Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … After the preparation and burial (tajhiz wa takfin) of Farooq-e-Azam radi Allahu anhu, the issue of selecting a caliph arose, and discussion on this continued for two days, but no decision was reached. Finally, on the third day, Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman ibn Awf radi Allahu anhu said that according to the will, the caliphate is confined to six men, but it should be limited to three persons, and each should propose the name of the one whom he considers most deserving. Sayyiduna Zubair radi Allahu anhu proposed the name of Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu, Sayyiduna Sa’d radi Allahu anhu proposed the name of Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman ibn Awf radi Allahu anhu, and Sayyiduna Talha radi Allahu anhu proposed the name of Sayyiduna Uthman radi Allahu anhu. Then Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman ibn Awf radi Allahu anhu announced his withdrawal from his own right and said: Now the matter is confined to two men; whichever of the two pledges to adhere to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, and the Sunnah of the two Shaykhs (Abu Bakr and Umar), allegiance (bay’ah) will be given to him. After this, he separately asked Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu and Sayyiduna Uthman radi Allahu anhu to entrust the decision to him. Upon obtaining the consent of both, Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman ibn Awf radi Allahu anhu and all the Companions gathered in the mosque. Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman radi Allahu anhu delivered a brief but impactful speech and pledged allegiance at the hand of Sayyiduna Uthman radi Allahu anhu. After this, Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu extended his hand to pledge allegiance. As soon as Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu pledged allegiance, all those present rushed forward to pledge allegiance as well. In this way, on Monday, the 4th of Muharram, in the year 24 Hijri, Sayyiduna Uthman radi Allahu anhu, with unanimous agreement, ascended to the seat of the caliphate and took the reins of the Islamic world into his hands.