Umm Kulthum, the daughter of Thumama, related that she went out
to answer a call of nature,. Her brother, al-Makhariq ibn Thumama, said,
"Go to 'A'isha and ask her about 'Uthman ibn 'Affan. People have said a
lot about him. She said, "I went to her and said, 'One of your brothers
sends you greetings and asks you about 'Uthman ibn 'Affan.' 'A'isha said,
'Peace be upon and the mercy of Allah.' 'A'isha then went on, 'I testify
that I saw 'Uthman in this house one hot night when the Prophet, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, had received revelation through Jibril.
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, struck the palm -
or held the hand - of Ibn 'Affan, saying, 'Write, 'Uthma! Allah has
placed in this house with His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, only a man who is honoured with Him. If anyone curses Ibn 'Affan,
the curse of Allah is on him.'"