In this connection the fIrst point to be considered is, whether Uthman is to be blamed in any way for the sins of omission or commission that led to the tragedy. In the earlier part of this book I have referred to all the allegations that were levelled against Uthman. Uthman in his address delivered on the occasion of the Hajj in 655 C.E. dealt with all such allegations, and refuted them with due argument. The explanation offered by Uthman is most convincing, and must be accepted by every person who studies these events objectively. It may also be recalled that when Uthman made a liberal contribution towards the financing of the expedition to Tabuk, the Holy Prophet said that Uthman was not to be judged for anything thereafter. This does not mean that Uthman had been given the licence to indulge in any sins of omission and commission and was to be immune to judgement. This merely meant that whatever Uthman did later, no blame was to rest on him. In view of this verdict of the Holy Prophet, it does not lie in the mouth of any Muslim writer to pass any judgment on the alleged sins of omission and commission on the part of Uthman, I am aware of the fact that apart from the Shia writers, even the Sunni writers have found fault with Uthman in some way or the other. I am of the confirmed view that in view of what the Holy Prophet said, no Muslim, writer has the authority to impute any blame to Uthman for his alleged sins of omission or commision. As such it must be held that in the crisis that overwhelmed the Muslim community during the caliphate of Uthman, no blame rested on him.
