It is narrated from Abu Umamah bin Sahl that Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was besieged in his house. He came to a place in his house from where his voice could be heard outside. He went to that place, looked towards us, and said: Now these people are threatening to kill me. We said: O Commander of the Faithful! Allah is sufficient for you against them. He then said: How will these people kill me when I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: The blood of a Muslim is not lawful except in three cases: a man who becomes an apostate after accepting Islam, or a married person who commits adultery, or someone who kills another, so he is killed in retaliation. By Allah! Since Allah has guided me, I have never preferred any religion over my religion, and neither before Islam nor after Islam have I ever committed adultery, nor have I killed anyone. Then why are these people intent on killing me?