Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34182 — Reports on the virtue of Umar bin

Isma'il (may Allah have mercy on him) reports that Zubayd (may Allah have mercy on him) said: When the time of death of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) drew near, he sent a messenger to summon Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) in order to make him caliph. The people said: "You will make a harsh man caliph over us. If he comes to rule us, he will become even harsher and more severe. What answer will you give your Lord when you go to Him, having made him caliph over us?" He said: "Do you frighten me with my Lord?! I will answer: 'O Allah, I appointed over them the best of Your servants as their leader.'"