Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Ismail (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that Zubaid (may Allah have mercy on him) said: When the time of the death of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) approached, he (may Allah be pleased with him) sent a messenger to call Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) so that he could appoint him as the caliph. So the people began to say: You (may Allah be pleased with you) will appoint a harsh-natured person as our caliph. If he becomes our ruler, he will become even harsher and more severe in temperament. What answer will you give to your Lord when you go to Him, that you appointed him as our caliph over us? He (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: Are you trying to make me fear my Lord?! I will answer: O Allah! I appointed the best of Your servants as a leader over them.