Uthman Ibn Affan ruled from 644-656 was able to spread the territory controlled by the umma to as far as Tripoli in North Africa and to Iran and Afghanistan. Uthman Ibn Affan was not a popular leader. Uthman’s military campaigns kept his soldiers far from home for long periods of time and they returned with very little plunder. His soldiers grew resentful of this new lifestyle and wished to return home. Uthman also alienated important powerful members of the umma by refusing to allow them to rule the newly conquered areas. He appointed member of his Umayyad family to key positions of power. Uthman’s appointment of Muawiyyah ibn Abi Sufyan as the governor of Syria angered many of the Muslims of Medina who felt that they were being passed over for promotion and Uthman was practicing nepotism.
Written by Alex Boyce, 2003