Abu Awn Ansari says that once Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) requested Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) to refrain from mentioning the things he had come to know about him. Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) presented some excuses before him. Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Alas! I have both heard and memorized this matter, even if you have not heard it, that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: A ruler will be killed and those who spread evil will hasten in this matter. Beware! I am that ruler who is to be killed. This does not refer to Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), because he was martyred by only one man, whereas in my case, all of them will attack together.