He found the rim already crowded, for the well was not very wide. So he moved to the opposite side, sat down there, let his legs hang over, and uncovered his shins. The first scholar to interpret this scene as referring to their graves was Saʿid ibn al-Musayyib, one of the foremost Successors, because the graves of the three lay in one place: the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, Abu Bakr, and ʿUmar were all buried in the same chamber. In life they would set out together and return together, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would often say, “I went accompanied by Abu Bakr and ʿUmar and I came back accompanied by Abu Bakr and ʿUmar.” They were his two companions and ministers, and on the Day of Resurrection they will rise from their graves together.

ʿUthman, may Allah be pleased with him, therefore sat opposite them, and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, gave him the glad tidings of Paradise along with a trial that would befall him. That trial was the unrest that arose against him, the people’s rebellion, and his murder in his own house while he was reciting the Quran, the Book of Allah open before him. Some historians relate that a drop of blood fell upon the verse, “Allah will suffice you against them; He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” ⦗Quran 2:137⦘—and Allah knows best. In any case, he, may Allah be pleased with him, was renowned for abundant