Uthman ibn Affan was an early convert to Islam and a wealthy merchant who supported the Muslim community financially. He married two of Prophet Muhammad's daughters, earning him the title 'Possessor of Two Lights'.
Elected as the third Caliph after Umar, Uthman oversaw a vast expansion of the Islamic empire into Iran, North Africa, and the Caucasus.
His most lasting legacy is the compilation of the standard version of the Quran (Mushaf), which unified the text used by Muslims.
However, his later reign was marred by accusations of nepotism for appointing relatives from the Umayyad clan to key governorships. This led to a rebellion that culminated in his assassination in his home in Medina in 656, sparking the First Fitna.