Uthman

Uthman ibn Affan became the third caliph after Umar's assassination. His twelve-year reign saw continued expansion but also growing internal dissent, culminating in his assassination. He is known for standardizing the Quranic text.

Under Uthman, Muslim forces conquered Armenia and expanded into North Africa, capturing Tripoli and establishing control over the region. These campaigns extended the caliphate's reach and brought new territories under Islamic rule.

Uthman ordered the compilation of a standard written version of the Quran, based on the codex of Abu Bakr. He sent copies to major cities and ordered the destruction of variant texts, ensuring uniformity of the Islamic scripture.

Rebels from Egypt and other provinces besieged Uthman's house in Medina, demanding reforms. After weeks of siege, they broke in and assassinated him while he was reading the Quran. His death sparked the First Fitna (civil war) among Muslims.