The Companion Whom the Angels Felt Shy Of: Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
Among the companions of the Prophet, there are shining stars in the sky, illuminating history with their faith and piety, leaving indelible marks in the history of Islam. Among these distinguished companions, there is one whom Allah honored with a lofty status and great dignity, to the extent that even the angels felt shy in his presence.
Which companion made the angels feel shy?
The clear and confirmed answer is Uthman ibn Affan (RA). Known as “Dhul-Nurayn” (The Possessor of Two Lights), the companion of both migrations and the third Caliph of the Prophet (pbuh), Uthman ibn Affan (RA) was a unique example of modesty, faith, and generosity in the way of Allah.
The Prophet (pbuh) frequently praised Uthman ibn Affan’s (RA) virtues and assured him of Paradise, highlighting his excellent character and precedence in Islam. But what was the secret behind his profound modesty that made even the angels feel shy?
It is narrated by Aisha (RA) that the Prophet (pbuh) was lying in her house, exposing his thigh or leg. When Abu Bakr and Umar asked for permission to speak to him, he allowed them. When Uthman came, the Prophet adjusted his clothes and said:
“Should I not feel shy of a man whom even the angels feel shy of?”
This hadith clearly indicates that the companion whom the angels felt shy of was Uthman ibn Affan (RA). His modesty was a natural and consistent trait, evident in all his circumstances. He maintained this modesty both in the Prophet’s presence and outside, and it was coupled with respect and honor.
Uthman’s (RA) modesty was not a negative shyness, but a praiseworthy quality that inspired good deeds and avoided evil. It kept him within Allah’s limits and devoted to the teachings and etiquette of Islam.
His modesty manifested in many aspects of life: closing the door while bathing at home out of shyness before Allah, giving generously in the way of Allah, practicing humility, and avoiding ostentation.
Knowing that Uthman ibn Affan (RA) was the companion whom the angels felt shy of teaches us the value of modesty in Islam. Modesty is a branch of faith, elevating the status of its possessor in the sight of Allah and among people.
We should follow the example of Uthman ibn Affan (RA) in his modesty, faith, and generosity, adorning our words and deeds with modesty, and ask Allah to grant us a modesty that leads to all that is good.
