Uthman ibn Affan was the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, serving from 644 to 656 CE. He was born into the Umayyad clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca and was known for his wealth and business acumen. Uthman played a significant role in the early spread of Islam and was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad. During his caliphate, Uthman is best known for commissioning the compilation of the Quran into a single book, which helped preserve the text. His leadership faced criticism and unrest, leading to his assassination in 656 CE, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history.