THE ORIGINS OF CRITICISMS ON CALIPH ʿUTHMAN B. ʿAFFAN’S POLICY OF APPOINTING GOVERNORS AND HIS GENEROSITY TOWARDS HIS OWN RELATIVES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.n4.4992Keywords:
ʿUthman ibn ʿAffan, Governors, Political Management, Nepotism, Appointment PolicyAbstract
This study examines the accusations directed against the third caliph, ʿUthman b. ʿAffan, alleging that he appointed his relatives to governorships on the basis of kinship rather than merit. The criticisms also claim that he granted substantial financial assistance to his relatives and disregarded the advice given to him in opposition to these practices. The research explores the origins of these allegations and emphasizes that they largely stem from Shiʿi groups and are therefore biased. Our analysis shows that ʿUthman observed balance and merit in his appointments, and that the financial assistance he provided to his relatives came from his personal wealth, with no relation to the state treasury. The article concludes that these criticisms were shaped by the politico-religious environment that emerged after ʿUthman’s rule, and that they continue to serve as arguments for various oppositional movements today.
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