Caliph Uthman was the third caliph of the Islamic community, serving from 644 to 656 CE. He was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and played a significant role in the early expansion of the Islamic state. Uthman is best known for commissioning the compilation of the Quran, ensuring that the text was standardized and preserved for future generations. His rule saw significant territorial expansion, but it also faced challenges, including internal dissent and accusations of nepotism. Uthman's leadership ended when he was assassinated in 656 CE, leading to a period of turmoil known as the First Fitna, or the first Islamic civil war.