Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 39876 — Reports on the caliphate of Ali bin

It is narrated from Abu Salih that a camel-driver was chanting for Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), saying: "Indeed, after Uthman the commander is Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), and in al-Zubayr there is a pleasing successor." The narrator said: Ka'b said: "Rather, it is the one with the grey mule, Mu'awiyah." It was said to Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him): "Ka'b is joking at your expense, and he claims that you will take charge of this matter of the caliphate." The narrator said: Then Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah came to him and said: "O Abu Ishaq! How can you say this while Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), al-Zubayr and the other Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) are present?" Ka'b said: "You are the one who will hold this caliphate."