chief], and he subsequently emerged as one of the prominent figures in the Ottoman Empire. Numerous Byzantine leaders were influenced by Uthman’s character and the path he pursued, leading many of them to join the ranks of the Ottomans. The Ottoman Empire also attracted Muslims from various backgrounds, including “The Rome Raiders” – a group stationed at the Roman borders, defending against their assaults on Muslims since the Abbasid era. This particular group shared their experiences in the Jihad against the Romans, which led to a profound strengthening of their connection to Islam. They wholeheartedly embraced all aspects of Islam’s social order. “The Brotherhood Group,” were known for their generosity towards Muslims, offering them support and joining their armies to assist in military campaigns. The majority of individuals in this group were prominent merchants who utilised their wealth for the advancement of Islamic causes, including the construction of mosques and buildings dedicated to various religious activities. Their esteemed position within the Islamic empire was undeniable. The “Distinguished Scholars” were a group dedicated to advancing Islamic civilisation and encouraging adherence to the religion. “The Explorers Across The Empire” were a faction renowned for their comprehensive and accurate comprehension of Islamic teachings. Their objective was to provide support to Muslims at large, with a particular focus on aiding the Mujahideen. Various other groups also existed. The historical sources from the Ottoman era in Turkey state that Ertugrul, the father of Uthman, entrusted him with the governance of Karacahisar after capturing it from the Byzantines in 684 AH /1285 CE. It is recorded that Uthman once made a judgment in favour of a Christian Byzantine against a Turkish Muslim. The Byzantine was surprised and asked Uthman, “Why do you rule in my favour even though I do not share your religion?” Uthman replied, “How can I not rule in your favour when Allah, whom we worship, commands us to return trusts to their rightful owners and to judge with justice when resolving disputes between people?” This noble act of justice led the man and his people to embrace Islam.

Uthman consistently upheld justice in his dealings with both his subjects and the inhabitants of the lands he conquered. He made sure not to mistreat the defeated individuals by avoiding injustice, oppression, persecution, tyranny, or transgression, and emphasised the significance of honouring agreements. When the ruler of the Byzantine Castle of Ulubad surrendered to the Ottoman army and specified that no Muslim Ottoman should cross the bridge into the castle, he respected that condition, as did his successors. His conquests were not driven by economic or military motives, but rather by the desire to promote the religion prescribed by Allah. He lived a life dedicated to Jihad and calling to the path of Allah. He was supported by religious scholars who oversaw the governance and enforcement of Islamic law within the emirate. His guidance to his son Orkhan passed down on his deathbed was blueprint and a framework rooted in the Islamic faith that the Ottomans continued to uphold. He stated his advice: “My son, it is crucial to avoid engaging in activities that have not been commanded by Allah, the Lord of the worlds. When faced with a difficult decision, seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars of the religion. Show generosity towards the soldiers, and do not let Satan deceive you with your wealth and troops. Be cautious of distancing yourself from the scholars of the Shari’ah. Remember, our ultimate goal is to please Allah through Jihad, spreading the light of our religion to various regions. We do not seek power or control through starting wars; our purpose is to live and die for Islam. It is your responsibility to spread Islam, guide others towards it, and protect the honour and wealth of Muslims. Remember, Allah will hold you accountable for this trust. As I return to my Lord, I am confident that you will be just to those under your authority and strive in the path of Allah to propagate the religion ordained by Him. O my son! I advise you to consistently follow the scholars of the Ummah, respect and value them greatly, and seek their guidance, as they only command you to do what is good. O my son! Be cautious of engaging in actions that displease Allah – The Almighty, and if you find something challenging, seek advice from the scholars of the Shariah, for they will direct you towards goodness. Understand, O my son! Our sole path in this world is the one prescribed by Allah, and our ultimate objective is to propagate the religion ordained by Allah. We are not in pursuit of power or worldly possessions. My counsel to my children and friends is to uphold the eminence of the glorious Islamic faith by persisting in Jihad in the cause of Allah. Grasp firmly onto the honourable banner of Islam, excelling in Jihad. Serve Islam unceasingly, for Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] has chosen a feeble servant like myself to conquer nations. Embark on a journey to distant lands in Jihad to uphold the principles of pure Islamic monotheism. My son, every individual must face death in this life, and my time on earth is coming to a close by the will of Allah. I pass on the duties of this empire to you, placing my trust in Al-Mawlaa [Allah – The Protector]. Ensure fairness in all your endeavours”.

The Ottomans adhered to this advice, which involved paying attention to Islamic knowledge, Islamic institutions, the army, the military institutions, and the scholars, while also showing respect towards them. Through Jihad, they were able to conquer distant lands, carrying the banner of the Muslim army, the Islamic empire, and civilization. This enduring advice was faithfully followed by the Ottoman rulers during their era of strength, glory, might, and authority. Uthman died while the Ottoman Empire had expanded its territory to cover an area of 16,000 square kilometres. He successfully navigated the Sea of Marmara, finding a path for his emerging state, and with his army, he posed a threat to the two most significant Byzantine cities of that time: Iznik and Prussia.

An Excerpt from Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/46-51

Read “Jihad in our times” – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/