Abu Umamah bin Sahl says that when Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was besieged (imprisoned) in his house, I was with him. There was an entrance to the house such that whoever entered through it could hear the conversations taking place in the Balat (a place in Madinah). Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) entered through it, and when he came out, his color had changed. He said: They have just now threatened to kill me. We said: O Leader of the Believers! Allah Almighty will suffice you against them. He said: Why do they want to kill me? I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: It is only permissible to kill a Muslim for three reasons: one who becomes a disbeliever after accepting Islam, one who commits adultery despite being married, and one who kills someone unjustly. By Allah! I have never committed adultery, neither in the time of ignorance nor in Islam, and since Allah Almighty has blessed me with guidance (Islam), I have never even thought of changing my religion, nor have I killed anyone, so why do they want to kill me?