The Murder of the Third Successor of Mohammed. In considering the question of their government the Arabs recognized no compromise between entire liberty and autocratic rule. Under the successors of Mohammed the Caliphate took shape as an absolute monarchy; and it was assumed by all that the Caliphs would strictly adhere to the religious laws laid down by the Prophet. But the growing worldliness of Islam under the rule of the profligate Othman brought about his assassination in 656 by Mohammed; son of Abu Bakr. Othman was the son-in-law of Mohammed. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson; c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.