Is this statement true, and what does it mean: that Ali ibn Abi Talib spoke to Talhah ibn Ubaydullah during the siege of Uthman ibn Affan in his home, and said: "They have been prevented from [access to] water," to which Talhah replied: "Not until Banu Umayyah gives justice from themselves?"

This narration was reported by Omar bin Shabbah in "Tarikh al-Madinah," and by Ibn Abi Shaybah and Al-Tabari. Its chain of narration revolves around Ismail bin Abi Khalid, and it has been reported with similar meaning through other routes. If this narration is authentic, it is possible that Talhah was criticizing Uthman and thought that he would retract his actions, which was incorrect. Talhah later regretted his shortcoming in supporting Uthman. It was reported that he said on the Day of the Camel, "Indeed, we were lenient in the matter of Uthman, so there must be exaggeration [in our effort now]," and "O Allah, give Uthman from me today until You are pleased." Sheikh al-Islam holds the view that Talhah regretted what he perceived as his negligence in supporting Uthman. The creed of Ahl al-Haqq (the People of Truth) is to refrain from delving into the disputes that occurred among the Companions and to believe that they were all mujtahideen (those who exerted their utmost effort in seeking the truth); thus, the one who was correct receives two rewards, and the one who erred receives one reward. It must be noted that history books contain falsehoods and fabrications, and weak and fabricated narrations have distorted the stances of the Companions regarding the fitnah of Uthman's assassination. In contrast, the books of the Hadith scholars have preserved the authentic narrations that show the Companions supporting Uthman and demanding retribution for his blood.