Uthman, as caliph, promulgates an official version of the Qur'an, which had existed in various versions.

He has followed the same general policies as had 'Umar, but he has a less forceful personality than his predecessor.

He has continued the conquests that have steadily increased the size of the Islamic empire, but the victories now come at a greater cost and bring less booty in return.

In trying to create a cohesive central authority to replace the loose tribal alliance that had emerged under Muhammad, Uthman has established a system of landed fiefs and has distributed many of the provincial governorships to members of his family.

Thus, much of the treasure received by the central government goes to 'Uthman's family and to other provincial governors rather than to the army.

Unlike Umar, who had been strong enough to impose his authority on the governors, whatever their clan or tribe, Uthman, because of his policies, is opposed by the army, and he is often dominated by his relatives.

By 650, rebellions have broken out in the provinces of Egypt and Iraq.