What is the authenticity of the widely circulated story about Na’ilah bint al-Farafisah, the wife of Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with both of them), and her heroic stance in defending him on the day his house was besieged, and the subsequent events, and to what extent is the authenticity of her supplication against the man who slapped Uthman’s face after his killing?

The answer is summarized in the following points:

Firstly: The marriage of Uthman to Na'ilah bint al-Farafisah and her conversion to Islam is a well-established incident, and despite the weakness of the chain of transmission for some narrations, it is accepted in historical accounts. Her acquiring knowledge from Uthman is not an unlikely matter.

Secondly: The account of Na'ilah unveiling her hair during Uthman's murder is mentioned in a narration with a weak chain of transmission. It is understood from this that she intended to embarrass the aggressors. The narration stating that she requested this from Uthman has an even weaker chain of transmission.

Thirdly: Na'ilah's supplication against those who harmed Uthman is mentioned in weak narrations due to the presence of unknown narrators or a discontinuity in the chain of transmission. However, they are used for corroboration in historical accounts.

Fourthly: Her hand being wounded in defense of Uthman is mentioned by historians, but there is no authentic narration proving this, nor is it proven that Uthman's head was cut off, may Allah be pleased with him.