Whoever heard this incident remained stunned with astonishment, and there was no one who
was not abusing `Uthman. Afterwards a few companions went to `Uthman along with these
people, and asked whose seal was there on this letter. He replied that it was his own. They
enquired whose writing it was.
He said it was his secretary's. They enquired whose slave was that man. He replied that it was
his. They enquired whose riding beast it was. He replied that it was that of the Government.
They enquired who had sent it.