Jihad

A man came one day to 'Abdallah bin Umar [Radhia Allah An'ha], saying: "Do you know that 'Uthman fled away the day of the battle of Uhud?" "Yes, i know" "And do you know that he did not come with us to fight at the battle of Badr?" "Yes, I know" "And that he did not witness the Hudaibiya Pledge?" "Yes, I know that too... Allah U Akbar, let me explain you why. Concerning his flight from the battle of Uhud, I testify that Allah Taalah has forgiven him; actually he was excused. The reason why he was absent during the battle of Badr is due to the fact that his wife was sick this day, and the Messenger of Allah [PBUH= may Allah grant him peace] said to him: "If you stay with her, you will receive the same reward as if you come with us. You shall have the share in booty as well." As for not attending the day of the Pledge, Uthman was sent as a representative to Makkah, so the Messsenger of Allah [PBUH] raised his right hand and declared: "This is Uthman's hand. I pledge on his behalf. PLease, my brother, always remember these excuses in case you find yourself in the same situation again."