`Uthman bin `Affan was afflicted with severe nose-bleeding in the year when such illness was
prevelant and that prevented him from performing Hajj, and (because of it) he made his will. A man
from Quraish came to him and said, "Appoint your successor." `Uthman asked, "Did the people name
him? (i.e. the successor) the man said, "Yes." `Uthman asked, "Who is that?" The man remained
silent. Another man came to `Uthman and I think it was Al-Harith. He also said, "Appoint your
successor." `Uthman asked, "Did the people name him?" The man replied "Yes." `Uthman said, "Who
is that?" The man remained silent. `Uthman said, "Perhaps they have mentioned Az-Zubair?" The man
said, "Yes." `Uthman said, "By Him in Whose Hands my life is, he is the best of them as I know, and
the dearest of them to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ."
Narrated by Narrated Marwan bin Al-Hakam:
Context
In this narration, 'Uthman bin 'Affan, while suffering from a severe illness, is prompted to appoint a successor. His acknowledgment of Az-Zubair as the best candidate reflects the importance of leadership and the qualities that make an individual worthy of such a role, especially in times of crisis.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and succession planning in any organization or community. Identifying capable leaders ensures continuity and stability, especially during challenging times.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Leadership and Authority and Historical Figures because it discusses the qualities of leadership and the significance of choosing a worthy successor.
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
Prescribed for you when death approaches [any] one of you if he leaves wealth [is that he should make] a bequest for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the righteous.
And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs 'umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.
This hadith is #3557 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Companions of the Prophet. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Marwan bin Al-Hakam:.