Uthman b. Affan R.A was the third caliph of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. He came into the Caliphal position after Umar b. Khahab R.A, who after the death of the first caliph was holding the Suhuf of the Qur’an in custody. About this time, Islam was spreading to outside the Arabian peninsula.
By the year 653, there were noticeable differences which arose among Muslims about the correct recitation of the Qur’an. Caliph Uthman then instructed Zaid b. Thabit together with three other companions of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W to prepare copies from the Suhuf kept with one of the wives of the Prophet, Hafsat. Thus, the fresh copes from the original Suhuf were reproduced and sent to various Muslim regions where differences were noticed to replace other material in circulation. The original suhuf was retuned to Hafsat while caliph Uthman also kept one copy (Mushaf).
By the year 653, there were noticeable differences which arose among Muslims about the correct recitation of the Qur’an. Caliph Uthman then instructed Zaid b. Thabit together with three other companions of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W to prepare copies from the Suhuf kept with one of the wives of the Prophet, Hafsat. Thus, the fresh copes from the original Suhuf were reproduced and sent to various Muslim regions where differences were noticed to replace other material in circulation. The original suhuf was retuned to Hafsat while caliph Uthman also kept one copy (Mushaf).