The group of people whom `Umar had selected as candidates for the Caliphate gathered and consulted
each other. `Abdur-Rahman said to them, "I am not going to compete with you in this matter, but if
you wish, I would select for you a caliph from among you."
So all of them agreed to let `Abdur-Rahman decide the case. So when the candidates placed the case
in the hands of `Abdur-Rahman, the people went towards him and nobody followed the rest of the
group nor obeyed any after him. So the people followed `Abdur-Rahman and consulted him all those
nights till there came the night we gave the oath of allegiance to `Uthman. Al-Miswar (bin Makhrama)
added: `Abdur-Rahman called on me after a portion of the night had passed and knocked on my door
till I got up, and he said to me, "I see you have been sleeping! By Allah, during the last three nights I
have not slept enough. Go and call Az-Zubair and Sa`d.'
So I called them for him and he consulted them and then called me saying, 'Call `Ali for me." I called
`Ali and he held a private talk with him till very late at night, and then 'Al, got up to leave having had
much hope (to be chosen as a Caliph) but `Abdur-Rahman was afraid of something concerning `Ali.
`Abdur-Rahman then said to me, "Call `Uthman for me." I called him and he kept on speaking to him
privately till the Mu'adh-dhin put an end to their talk by announcing the Adhan for the Fajr prayer.
When the people finished their morning prayer and that (six men) group gathered near the pulpit,
`Abdur-Rahman sent for all the Muhajirin (emigrants) and the Ansar present there and sent for the
army chief who had performed the Hajj with `Umar that year. When all of them had gathered, `Abdur-
Rahman said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah," and added, "Now then, O `Ali, I have
looked at the people's tendencies and noticed that they do not consider anybody equal to `Uthman, so
you should not incur blame (by disagreeing)." Then `Abdur-Rahman said (to `Uthman), "I gave the
oath of allegiance to you on condition that you will follow Allah's Laws and the traditions of Allah's
Apostle and the traditions of the two Caliphs after him." So `Abdur-Rahman gave the oath of
allegiance to him, and so did the people including the Muhajirin (emigrants) and the Ansar and the
chiefs of the army staff and all the Muslims.
Narrated by Narrated Al-Miswar bin Makhrama:
Context
In this hadith, the consultation process among the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) leads to the selection of `Uthman as the caliph. The emphasis on mutual agreement and respect for the community's choice reflects the principles of consultation and collective decision-making in Islamic governance.
Modern Application
This hadith highlights the importance of collaboration and consultation in leadership today. It encourages communities to engage in discussions and make collective decisions that reflect the will and needs of the people.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Authority and Oaths and Vows because it illustrates the process of selecting a leader based on community consensus and adherence to Islamic values.
And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, Allah has sent to you Saul as a king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?" He said, "Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing."
Certainly was Allah pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muhammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest
And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.
They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' "
Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers.