The Simplicity and Humility of Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)

Hazrat Shurahbeel bin Muslim (rahimahullah) mentions that Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would feed the people the food of rulers (i.e. food of a superior quality). After feeding the people, Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) enter his home and partake of simple foods such as vinegar and olive oil.”

(Hilyatul Awliyaa vol. 1 pg. 98)

Hazrat Maimoon bin Mahraan (rahimahullah) narrates from Hamdaani that he had seen Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mounted on his mule while his slave, Naa’il, was mounted on the same mule behind him. This incident occurred at a time when Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the Khalifah of the Muslims.

(Hilyatul Awliyaa vol. 1 pg. 99)