The correct answer is Hazrat Usman bin Talha (R.A). The custodial duty of the Holy Kaaba—known historically as Sidanah or Hijabah—is one of the oldest and most prestigious responsibilities in Arabian history. Long before the advent of Islam, the custody... Read More
The correct answer is Hazrat Usman bin Talha (R.A). The custodial duty of the Holy Kaaba—known historically as Sidanah or Hijabah—is one of the oldest and most prestigious responsibilities in Arabian history. Long before the advent of Islam, the custody of the keys to the Kaaba belonged to the Bani Abd al-Dar clan, specifically descending through the lineage of Talha. During the era of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), this trust was held by Hazrat Usman bin Talha (RA), whose family had guarded the sacred sanctuary for centuries.
The most definitive historical moment regarding Hazrat Usman bin Talha (RA) and the keys to the Kaaba occurred in 8 AH (630 AD) during the peaceful Conquest of Makkah. When the Muslim army entered the city, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) requested the keys to the Kaaba so that he could enter and cleanse it of the idols that had been placed inside.
At that time, Hazrat Usman bin Talha (RA)—who had not yet embraced Islam—initially locked the door of the Kaaba and refused to hand over the keys, expressing resistance. However, after the intervention of Hazrat Ali (RA), the keys were retrieved, and the Prophet entered the sacred structure.
Upon exiting the Kaaba, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not retain the keys for himself or assign them to members of his own family or close companions. Instead, in a landmark act of justice and fulfillment of an ancient covenant, he summoned Hazrat Usman bin Talha (RA) back.
The Prophet (PBUH) returned the keys to him permanently, reciting the Quranic verse from Surah An-Nisa (4:58): "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due." Furthermore, the Prophet made this custodial role an eternal decree for his family, stating that the keys would remain with them forever, and that only an unjust tyrant would ever snatch them away.
This profound display of integrity, forgiveness, and respect for established hereditary rights deeply moved Hazrat Usman bin Talha (RA). Right at that moment, he declared his faith and embraced Islam, pledging his loyalty to the Prophet.
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