Uthman ibn Talha


Uthman Ibn Talha was a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Before the conquest of Mecca, he was the keeper of the key to the Kaaba. He was therefore known as the "Sadin of Mecca". Since Muhammad handed the key to the Kaaba over to him, descendants of Muhammad's companions have been inheriting the key and the title Sadin of the Kaaba to this day.

Conquest of Mecca and conversion to Islam

Upon the Conquest of Mecca in January 630, Muhammad found that the Kaaba was locked. He said, "'Who has the key?'" and was told that Uthman Ibn Talha had it. Muhammad told Ali to take the key from Uthman. Ali went to him and asked, "Can you please give me key?". Uthman replied, "Why you are asking? Is someone at Mecca?". Ali replied, "Muhammad wants this key to enter the Kaaba." Uthman refused to hand it over. Ali snatched key from him and gave it to Muhammad.
Muhammad said that he had received a revelation inside the Kaaba, telling him to "return this key to its owner". Muhammad told Ali to return the key to Uthman Ibn Talha and to ask forgiveness for what he did. Ali went to Uthman and said to him: "O Uthman, I am here to return to you this key which you gave me and please forgive me for this my deed." Uthman laughed at him and said, "First you came here to snatch the key from me and now you come to me to return the key" Ali said, "I took the key from you, but Muhammad received a revelation to return it to you. Ali told the Ayah and Uthman said, "Ash Hadu Allahilaha Ilalla Wahdahu La Sharika Lahu Wa Ash Hadu Ana Muhammadan Abduh Wa Rasoolu''," and converted to Islam.
Muhammad handed the key to the Shayba family, announcing, "Take it, O Children of Talha, eternally up to the Day of Resurrection, and it will not be taken from you unless by an unjust, oppressive tyrant."
Thereafter Uthman ibn Talha was acknowledged as one of Muhammad's best companions.
Waqidi records that Uthman converted to Islam in June 629 at the same time as Khalid ibn al-Walid and lived in Medina until the Muslim army set out for the conquest.