Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 39843 — Reports on the caliphate of Umar bin

It is narrated from Amr bin Maymun al-Awdi that when the time of death drew near for Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: "Call to me Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), Sayyiduna Talhah, Sayyiduna al-Zubayr, Sayyiduna Uthman, Sayyiduna Abd al-Rahman bin Awf and Sayyiduna Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with them)." The narrator said: Then Sayyiduna Umar spoke (from among them) only with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyiduna Uthman. He said: "O Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)! Perhaps these people will recognize your kinship (with the Prophet) and the knowledge and understanding of the religion that Allah Almighty has given you. So fear Allah. And if this matter (the caliphate) is entrusted to you, do not raise Banu so-and-so above the necks of the other people (that is, do not give them superiority)." And Sayyiduna Umar said to Sayyiduna Uthman: "O Uthman! Perhaps these people will recognize your relationship by marriage with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), your age and your nobility. So if you are put in charge of this matter (the caliphate), fear Allah and do not raise Banu so-and-so above the necks of the other people." Then Sayyiduna Umar said: "Call Sayyiduna Suhayb to me." And he said (to him): "Lead the people in prayer for three days. These (above-mentioned) people should gather and (decide the matter) in private. Then if they agree on one man, strike the head of whoever opposes him."