When the people of Kufah learnt of his recall to the capital...

When the people of Kufah learnt of his recall to the capital, they gathered round him asking him not to go but to stay with them to remain immune from any possible injury.

Ibn Mas'ud said: 'He has the right of being obeyed, and I have no wish to be the first person to open the door to riot and sedition upon him and disobey him.139 al-Isti'ab gives Ibn Mas'ud's answer to the people of Kufah as follows: "These conditions are bound to produce riot and sedition, and I have no desire to start a riot." The people of Kufah saw him off and he advised them to be chaste and act upon God's injunctions and then asked them to return home before his departure.

The people praised him for his goodness, and on his leaving for Medina, they thanked him for his efforts and services, saying: "May God reward you! You familiarized our ignorant ones with religion, and made our wise ones more steadfast in faith. You taught us the Qur'an, informed us of the Islamic faith and made us clear-sighted about religion.

You were indeed a good Muslim, a fine friend and a kind brother." Then saying farewell, they returned home.140 When Ibn Mas'ud arrived at Medina, he went straight to the Prophet's mosque where 'Uthman was at that moment giving a sermon while standing on the Prophet's pulpit.

When he saw Ibn Mas'ud he changed his words and said: "Just now a mean and worthless quadruped has entered upon you, a fellow who on people's stretching their hands for bread, will vomit what he has eaten and throw it out of his belly." In answer to this abuse, Ibn Mas'ud said: "No, 'Uthman, I am not such a man! I am one of the Prophet's companions with the honor of being present in the battle of Badr and Pledge of ar-Ridwan (Good pleasure)."141 'A'ishah, too, exclaimed: "O 'Uthman!

Are you using such words about Ibn 138. Ansab al-ashraf of al-Baladhuri 5/36. Ansab al-ashraf of al-Baladhuri 5/36. al-Isti'ab on Ibn Mas'ud. Ibn Mas'ud, in his answer, is directly reproaching 'Uthman who was not present on the above two occasions and thus he did not have the honour of participation in those events. Mas'ud who has been an intimate companion of the Prophet?" In answer to her, 'Uthman shouted: "Be silent", and then ordered to expel Ibn Mas'ud from the mosque.

They carried out the caliph's order with Shocking insults to Ibn Mas'ud. 'Abd Allah ibn Zam'ah knocked him down, and it is said that Yahmun, 'Uthman's slave, got between Ibn Mas'ud's legs, lifted him and threw him down so violently that his ribs were…