(Continuing with the Ahaadith relating to the fitnah in the time of Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu))
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that he heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mention the following, “Indeed you will encounter after me a great fitnah.” Hearing this, one of the Sahaabah asked, “Who should we hold onto and follow during this fitnah, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Hold onto the trustworthy one and his companions (referring to Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)).” (Fadhaa’il-us-Sahaabah lil-Imaam Ahmed #723)
Hazrat ‘Aa’ishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once addressed Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and said, “O ‘Uthmaan! Allah Ta‘ala will clothe you in the garment (of khilaafah i.e. Allah Ta‘ala will bless you with khilaafah). If there comes a time when people force you to remove this garment which Allah Ta‘ala has blessed you with (i.e. they want you to abdicate and step down from this position) then do not remove it for them (i.e. do not accede to their demands as you will be on haq).” (Sunan Tirmizi #3705)
