WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2018 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

This title was earned as a result of his marrying two of the Prophet's daughters. He first married Ruqayyah, who died on the night of the Battle of Badr while 'Uthman's wife (then sick) was being nursed by him; the Prophet, upon calling Muslims to go out and intercept the Quraysh caravan before Badr, did not allow 'Uthman to join the battle but instead ordered him to stay and nurse Ruqayyah, promising him the same reward and share (of booty) as those who participated in Badr. Ruqayyah still died from her illness, and when the Prophet's messenger returned from the battle, 'Uthman married Ruqayyah's sister, Umm Kulthum. This is what earned him the title Dhu-Nurayn (possessor of two lights).