Uthman bin Talha (r.a.)

In the Era of Jahiliyya, the keys to the Kaaba were kept by the tribe of Uthman bin Talha. The last person who had this duty was his father. When Talha, Uthman’s father, was killed in the Battle of Uhud, this duty was transferred to Uthman.

When the Prophet was in Makkah, he invited Uthman bin Talha to Islam. Uthman said, “You act contrarily to the religion of your tribe and have introduced a new religion.” Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said,

“O Uthman! I hope that you will see me in a position one day when I will be able to put this key wherever I wish and give it to whomever I wish.”

Uthman could not understand the fact in that statement and said, “If this happens, Quraysh will be all uprooted and disgraced.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “No, Quraysh will then be all established and very honorable indeed.”

Years passed. Uthman bin Talha’s heart warmed toward Islam. He became a Muslims in the 8^th year of the Migration, before the Conquest of Makkah.

After Makkah was conquered, the Prophet sent Uthman to his mother to bring him the key. When he returned, the Prophet said, “Did what I had told you not take place?” Uthman said, “Yes, I witness that you are the Messenger of Allah.” Then, the Prophet recited the verse “Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due…” and gave the key back to Uthman bin Talha. Uthman bin Talha died in 42 H. His descendants fulfilled the duty of keeping the key to the Kaaba for a long time. [1]

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[1]Usdul-Ghaba, 3: 372; Mustadrak, 3: 429; Hz. Muhammed ve İslamiyet, 8: 298-299.